13 July 2010

The Angry Old Man vs Jackass Journalist




Dear Mr. Amitabh Bachchan,
Chances are very low that you will read this blog because you are a superstar while I am not. But I was tempted to write this following your fascinating exchanges with my fellow journalist Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN (whom I have never met) on Twitter. Since it concerns critical aspects of journalistic and media conduct (and this blog is on media issues), I decided to jump in.
I have once in the past talked about film critics and filmmakers clashing when I wrote about the conflict between Khalid Mohamed (who has been a colleague of sorts twice in my career) and Ram Gopal Varma.
Today, I write about your taking offence to Mr. Masand calling Akshay Kumar a “jackass” I would have expected Mr. Kumar to defend himself, given his strength and propensity to jump from tall buildings for something as minor as a Thums Up bottle, but it was nice of you to marshal your formidable intellectual resources to defend Akki.
I know you are not in love with the media.
In the 1970s, you and Stardust were estranged for a long time, before they decided to say you won. Nice of them. But Stardust did survive for long without The Big B, because they believed that what they wrote was as important as the subjects they wrote on.
Things have changed, however. The simple fact is that film gossip sells. We in the media write reviews and carry gossip for the same reason why Bollywood stars dance around trees. It sells or appeals to our readers/audience, the same way your wriggles and strange outfits impress the people we call fans. Occasionally, the fans and readers turn out to be the same folks.
Was it not you who said in a rare and famous interview to Madhu Jain of Indian Express that you get paid a lot for dancing around trees because the difficult thing is to make “something stupid look convincing.?”
You work for your producers, directors and fans.
Mediapersons work for their publishers, editors and readers/viewers/listeners – as the case maybe. That includes critics.
We often are in different industries and address different audiences.
In case you think film journalists are part of the film fraternity, I urge you to think differently. It is true that some journalists become close to filmstars to get stories, but that is an occupational hazard. Unfortunately, some in the process end up with more groupism than journalism in their track records.
Journalists compete with each other for stories, and are known more to fight within their fraternity than jump to each other’s defence. Sadly, we are not invested with the comradely loyalty of the kind you bestow upon Mr. Akshay Kumar.
Mr. Masand has defended himself in his own way, but I have to stand up for him today not to defend him but to make a point.
Just as film journalists carry filmstar gossip and delve into their private lives to please their audience, it turns out that Bollywood has also dubiously stepped into the media realm to please its own film promotions. There is a peculiar controversy or media story that is spun artificially around movies every time there is a release due. I call this the abuse of the media, and the media stupid to fall for this. But guess what? This sells, too.
In the latest incident, Mr.Masand is understandably offended by Mr. Akshay Kumar’s visit to the ailing R.K. Laxman. I will not stand up for him calling Mr. Kumar a “jackass” for doing so in promoting his forthcoming film (in which he ostensibly plays cartoonist Laxman’s “Common Man”). But I will instead stand up –like you have done for Akki – for Mr. Laxman.
Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Laxman is India’s most respected cartoonist. Undisputably. He is the Amitabh Bachchan and more for a generation of mediapersons – if not two or three. Do you think it is decent to use the illness of a venerated figure and build a publicity campaign around it for a movie?
Has Mr. Akshay Kumar ever before in his career crossed paths with the eminent cartoonist? Why is he behaving like a cartoon when the grand old man of Indian cartooning is lying ill?
Look hard, Mr. Bachchan. Mr. Masand is only doing for Mr. Laxman what you are doing for Mr. Akshay Kumar.
The media is an institution. It has a social responsibility. It has a dignity, too.
I should think Rajeev Masand is a jackass for tweeting in casual language. I would have preferred him to say, “Akshay Kumar’s cheap use of Laxman’s illness for film promo is insensitive and sad.”
Perhaps he used the word jackass for the same reason you did my favourite drunken scene in Amar, Akbar Anthony. It kind of makes people remember you.
Considering the consideration(your expression in Namak Halal), I would urge you to understand that it is best for the media and the film industry to have a healthy Chinese Wall between them. Or call it an arm’s length. My intention is not to hurt you. I do not expect you to be an Angry Old Man, anymore than I expect Rajeev Masand to be a Jackass Journo.
It so happens that journalists, in their dog-eat-dog keyboard-pushing deadline-driven careers, have their own dignity and professionalism, not visible to your famous eyes.
It is your job to defend your dignity. It is our job to speak up for ours.
If you are reading this by chance, having taken time off from your busy career as TV host, model, actor and celebrity father-in-law, I thank you for your valuable time and giving me an opportunity to liven up an otherwise dull media industry blog.
Have fun.
P.S. I hope Rajeev Masand can smile at my description of him as a jackass. Among our myriad shortcomings, we journalists can sometimes laugh at ourselves.

