“Children explaining their parents’ sexual escapades”, the state of Indian TV

Super Dancer Chapter 3 Controversy: There was a time when Indian television was a source of cherished family entertainment, where we eagerly awaited the airing of shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Hum Log. Those golden days of television brought families and society together, fostering values, traditions, and cultural enrichment among each individual. However, as time passed, the landscape of Indian television began to change, and unfortunately, not for the better.

In the recent incident that has sparked outrage and disappointment, a dance reality show aired on Sony Entertainment Television, Super Dancer Chapter 3, came under severe scrutiny. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) stepped in and rightfully instructed Sony Pictures Networks (Set India) to delete videos from the Super Dancer Chapter 3 show. What transpired on this so-called “kid’s dance show” was nothing short of disturbing and despicable.

Super Dancer Chapter 3 Controversy: Where are we heading?

It is with utter disbelief that we recount how the judges of this show, who should have been role models for the young participants, stooped to new lows by asking sexually explicit questions to a minor contestant about his parents. The innocence of childhood was ripped away, and these impressionable minds were subjected to vulgar and inappropriate queries on a public stage. The psychological impact of such incidents on young children cannot be underestimated, and the emotional toll they might carry forward in life is a cause for serious concern.

This incident raises fundamental questions about the direction Indian television has taken in recent times. Instead of being a platform that nurtures talent, encourages creativity, and fosters positive values, it is now shamelessly exploiting innocence for the sake of cheap entertainment and ratings. What happened to the days when television shows were meant to inspire and educate?

Not the first

The video that caught the attention of NCPCR is just one of many instances where Indian television has crossed the boundaries of decency and sensitivity. Comedienne Bharat Singh’s crude joke on someone’s complexion is another distressing example of how respect and empathy seem to have vanished from the industry. The simple yet poignant question that arises is: When did it become acceptable to mock and humiliate people for their physical appearance, especially at a time when we know children are watching and absorbing every bit of activity on television, sometimes even more than adults do in today’s time and generation?

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Furthermore, the issue of underage artists being pushed into adult roles also demands attention. Riva Arora’s case is just one example of how the industry is robbing young talents of their childhood. While showcasing mature roles might earn short-term attention, it comes at the cost of these children’s emotional well-being and mental development. The television industry should prioritize the well-rounded growth of its young talents and avoid pushing them into adult territory before their time.

What is even more concerning is the fact that this alarming trend is not limited to one particular show or network; it extends across the wider spectrum of Indian television. Even once-beloved shows like The Kapil Sharma Show have occasionally ventured into tasteless territory, thereby undermining their credibility as family-friendly programs.

Looking at the madness going around on the network, it wouldn’t be wrong to say, at the very least, that in the world of Indian TV shows, the line between humor and indecency appears to be increasingly blurred. Therefore, Dear Television cabal, wake up and smell the coffee. Face the reality before your senselessness tosses society aside, and reassess your priorities

We must take a stand

Coming to the action, the harsh action taken by authorities against the dance reality show is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. Indian television needs a comprehensive overhaul, starting from self-regulation by networks to more stringent government regulations. It must take up the responsibility of shaping values, upholding ethical standards, and nurturing young minds with age-appropriate content.

As a powerful medium of influence, television wields immense power over the masses, especially the impressionable youth. It should harness this power to inspire, educate, and promote positive values. The future of our nation’s youth is at stake, and the television industry must recognize its pivotal role in shaping the minds of the next generation.

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It is high time that we as nation try our best to reclaim the lost glory of Indian television by demanding quality content that promotes creativity, empathy, and respect. And remember only by doing so, we can ensure that television becomes a medium of inspiration and enlightenment for society once again.

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