So let’s get to know the world of television what it is really like? So we have YTV one of the prime music channels and have been losing to its competition. None of the shows on YTV have proud TRP to boost about. With no trps and to save sinking ship, the channel decides to revamp and try to capture the 6 pm slot with a new talk show and a scantily clad host. The responsibility of this new show is handed over to Tani, the protagonist of the book. Tani has no clue what’s coming her way when a unknown girl calls on the show and says she is about to die and with that Tani’s life changes forever. On the other hand we have Rajneesh Tiwari chief editor of YNN news channel for whom news is entertainment. No major stories and dripping TRPs forces Rajneesh to take a special interest in the new show of YTV, where he runs a nationwide campaign in protest of the new show on YTV.
If you are one of those youngsters like me who has been watching all the crappie so called reality shows on music channel and often asked yourself a question how much of it is real then, this book will answer you the best. The book gives you a insight on what goes in the television world. This makes the book funky and potent considering current scenario of Indian television. The book is quite fast paced which is works in the favor of the book. The book has simple tone and never out does itself. It’s not a book with lots of turn and twist so you don’t have to spank your head a lot while reading it and trying to remember different characters and their names. This is where Noami Datta scores hugely, for a book that does not have many twist turns and still is able to grip the readers for 290 pages. It’s easy for authors to ramble and bring out dozens of twist and turns the way it happens on most reality shows. Luckily Noami Datta escapes such punk which works best in favor of book.
For me the books have never been about plot or story. It always has to do with characters and the mood that the book manages to capture. Once again Datta score here the character detailing and the mood through out the book is immaculate. As you turn the pages of the book at rapid speed, you just get a sense of déjà vu that you know this person.
The author succesffuly creates the picture of all characters, for instance you can almost feel being part of the panel discussion Rajneesh is conducting. Identifying a character like Vrushali should not be a hard task (that if you watch a lot of TV like me). Point is when you read this book you know who these people are, we have seen them and we see them every day.
The interactions between Aditya (Tani’s colleagues) always leave you with a smile on your face. In the same way interaction between Harish(Rahul’s right hand ) and his boss Rahul(Tani’s boss) live you in Ugh. Harish’s each and every lustful idea makes you feel like throwing some kind of jab at him. Then adding to list is Vrushali (host of the show Love calls) with her weirdo accent which is multiplied bye her brainless beauty. Well if you want to complete the list just grab the book cos there is lot more of it.
The authors understanding of the medium really helps. After spending almost a decade in television industry Datta just shows the true gritty world of television where all that matters is TRP numbers and for which the channel is willing do anything. There has always has been some kind ebullience and spontaneity about the way Noami Datta goes about her work whether its being a TV Producer or Anchoring a show and now writing a book.
Final verdict about the book, it is a must read for people who are hooked on to television. Its witty, canny and looks real one thing for sure it will break the illusions about television world or as Naomi Datta says “Welcome to the world of television where nothing is ever what it appears."
