Punjabi Antenna
Let there be more variety
Randeep Wadehra

IT was an attractive weekly magazine with immense possibilities. Every Sunday morning it treated us to a wholesome fare comprising interviews with invited guests ranging from media personalities to university dons, a healthcare section and a brief biopic on an actor/singing star from Punjab and, finally, astrological predictions. True, there was quite a bit of room for improvement both in the content and presentation style but Good Morning Punjab (PTC News) did not deserve to be scrapped. What has the show been replaced with? Another set of news bulletins, which are increasingly getting sweet on the region’s politicians-in-power, especially the Badal parivaar.

If the channel has decided to increase the airtime for news-based productions, then let these be more variegated. Instead of repeating news bulletins throughout the day (with occasional updates), it would be advisable to have niche shows aimed at different segments of viewers—general knowledge-based quiz shows, unbiased and expert news analysis of national and international affairs, sports, healthcare, lifestyle, childcare and women’s issues.

In Punjab, Muslims outside of Malerkotla, too, have started participating actively in the mainstream politics. You realise this while listening to the Ludhiana-based Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Habib-ur-Rahman Sani, in conversation with Devinder Pal Singh on Face to Face. We were acquainted with the venerable Maulana’s nationalist "pedigree" when he mentioned how his grandfather had provided shelter to Bhagat Singh’s mother and other family members when many others had shunned them out of fear of the British rulers. Similarly, one of his uncles was arrested on his wedding day for having assisted Subhas Chandra Bose in his escape from India by escorting him to Afghanistan in a Pathan’s garb.

The Maulana was quite forthright on issues ranging from terrorism to poor education levels among Muslims. He readily admitted the leadership’s responsibility for the community’s backwardness and current plight.

PTC Punjabi’s family-based game/reality show, Ghar Ghar Vich Ghuggi, anchored by the well- known actor Gurpreet Ghuggi, is bound to climb up the TRP ladder. The team selects two couples and visits their homes and involves them in question-answer sessions, a bit of search-the-treasure exercise, and a sporting competition. The light banter, garnished with Ghuggi’s trademark asides, keeps the participants and viewers smiling.

However, the manner in which cash prizes are showered after each correct answer reminds one of UTV Bindass’s hit road show Cash Cab. Certain ideas are infectious, indeed. But, then, who is complaining?

Episodes of Chal Mere Naal are being repeated, and we should thank PTC News for the same. In travelogue format, this show features famous as well as little-known places of tourist interest. The innate beauty of the historical, religious and mythological sites in different parts of the country has been brought out with the help of competent camerawork and a fluent narrative that is an attractive mix of folklore, mythology and historical facts. This series has great archival as well as repeat value. Such shows also provide knowledge to youngsters about India’s history and its rich cultural heritage. We should have more of such tele-series.

Finally, all credit to Zee Khabran for its extensive and analytical reportage on the Mumbai terrorist attack. Its access to the national-level network of its sister channel Zee News came in handy while keeping the region’s viewers informed about the happenings in Mumbai and national as well as international reactions thereto.