69 comments:

Shiv said...

Great Read!

Thank you for standing up for Mr. Laxman. Whether Rajeev was right or not is not the issue. The issue is; how can Akshay Kumar do something like this?

Anonymous said...

Very well written. Precise, Sharp and Accurate.
A fan of Amitabh and a follower of Masands reviews.
Moet51

Unknown said...

Agree with you , only a jackass can use an ailing iconic personality for a commercial use n if this was akshay's motive he's rightly called so. But why no one is questioning TOI for publishing the story with a picture of R.K Laxman in a hospital - is that fair ? Didn't TOI think what is the motive behind this ?

Unknown said...

Has made the point well. I am sure nobody should be taking it otherwise.

via RT from Twitter said...

Sorry for being a pain here, but could you please correct the typo in this part: "Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Laxman is India’s most respected cartoonist. Unisputably."

Thanks.

Varun said...

Very well said, with some great comments, esp. 'Rekha'. I am sure even Big B will aprreciate this. (Well, just being hyper-optimistic.)

Ankush said...

Very convincing. I'm a fan of both - Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Masand and though this "issue" was avoidable, it raises some v pertinent questions. Perhaps, the Chinese Wall solution is worth going for.

Anonymous said...

why bachchan sr is taking side of akshay..?? just because he is one from fraternity?? if yes.. then.. we are unlucky to have a superstar, god who do things. not on merit.. but on closeness and family/business/biradari ties...

Aditya said...

Didn't expect you to overlook the simple fact that dancing around trees is a hell lot different from cooking up stories and writing bullshit to please your producers/readers/bosses. While dancing around trees may be downright silly, unethical it is certainly not!

Jyoti Bhargava said...

I'm not a fan of Akki's kind of demented humour or acting and nor had I heard of his Common Man role. But why should we be okay with an Aamir Khan going to seek a politician's blessings but have a problem with this actor's attempts at a dekko at his role model? Esp when he is ailing and the actor may have been involved with the character for his acting assignment.

And, why do we as public enjoy reading pages and pages of an actor's interpersonal skirmishes when we wouldn't want that sort of focus on our weak actions of the past? Famous guys also have just this life to live so should be left alone to live some part of it in peace.

Anonymous said...

"The simple fact is that film gossip sells. We in the media write reviews and carry gossip for the same reason why Bollywood stars dance around trees"

The simple fact is that pornography also sells. Lets all glorify it and compare it to bollywood stars dancing around trees. You and Masand can now truly lay claim to the title "jackass"

Madhavan said...

Thanks all

@Aditya--Cooking up stories is not professional journalism. There are unethical players in all professions. Don't hold me responsible for them. Gossip is not cooking up facts. It is just covering facts considered by many to be directly irrelevant --subjective view.

@Anon 3-- Everything is a business and there is a value-for-money issue. If you wish to compare journalism with pornography, it is your choice. I could say a thing or two about your profession, but then, you have chosen to be anonymous.

Anon3 said...

Please do not put words in my mouth. I did not compare journalism with pornography. I made an observation that your defense of "film gossip" which is unadulterated bullshit full of half truths if not downright lies could well be used for pornography as well. After all it is about "value for money" right? Wonder what you would say to that if a doctor or a teacher were to make that statement! Film gossip sells just like "Tantrik" sells on IndiaTV - that doesn't make it right and that doesn't mean we should condone it. Have you put yourself in a father in law's shoes who's gone hoarse shouting on his blog that he doesn't even know what 'Manglik' is when newspapers everyday carry stories about his DIL being married off to a tree!

PS - By all means go ahead and say 10 things about my profession, but only if I support the ills that plague it

lata.varma said...

No matter what, all these journalists stand by eachother in the end.
'Jackass' is a derogatory term, period and should not be used. Instead, here we have other journalist digging into history and reminding Mr Bachchan his past. Bachchan is a mature, astute, seasoned and institution in itself.
Bringing 'Rekha' here is a goof.

Madhavan said...

