News anchors. They’re everywhere. They’re larger than life. They’re the Voice Of The Nation. And they’re known simply by their first names. Arnab. Rajdeep. Barkha.
Of course, they reign over our living rooms, sometimes as unwelcome guests.
Since they’re so much a part of our lives, we all have suggestions as to how they should ‘improve’.
Barkha Dutt
Barkha Dutt has been around for eons. Or so it seems.
There’s little in fact that’s taken place in the country at large in the last couple of decades that Barkha hasn’t reported on. In her long-running stint at NDTV, Barkha has covered everything – from the Kargil War to the 26/11 attacks. Our grouse with her though?
She’s too damn reasonable (read: safe).
Barkha, it’s high time that you speared outrage. Trust us, we’re dying to see a feminine version of Arnab Goswami. Or at least entertain the possibility that one such version could exist!
Rajdeep Sardesai
Legend has it that Rajdeep Sardesai has a charming, magnetic presence. Stories abound of his sense of humour, that mischievous twinkle in his eyes, and the sheer captivating manner he has.
Alas, none of these qualities can be found any more in his broadcasts, whether on India Today TV or in his last years at CNN-IBN. On TV, all you get is the aggressive ‘I’m a rottweiler’ Rajdeep.
So Mr Sardesai, our wish-list for you is very simple. Bring the real you to us, not the one you’ve become over the past few years.
Arnab Goswami
What does the real Arnab think about Pakistan? What is his line on our netas?What does he sound like in real life?
Perhaps this ace anchorman, who helms Times Now, himself doesn’t know anymore.
So for Mr Goswami, what we’d like to see is, what you are like when there’s no camera near you.
Karan Thapar
Now here’s the true rottweiler. As an interviewer, he is relentless and very well prepared. Even in his dressing sense he is sharp, not a hair out of place, not a crease on his clothes. You might be forgiven for thinking here’s a man who even irons his socks.
But there was a brief phase on CNN-IBN when he started wearing bow ties. Colourful, sometimes disproportionately large bow ties which clashed violently with his shirts and jackets.
Now Mr Thapar, bring some of that zaniness back to your wardrobe, we miss it and more to the point, it makes you more human.
Deepak Chaurasia
Deepak Chaurasia is living proof of a very old adage – just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.
The India News TV reporter has beguiled plenty and bemused more with his angry takes and aggressive gesticulations on several issues of national importance. What catches our attention more than anything else, unfortunately, is that unkempt beard.
Yes, we all give in to indulgences. Some of us binge eat; some can’t resist a tipple. Some men over the age of 30 insist on wearing skinny jeans and carrying skateboards.
But Mr Chaurasia, we beg you – do trim that beard before you come on air! Period.
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