Eyeballs or eyewash?

The recent interview of Shelly Duvall of The Shining fame took the Internet by storm, as people called for a boycott of Dr Phill, saying he was ‘exploiting’ people like her by using their troubles for his gain.

The interview showed a clearly delusional Shelly talk on international TV. Even celebrities tweeted to condemn the show, saying there must be some guidelines for shows like this.

Such shows that identify as being “socially responsive” are not uncommon in India, especially with regional TV. One of many such shows, Bathuku Jatka Bandi came under criticism recently when the host made homophobic comments. Examples of other such shows are MLA Roja’s Racha Banda and Jayasudha’s Andamaina Jeevitham.

What strikes a person the most about these shows is the sheer drama that takes place on screen, not to mention the nasty comments made by the hosts themselves. Phrases like “I will hit you with a slipper” and “Have you no shame?” are heard frequently. On Racha Banda, Roja was also seen raising her hand to slap a participant.

Jeevitha Rajshekar listens to a woman’s problems on the show

Jeevitha Rajshekar, who hosted Batuku Jataka Bandi, says slapping is unacceptable, but it is a necessity to ‘threaten’ the wrong doer to get them to confess. “People come to us only when they are helpless because the legal process makes them wait too long. We have a lawyer on the show who takes most in writing and about 80 per cent of the couples have stuck to our advice,” she says.  

However, lawyer Keerthi Anantha raises many questions. “Are they trying to solve disputes or increase their TRPs? There are other mechanisms if you think the court takes time, like Lok Adalats. These hosts are not qualified to do what they are doing. Even if they come up with reasonable advice, how do they make sure that it is adhered to? It’s only a blame game and there’s no real evidence,” she says.