@Anon3-- 1) Don't hold me responsible for all the ills of my profession. I am merely sketching out the grey areas and compulsions

2) I still don't know your profession. Allow me the honour of identifying the equivalents of Tantrik stories of your metier.

Madhavan said...

@Anon3-- 1) Don't hold me responsible for all the ills of my profession. I am merely sketching out the grey areas and compulsions

2) I still don't know your profession. Allow me the honour of identifying the equivalents of Tantrik stories in your metier.

Anon3 said...

@ Madhavan

1) I am not holding you responsible for the ills plaguing journalism, but for justifying them and even defending them vehemently - a big YES

2) Spelling out my profession won't serve any purpose, unless like I said I write a blog post defending the unethical practices that plague it. But for arguments sake I'm ready to play a cool astronaut :P

Madhavan said...

@Anon3- I am explaining the context of my profession, which like yours, is not free from ills. I wish not to waste more of my time arguing with an anonymous person shy of revealing her/his true profession.

Anon3 (Anshul) said...

I'm not shy, just didn't want to digress. Since you insist; I'm a medical student.

anamika said...

I am sure this post is going to make you popular but no one has the right to use filty language against any one..

Media almost eneter into star houses and star pays the price of being famous.If bachchan would have not been popular they would have done things to attracts the same media which they dread.

http://www.wiseshe.com

Avi said...

By evoking R.K.Laxman, both rajeev masand and you are unwittingly,unnecessarily exploiting him. Your blog is very crassly articulated,distasteful and screaming for attention. You have made a mountain of a molehill, something that journalists like you do ever so splendidly, sensationalism, seems to be your forte.Considering the HUGE MARKET India is for cheap stuff,I am sure you would be much in demand.

Madhavan said...

@Anshul -Thank you for stepping out of anonymity. The medical profession has been having its own issues on overcharging, quacks and liabilities in private hospitals. As you grow up in your chosen profession, you will realise the Grey (areas in) Anatomy.

Anshul said...

@ Madhavan

I know these grey areas well, and I hope I shall not only keep them at an arm's length through the course of my career but also have the courage to condemn those who don't. Easier said than done but nevertheless, this is all I can say/do for now.

Madhavan said...

@Avi--Seeking and engaging public attention is a legitimate part of the media business. Mountains and molehills are in the realm of subjective opinion. You are entitled to yours.

Madhavan said...

@Anshul--Good luck. If you succeed, I'll be happy:)

Avi said...

Thanks for your response. I surely was disappointed as a reader, in the manner in which you chose to 'jump in','marshal your formidable intellectual resources to defend a fellow journalist.Seeking and engaging public attention is possibly a part of the media 'business' but I think the differentiator is the manner in which you DECIDE to do it. You have gone on a tirade against Amitabh Bachchan completely missing the point, if at all there was any, and only amply demonstrated your deep knowledge of gossip (your unwarranted mention of Rekha). As a journalist, you should have engaged the reader regarding your views about Journalistic ethics, exploiting of media etc, instead you chose to direct your angst,against an individual. It was a classic case of countering the individual, rather than countering the point. If this is the way you want to engage your reader, then All the best.

Anonymous said...

@Madhavan

You have tried very hard not to sound defensive or take a stand for Rajeev Masand but to your disappointment you are doing exactly that. Do you agree when Masand in his reply says people in the film fraternity do not take a 'stand' or have an 'opinion' on issues? If this was said to Sherlyn Chopra or someone it would pass off but Mr. Bachchan? Seriously, its almost funny.

The very fact that Mr. Bachchan has reacted to this clearly shows that he has taken a 'stand' and has an 'opinion' for what Mr. Masand had to say.

Madhavan said...

I accept some of the criticism on my post levelled above. I just wish to say that this blog has been around since 2005 and never has it attracted the attention it has today. Where were all of you all these years? Does that prove a point? Serious journalism needs serious followers by the millions and loads of money.
If any of you really cares for good journalism, go back and read all the posts written since 2005. That is my schoolmarm punishment to you all;-)

Avi said...

Hi Madhavan, It is really nice of you to gracefully accept a divergent point of view. Honestly, I stumbled on to your blog cos your URL featured on the search 'jackass and Rajeev Masand'. Heard from a friend about this and hence wanted to read more. I am sure your various blogs that you've posted since 2005 would be more interesting, informative and engaging than this piece.I will make a serious attempt to catch some of those blogs. Best wishes .

