Any commentary on the sticky subject of Hindu-Muslim relations is
fraught with the danger of hyperbole. I will go right ahead and say it.
The popular television game show Kaun Banega Crorepati has won the
public relations war with a series of sensitive TV promos aimed at
addressing contentious issues that Indians tend to ignore.
Their latest on Hindu-Muslim camaraderie appeals to a spot in my heart that swells with pride at still being able to cry despite the bundle of cynicism that I have become. That we all have become.
KBC's latest promo titled 'Neighbours' is set in a colony inhabited by Hindus and Muslims. A Hindu boy is headed to Mumbai to take part in the latest season of KBC. There isn't any love lost between the Hindu and Muslim families as they trade barbs. But once in the 'hot seat', the Hindu boy uses his 'phone-a-friend' lifeline to call up his elderly Muslim neighbour who helps him win the jackpot.
It's hard to hold back tears, actually - much like the previous promo
of KBC that highlighted the alienation of Indians from North East. Are
the ads preachy? Of course they are, but just enough to not become
cheesy. The play of emotions is fantastically brought out in the second
ad through long shots of the two heads of the families hugging each
other after the win.
It's also wonderful that the promo was released during the month of Ramzan. We need more love. More of such understated celebration of humanity outvoting, shadowing and trumping hate. If it takes a mainstream television quiz show to remind us that we are, in essence, good people, so be it. Someone has to.
Their latest on Hindu-Muslim camaraderie appeals to a spot in my heart that swells with pride at still being able to cry despite the bundle of cynicism that I have become. That we all have become.
KBC's latest promo titled 'Neighbours' is set in a colony inhabited by Hindus and Muslims. A Hindu boy is headed to Mumbai to take part in the latest season of KBC. There isn't any love lost between the Hindu and Muslim families as they trade barbs. But once in the 'hot seat', the Hindu boy uses his 'phone-a-friend' lifeline to call up his elderly Muslim neighbour who helps him win the jackpot.
We need more love. More of such understated celebration of humanity outvoting, shadowing and trumping hate.
It's also wonderful that the promo was released during the month of Ramzan. We need more love. More of such understated celebration of humanity outvoting, shadowing and trumping hate. If it takes a mainstream television quiz show to remind us that we are, in essence, good people, so be it. Someone has to.
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