The terror attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 2008 shook the city. Even the mere thought of 26/11 still gives us goose bumps and our hatred for those responsible only increases. And today, on the
first anniversary of the unfortunate day, the entire country is paying homage to the martyrs and victims of 26/11. The television news channels are taking us through the sad events of that day and the progress in the case, while paying homage to those who lost their lives.
But while all this is happening,
one act by a TV channel really hurt me today. And I am as furious on the channel as much as I am mad at those responsible for 26/11. I happened to watch a particular television channel (I won’t take the name) that was doing its bit towards paying homage. Until then, it was fine. And then the channel started cashing in on the tragic event.
The actors from various shows of the channel, dressed as per their character in their respective serials, started giving homage bytes! Isn’t this the height of publicity? They must have thought ‘Chalo aisa karne se log hamaare serials aur characters se aur bhi connect karengey’. Do they think we are fools? Do they really think that people can’t differentiate between publicity stunts and heartfelt messages? I am really very furious at the channel and disappointed as it is one of my favorite TV channels.
Has the media industry scenario become so competitive that one does not want to miss out on any opportunity or the worst of incidents? 26/11 is one of the most unfortunate days in the history of Mumbai and one expects the media and entertainment industry to be sensible enough and not try such cheap stunts.
And yes, if the channel says it was unintentional, I won’t believe it.