Anonymous said...

Um. Is it sort of established that Mr Kumar's visit to Mr Laxman was a gimmick, OR would it have been not so nice had he not visited the author of the character he plays at all?

Jay Jani said...

Completely agree with Madhavan and stand up for Mr. Masand to take legend R.K. Laxman's side. Akshay Kumar has done such rubbish publicity gimmicks earlier also. He did a shameful act in public with Twinkle at a Levi show. His movies recently have been nothing but just crap rubbish nautanki. There is nothing wrong in calling him a 'jackass' after such nonsense act.

Tazeen said...

I will forever be thankful to you for calling Amitabh Bachan a celebrity father-in-law. Excellent post.

aries_lady said...

Superb!!!...from one journo to the other...keep it up!

Ritzy said...

Dear Mr. Madhavan,

As much as I appreciate your standing-up for Mr. R.K. Lakshman... I definitely agree with Mr. Bachchan here. He neither defended nor criticized Mr. Akshay Kumar's visit to Mr. Lakshman's hospital bed. He pulled up Mr. Rajeev Masand on using foul language against a fellow human being. Whatever Mr. Masand thought of Akshay Kumar's visit to Mr. Lakshman, he had no right to use a world like Jackass for him, esp. on a social networking site.

By the way, in your haste to write the above blog, you clearly forgot to notice that Mr. Akshay Kumar has already replied to Mr. Bachchan and cleared the air. Mr. Lakshman's family had invited Mr. Kumar to visit Mr. Lakshman as Akshay Kumar is portraying Lakshman's 'Common man' on cinema.

And as far as the timing is concerned, Mr. Bachchan was online @ Twitter at the same time when Mr. Masand posted his 'jackass' comment and immediately reprimanded Mr. Masand who did not address it directly to Mr. Akshay Kumar. He must have heard it later and has already replied to it within 24 Hrs .

When you write such a blog, be sure to have ALL the facts with you.

aries_lady said...

PS: Speaking up for RKL is a HUGE thing....Aks certainly had no business to use such a cheap gimmick...but then, I think he too must've been 'instructed' by the makers of the film, no?

aries_lady said...

@Ritzy---"Mr. Bachchan was online @ Twitter at the same time when Mr. Masand posted his 'jackass' comment and immediately reprimanded Mr. Masand who did not address it directly to Mr. Akshay Kumar"..in what capacity does Mr B 'reprimand' a journo or anyone for that matter???.

Riitzy said...

@ aries_lady:

I do understand "freedom of press" , but as much as I enjoy (and agree almost every time) with Mr. Masand's reviews, I found his jackass comment quite uncalled for on a social networking site.

Freedom of Press does not mean you can use any word to humiliate a public figure as you desire.

I believe Mr. Bachchan 'reprimanded' Mr. Masand in the SAME CAPACITY as when Mr. Rajeev Masand called Mr. Akshay Kumar a 'jackass' on a PUBLIC PLATFORM.

Being a Film Critic does not give you a right to abuse a Film Star for ANY reason whatsoever.

Riitzy said...

Mr. Madhavan,


Here is a response by Mr. Akshay Kumar and from the same social networking site.

http://www.twitlonger.com/show/2frl8k

I hope you get ALL facts before posting a blog.

aries_lady said...

@Ritzy---"much as I enjoy (and agree almost every time) with Mr. Masand's reviews, I found his jackass comment quite uncalled for on a social networking site."...hmm and what would you say to Punit Malhotra calling Shobhaa De "an old fossil" on this same public platform??? Or are these restrictions only for scribes??

Riitzy said...

@ aries_lady:


Of Course not. Frankly, I do not follow Punit Malhotra on Twitter, so I had no idea of "an old fossil" controversy, but if he has said so... He shouldn't have. I'm not sure if Ms. De said something to irk Mr. Malhotra (as she does quite often) or not, but Mr. Malhotra should not have used such language, more so, when addressing a lady.

Unfortunately, the media and the stars are both using each other, especially through these social networking sites. The Stars are no better than the media persons.

Criticizing someone's work is one thing, getting personal is quite another.

Freedom of Speech does not give you the right to get personal and abuse someone.

What's in a name? said...

Thank you for this.
In complete solidarity
Anand

Riitzy said...

