Reality

Came across this question while channel-surfing.
"Sanjay Dutt has been married twice,
before his recent marriage.
what is the name of his first wife?"
What kind of quiz is that?
Sanjay is an actor and it is reasonable
to quiz one,on his acting career.
Why would someone ask a question on his private life?
And are people really interested in such talk?


Going by the number of SMS responses,
the answer is a resounding 'yes'.
People really are interested in such details.
Not just about Sanjay,but about others in general.
We may attribute is to the voyeur in each of us.
It may be a bitter pill to swallow,but as a society
we are a big bunch of voyeurs,preying in each others
internal affairs. The success of 'reality-shows' on T.V
is a tribute to our voyeurism.

There was an article on netscape that listed
the reasons why reality-shows were a hit.
1) Voyerism
2) Economy
A reality show can be produced at a fraction
of the cost it takes to make a prime-time soap.
The production cost is low because the people on reality
shows are not stars. They are ordinary guys/gals l
ike you and me. Most would go on-air for as little as ..
well,for nothing. They accept such low wages
because the show can transform them in to stars over-night.
Even if one doesn't go on to become a star,
he/she can still be happy because they will be
on prime-time T.V.

An important point the article missed-out
was the "rags to riches" part of the story.
We love to see someone like us sweat it out,
beat the competition and become a successful star.
It is inspiring and it gives one hope.
Everyone in the audience identifies with one of the
participants and celebrate the participant's
victory as their own.

So,reality shows are good,
good for the channels - because they can attract
more and more viewers at lesser cost,
good for the participants - because they become
rich and famous.
But is it good for the viewers?
Well,that depends on your view.

weekend

This is one of the most satisfying weekends in recent times.
Experienced happiness.
It's not that am not usually happy.
Got no cribs and am happy about things in general.
But the happiness I experienced yesterday was different.
It's the kind of happiness that makes you doubt your sanity.
You don't feel anything but happiness at that moment.
Now as I write about it,I just go through the same feelings and may be a bit of guilt.
Why should happiness provoke thoughts of insanity/guilt? I don't know.

Here is the the reason for this new-found happiness.
Met Madhan,the film critic @ Taj Connemara.
Was there to attend a presentation by SP Jain,Mumbai.
As I was getting out the hotel,spotted Madhan.
Went straight to him and wished him.
Told him the usual things and then specified what I liked about his shows specifically.
He asks the right questions. But he makes sure that the guy he questions is not frustrated or annoyed.
Madhan was real happy on hearing this.
Then he inquired a bit about me and we said good-bye.
The event may sound insignificant.
But it has done a ton good to my soul.
Don't ask me why.

Went to a play by Evam.
It's called 'Art'.
Spotted Vasanth,the director there.
But didn't talk to him because I wasn't sure whether it was him
As I was waiting @ the parking after the play,was checking out a hot sexy ......
bullet :D
The owner of the bike was about to start.
"Nice bike man",I remarked still looking @ the bike.
Was surprised to find that the owner was a westener.
His name was Robert.
Told me that he got it done @ Pudhupet by Sadiq.
"Enjoy Chennai!!",I wished him as we parted.
"Nice gal man",I should have told him. His gal was pretty.

It's pretty good pro-active weekend.
And the play?
Well,you will have to wait for the review as ain't lighter mood.

Wishes for a purposeful and great week !!!
Live !!!