Covering Bollywood and the Hindi Cinema

Aamir Khan was the star attraction at the Jaipur Literary Festival on Saturday despite the presences of authors like Gore Vidal, Ian McEwan, Donna Tartt and John Berendt. But where Aamir goes controversies follows and the actor managed to ruffle a few feathers when he made disparaging remarks about the media.

Khan remarked, "All news channels should be called entertainment channels."

Mita Kapur, director of Siyaahi Literary Agency, former festival director says, "I think TV channels have a lot of gravitas. It was certainly not an appropriate comment to make, especially since he is from the entertainment industry."

Putting across the point rather succinctly, author Kunal Basu of The Japanese Wife, says, "Bollywood is everywhere. Undoubtedly, the level of interaction with Bollywood has increased in the last few years. But news channels are doing a lot to give this festival a much-needed boost."


Designer Ritu Kumar points out, "When Aamir speaks on an issue like Narmada, it becomes news. It's a matter of perspective."

Publisher Urwashi Butalia of Zubaan Books echoes the same thought. According to her, the entertainment factor is much more in television today. "But significant TV channels are doing a fine job too," she adds.