Absolutely agree with @ Avi in his following post:



Thanks for your response. I surely was disappointed as a reader, in the manner in which you chose to 'jump in','marshal your formidable intellectual resources to defend a fellow journalist.Seeking and engaging public attention is possibly a part of the media 'business' but I think the differentiator is the manner in which you DECIDE to do it. You have gone on a tirade against Amitabh Bachchan completely missing the point, if at all there was any, and only amply demonstrated your deep knowledge of gossip (your unwarranted mention of Rekha). As a journalist, you should have engaged the reader regarding your views about Journalistic ethics, exploiting of media etc, instead you chose to direct your angst,against an individual. It was a classic case of countering the individual, rather than countering the point. If this is the way you want to engage your reader, then All the best.

Anonymous said...

BANG ON!

Anonymous said...

Has anyone read Akshay Kumar response to this controversy?

http://tl.gd/2frl8k

whatsupdoc? said...

all said and done, Masand tweeted as Masand didnt he? He didnt tweet as a jornalist or as a representative of CNN IBN. It is his individual opinion and he has said it to Akshay Kumar.
Had it been Abhishek Bachchan and Big B steps in (like at Raavan), I could understand but this is someone who is of no relation to him except that they are actors.
So now if I ask "Who the fuck are you Mr Bachchan to bring up fraternities into 2 people's fight and hog som lime light for yourself", will he blame all the engineers of the land (since I am one) stating engineers are jobless.
Ask him to learn to differntiate between individual opinions and fraternities first.
Phew...got carried away didn't I? we do that in my fraternity! Still hilarious...laughing my ass off over the issue though (at jackass and not at RKN)

Anonymous said...

the ONLY thing I could not understand in your article is "WHAT'S YOUR POINT?"

Obi Wan said...

Riitzy & other Akshay supporters(in this case, I love his films btw): Akshay's response doesn't even match BT's response(BT Backpage today). BT says they invited him, Akshay says he wanted to meet Mr. Laxman. The sad truth is that TOI has an arm called Medianet, whose sole brief is to 'sell' editorial space, especially in BT. This was clearly a Medianet story purchased by the producers of the film. And how can I be so sure?:

a) They gave complete details of the movie, when it is releasing, who the producers are etc. etc. Read the piece carefully and it will leave you with no doubt that it is a 'PR plug'.

b) The story below the pics was written by Mark Manuel, who exclusively writes Medianet stories(you can randomly check old BT issues).

If Akshay really wanted to meet his 'idol' Mr. Laxman, he could have gone there for a visit without having his pics clicked for a BT front page article. What has outraged many, including Rajeev Masand, is that a legend in a critical condition was 'used' to promote a film with which he had noting to do, and in all probability about which he couldn't care less.

Madhavan said...

@Ritzy--Thank you for bringing to my notice Mr. Akshay Kumar's response concerning the invitation. Have you also brought to the notice of Mr. Akshay Kumar my views on the subject.
Also, you have dwelt on the timing of Mr. Bachchan's response and Mr. Masand's views. I wonder what the timing of Mr. Akshay Kumar's tweet was. Can you check?
Neither Mr. Akshay Kumar nor Mr. Laxman's family have contacted me on the subject. And I would also wait for any statement from Mr Laxman's family --if I were to go by your recommendation that I get all facts right. As I see it, Mr. Askhay Kumar's response might have been in response to my blog, but since he has not contacted me, I cannot be sure. Warm regards.

Riitzy said...

Mr. Madhavan,

You sound as sarcastic and ill-humored in your blog as Mr. Joel Stein when he wrote the Time Magazine article 'My own sweet India'! I understand you have the right to express your opinion, and you would agree SO DO I .

Neither am I related to Mr. Akshay Kumar, nor to Mr. Bachchan or Mr. Masand. I only happen to follow them all on Twitter (being a movie buff). Your Tweet about your blog was retweeted by someone else I follow and I happened to read it.

In my opinion, your 'Rekha' comment was was distasteful as 'Jackass' comment by Mr. Masand.

My point was not to defend Mr. Kumar's actions or that of Mr. Bachchan. My point was that Mr. Masand or you for that matter, cannot use the expression Freedom of Press and humiliate anyone on a public platform.

If you call this journalism, it's pathetic !!!

Also, you have dwelt on the timing of Mr. Bachchan's response and Mr. Masand's views. I wonder what the timing of Mr. Akshay Kumar's tweet was. Can you check?


