Cricketers caught on the wrong foot
Coffee is bitter in itself, but sometimes when you try to make it sugary, it becomes worse. We have a latest example at hand. Cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have been caught on the wrong foot, in the slip (of tongue) on the Koffee with Karan show.
It’s nothing surprising. Today, quick popularity is enough to throw youngsters from showbiz and sports off balance. Too much media exposure makes them vulnerable to many a faux pas.
A lot depends on the concept and format of the show, but more than that, it depends on the host to bring out the best or the worst out of you. His/her persona, mindset, language and body language can influence responses from guests. If the host is known for his double-meaning language, belowthe-belt statements and sleazy questions, celebrities will try to match this.
We have known Pandya and Rahul as young cricketers who have not only won matches for the country but also thousands of hearts with their mettle. Through their interviews, they can talk about their initiation into the game, their struggles and achievements to guide and inspire hundreds of aspiring young men and women. But if they are asked questions like. “Why don’t you ask women’s names at nightclubs?” or “Do you get distracted by cheerleaders?” they are likely to get swayed by such ‘fun-filled’ situations and respond in the same vein. This is what they did and inadvertently stepped into their Waterloo.
Hosting a chat show is an art, a skill that requires research, going into details about the person to be interviewed, his background, ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures; before framing the questions.
The greatest chat show ever has been the one conducted by Oprah Winfrey, a witty host and a good human being, who knew how to handle and treat each celebrity. She could make people share their deepest and darkest secrets, and she knew how to give a human face to such stories. No wonder her show that ran for 25 years, endeared her to millions.
Nearer home, who can forget shows such as Rendezvous by the graceful womanin-white Simi Garewal; the best ever chat show that encouraged celebrities to be their gracious best. It was her own persona that reflected through her conversation and created a perfect ambience that people loved her show. She could handle the mightiest of Bollywood with poise and élan.
Even a light-hearted Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan by Tabassum with her childlike humour became a household name. Similarly, Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai by the suave and witty Farooq Sheikh gave us a peep into the personal lives of celebrities; yet in a limited and sheltered way, without ever crossing the line.
Wish modern day hosts of such chat shows watch these programmes again, and learn a few lessons so that not to make caricatures and brazen spoiled brats out of achievers that youngsters look up to.
IF THE TV CHAT SHOW HOST IS KNOWN FOR SLEAZY QUESTIONS, CELEBRITIES WILL TRY TO MATCH THIS