Radio ban on advert is no joke for Karou Charou
Comedian slams objection to ‘obscene’ title of show
COMEDIAN Karou Charou is engaged in a battle with two radio stations about the title of his latest live show, Ma-Dhir.
Sagren Moodley’s alter ego is taking legal action against East Coast Radio and Lotus FM for failing to flight adverts promoting his show.
The Hindi word is commonly used as a profanity internationally, but Moodley said he researched the origin and meaning of the word before settling on it.
The word is thought to be a derivative of mata, meaning mother. He said he had had talks with the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and was satisfied that, because it was not a “real” word, it could not be construed as offensive.
Sabha president Ashwin Trikamjee said the word was considered obscene and the organisation would take action if the public submitted complaints.
After being informed of East Coast Radio’s decision, Moodley resorted to Facebook to voice his displeasure.
“Now ECR is yanking my chain. Booked an ad campaign for my Ma-Dhir show. They had a problem with the title, saying it would offend Indian listeners. I replied with a motivation. They reviewed it and came back and said although its not a swearword, they might offend conservative Indians. I said OK, I change my title to MahaDhir, which is Sanskrit for awesome/powerful/wise. According to them, it would make no difference. ECR is saying that u, their valued listeners, will be affected by this title, that u will find this to be offensive. Really! Considering their target market is around 25-50 years, that would make u guys sort of prudes . . . I may be Indian, but I am not a slave to you, and neither are my people (your listeners) prudish old farts. Show some respect.”
The post elicited a mixed reaction. Charmaine Pillay said: “Y do dey presume 2 speak 4 da masses! Y not put it 2 da ‘vote’ n hear directly from their listeners!”
Craig Moodley said although he believed in freedom of expression, “to use a word that is tied to vulgar connotations, no matter what Google or others say, is . . . in my own opinion, a blatant disrespect to all Indians”.
Lotus FM station manager Alvin Pillay said the sales department had the final say on what was aired.
Trish Taylor, East Coast Radio’s station manager, said: “When we reviewed the content provided by Moodley, we were concerned about the use of the word ‘Ma-dhir’.
“We understand the exact meaning of the word, but the fact that it can also have a derogatory connotation was concerning. We then decided, as is the case with any advert that does not meet our criteria, not to flight the ad.”