About the timing issue, I only mentioned the timing because in your original blog you wrote and I quote:

I write about your taking offence to Mr. Masand calling Akshay Kumar a “jackass” I would have expected Mr. Kumar to defend himself, given his strength and propensity to jump from tall buildings for something as minor as a Thums Up bottle, but it was nice of you to marshal your formidable intellectual resources to defend Akki.


I happened to be online at the time Masand's comment and Bachchan's reprimand which happened in the next 5-10 minutes. Kumar on the other hand posted his reply early in the morning (which I saw later, and YOU DID NOT before blabbering away in your blog.

I'm sure, being on twitter yourself, you would know that not everyone is online at all times. Akshay Kumar replied when he learnt of Masand's comment and Bachcan's defense (withing 24 hrs)!!

You wrote:

Neither Mr. Akshay Kumar nor Mr. Laxman's family have contacted me on the subject.

If Mr. Kumar visits Mr. Lakshman's hospital room... WHY IN THE HELL should he contact YOU??

I still maintain that if you call yourself a Journo, respect your profession. You should check all facts before printing your personal opinions.

After all, Pen is mightier than the Sword !! Use it wisely.

Good Luck!

Madhavan said...

@Riitzy-Your opinions are your own. I would have preferred the facts that I was seeking, which would have enlightened me further. This blog is part of the media, and I welcome responses and information from the people concerned. Since you have informed me of others' views, is it not fair that you do the same to them on mine?

Riitzy said...

@ Obi Wan

I only checked out BT's e-paper (as I'm not from Bombay).

I agree with you, it may have been a media / PR issue. But that's not the point I was trying to make.

I merely pointed that being a responsible Journo, Mr. Masand should not have used the term he did. And I think, so was Mr. Bachchan's point.

@ Mr. Madhavan,

Thanks to Obi Wan, I read the BT article, and there's a fine print there from Mr. Lakshman's family.

His wife Kamala and daughter-in-law Usha report a difference in his progress when people are around. “Akshay’s visit really made him happy, he perked up,” says Usha.

Whether it was a PR trick or not, is not my concern. My only concern was the kind of language used by journalists now a days, just to seek their 15 minutes of fame !!! Congratulations, you did well for your 15 minutes.

Anonymous said...

Pretty stupid Blog

Such people seem to get pricky when being on the receiving end. For many years they could write what they wanted in their columns and get away, because obviously the publication would not print the actors resposne or clarification for the jibes.innuendos written about them. Now with social networking sites the actor/celebrity can give his view to the public directly and this seems to make people like this blogger insecure.

Baidik said...

Your arguments against AB are so shallow, they're not worth the rebuttal! You've tried too hard to dikhao some attitude. Chill.

Joe said...

Isn't it quite ironic that this whole "jackass" comment has generated even more promotion for Akshay's movie. I for one would never have known about Aksahy's visit to the Hospital if it wasn't for Mr. Masand's stirring it up with his comment and for this blog.

I'm sure Akshay and the producers of the movie are toasting to this successful free marketing "event" :D

mayank said...

well i agree when u stand for mr laxman and i also agree when u say wat akshay kumar did was wrong. But it is really funny when u say the media has dignity. being a "common man" (yeah the true one) I think media in this country is nothing more than a joke which has forgotten its real purpose of acting like a pillar of democracy and now just acts like a dough hungry, TRP crazy business which makes fun of the common man at every given opportunity.

Madhavan said...

Thanks all. In deference to a valid criticism, I prpose to delete one sentence of dubious taste.
As for the facts:
Akshay Kumar's side of the story came after I wrote this post and could well have been in response. However, I also have the following link which says the idea came from the publication.
http://tinyurl.com/25twee2

Given the contrary claims, I leave all to judge for themselves.


The whole purpose of my post was to make a point on the abuse of the media and the need for an arm's length from the industry. I think I have done it with sound response.

Anonymous said...

i understand big B's reaction. after all was it not Mr rajeev masand who wrote a very bad review on the film RAAVAN.

Riitzy said...

Madhavan wrote:

Akshay Kumar's side of the story came after I wrote this post and could well have been in response.



दिल को बहलाने को ग़ालिब ये ख़याल अच्छा है !!!

Madhavan said...

