Chuckles, anyone?

Chuckles, anyone? Latha Venkatraman

Indian television chortles with mirth at a slew of 'comedy programming'.

A still from 'Office Office' on SAB TV. Shekhar Suman currently anchors shows on Star One, Sahara and even the newly launched Janmat, prompting the media to call him 'the Badshah of Blah Blah'. But why blame him? Broadcasters' efforts at comedy programming appears to begin and end with him. As general entertainment channels vie with each other to offer the best comedy show, Shekhar Suman stays in demand. But he seems to be doing a good job, having a great time and also making his moolah. Most leading bouquets now have a channel with an accent on comedy programming. SAB TV was one of the earliest to establish itself in that niche category. Little wonder then that Sony Entertainment Television (SET) saw merit in acquiring SAB TV. The focus of the channel, now with a revamped Sony look, would remain comedy, the bosses at SET say. SAB TV's long-standing sitcom, Office Office, with its underlying theme of corruption in public services seems eternally relevant. The channel recently launched Lo Kal-Lo Baat, anchored by actor Saurabh Shukla. "The show is entering a space virtually new to Indian television and promises to create a unique improvisation-based comedy," says a spokesman. Contestants must use their quick wit and improvisational skills to come up with unrehearsed skits and games. Pitted against Star One, SAB TV does have a challenge ahead. But now within Sony's bouquet, One Alliance, SAB TV would find a prominent place on cable television. On the other hand, Star One continues to forge ahead with a series of attention-grabbing programming: The Great Indian Comedy Champions, The Great Indian Comedy Show, Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, and Nach Baliye being the latest. The enthusiasm and energy levels in Nach Baliye are infectious. But the show could put you off with its loud sets and clothes, especially those of its anchor, Sangeeta Ghosh. Sartorial tastes across TV channels have certainly hit rock bottom. Amitabh Bachchan's attire in Kaun Banega Crorepati 2 did make the media sit up. He continues to be the most nattily dressed person on television. In comparison, women across most Hindi channels seem headed for a Bollywood costume party. The choice of colours and fabric are amazingly fluorescent. But elsewhere on South Indian channels, anchors turn up in frumpy clothes and in the dullest of colours. Indian television does need a sartorial consultant. It could also do with a guide for its sets and interiors. DD's rich film library It is not very often that one stops at Doordarshan while surfing channels. But faced with mind numbing content on most other channels, Doordarshan does offer a surprise relief in the form of a rare film. The national broadcaster's library of films is probably the most enriching. Quite recently, it telecast two interesting, but forgotten, films — Thoda Sa Rumani Ho Jaye, directed by Amol Palekar, and Ek Din Achanak, directed by Mrinal Sen.

Much before the invasion of the cable and satellite channels, Doordarshan did offer a glimpse into world cinema, including some from our own soil. Had it not been for Doordarshan, we would have never got a chance to see a classic Satyajit Ray or a Michelangelo Antonioni film.