@riitzy

ख़याल उनके हैं तोह ख्याल अपने भी हैं
वोह अपने घर खुश हैं तोह हम अपने घर खुश हैं
आप हमारे घर आये यह बात भी अजीब है
बिन बुलाये मेहमान होकर तौहीन करे यह आपकी तहज़ीब है

By the way, please note that the paper which published the photo and news has claimed responsibility for the idea saying they organised the whole thing. And Laxman family's statement clearly says anyone is welcome -- no clear quote in the statement that they specifically invited Akshay Kumar.

Mr. Kumar and I are in different situations and am sure respect each other.
Intermediaries and interlocutors are unwelcome, unless they are truly unbiased.

Riitzy said...

@ Madhavan,

Why write a blog when you can't accept a little bit of criticism !?!

After all, you were up in arms criticizing Mr. Bachchan (even if it is for being a celebrity father-in-law... not to mention the cheap "Rekha" innuendo) !!!

Frankly, my point was not to defend Mr. Kumar or Mr. Bachchan.

My point was, as I have maintained right from the beginning, is that Mr. Masand had no right to call anyone a jackass on a public forum !! Freedom of Speech or Freedom of Press does not involve getting personal. And you, did the same thing with your blog !!! You point fingers at Mr. Bachchan for standing up to his fraternity, while doing exactly the same for Mr. Masand.



PS: You shouldn't have floated around the tweet to read your blog, if you didn't want people to comment !!! Technically, you invited the world to read you and comment on your blog. In any case, I know better than to read you ever again !!!

RohinRoarkedForGood said...

Well, leaving aside verbiage and trivia, what is the fundamental theme of the blog.
Media figures like Mr. Bachchan and Rajeev Masand ought to do what the public wants. Whether its Mr Bachchan's movie preferences or Masand's tweets.

If they consistently follow this approach, What shall become of these people. They will become like Robots in the hands of majority; or more specifically, those who claim to represent public opinion. Their own values and judgments therefore becomes irrelevant.
In a free country I am yet to encounter such consistent beings.... maybe somebody here can help??

Madhavan said...

@Riitzy-- As you might have noticed, I have not moderated the comments on my blog. I am replying to you and allowing you to have your say--uncensored (most media companies do not do this). I leave people to judge.
My opinion is that you have been consistently taking sides without looking at the issues at hand.
If I did not accept criticism, I would not have deleted the reference to "Rekha" --which I have. In fact, I did this despite getting compliments for precisely that thing because in hindsight I thought it was a bit unwarranted.
Also, if you read the post again carefully, I have called Mr. Masand a jackass in my own way to make a point.
The purpose of such a discourse is not to just bash around with words but to also look at the thoughts and the spirit behind it.
Events that followed including public statements by Mr. Akshay Kumar and the publisher in question, and the overwhelming response I have got show that the thoughts I have raised have significant relevance in throwing new light on media -related issues--which is the purpose of this blog.
I have clearly brought above the irony of the situation--If Mr. Masand had not used the word "jackass," serious issues related to abuse of media by movie producers and the issue of media maintaining its dignified neutrality would have not been raised in the larger public domain.
It is for people like you to not just mull over the odd word but the larger context in which media has to play its role.

@RohinRoarkedForGood -- What a fine thought you have shared. I really appreciate your thinking.

RohinRoarkedForGood said...

Continuing my thoughts on the virtues of independent judgment...

History of revolutionizing creative endeavors bears testimony to the power of independent judgments. More so, this is true for Bollywood.
Movies like Sholay, QSQT, Satya, DCH revolutionized film making. R.D Burman and A.R Rehman transformed music.
All these were the result of realizing one's own sensibilities.... not going by the public opinion or polls!

Anonymous said...

you are for sure hungry for serious attention!!!!!
making such derogatory remarks for a person like bigB ......u need medical assistance dude!!!!
grow up!!!

Madhavan said...

@Anon - You are bigger than the bigB, as you prefer anonymity! Have a nice day

Kshitij said...

bwahahah you can laugh at yourself??? Ya why else would you need to block ppl hahaha ROFL!

p.s. you're quite ugly!

kshitij said...

p.p.s noticed you had similar issues with others (Ritzy), so how do you manage to live in the world of denial/hypocrisy, ,quite a quality i must say! block ppl on twitter, no moderation here, mid-life crisis?

Nur said...

Madhavan,your presentation of the fact is absolutely clear and convincing. I recall supporting Amitji by tweeting him last year. Now I support only the truth. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Loved your ending lines where you mention :...your busy career as TV host, model, actor and celebrity father-in-law,,,"

This post will surely have many eyes rolling