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In this week’s episode, the in-house panel featuring Abhinandan Sekhri, Manisha Pande and Raman Kripal is joined by Mayank Shekhar, a film critic and recipient of the Ramnath Goenka award. He’s the author of the book Name Place Animal Thing and has a podcast titled "Sit With Hitlist".

The discussion begins with the problematic coverage of Sushant Singh Rajput’s death and how it has now transformed into a political issue. Mayank says, “It’s a toxic mix of everything that is wrong with the country — the state of politics, and news media.” Abhinandan adds that “WhatsApp messages are now taken seriously on news channels” which has led to ED inquistioning Rhea Chakraborty about her makeup.

Raman is of the view that the ED’s involvement in the entire affair confirms that the case has become political. Manisha thinks this will last till the Bihar elections. She also expresses her shock at women anchors like Anjana Om Kashyap and Navika leading the toxic reportage with, Kyu iske paise kharch karwa rahi thi, pyar tha ya dhoka tha? Why did she spend his money? Was it love or betrayal?

The discussion also touches upon the media circus around the Ram Mandir bhoom pujan which demolished any hope of secularism. Abhinandan says, “It'd need another Bapu-like leader to undo the damage.”

This and a lot more, only on NL Hafta. Tune In!

Song: Kanwar Grewal Unplugged

Hafta Letters: On cancel culture, English vs regional languages, and more

Timecodes

05:18 - Headlines and announcements

09:23 - Media coverage of Sushant Singh Rajput's death and Bollywood's silence

30:58 - Subscriber letters

43:42 - On media coverage of Ayodhya's Mandir Bhoomi Pujan and India's shifting political climate

01:17:34 - Subscriber letters

01:26:22 - Prashant Bhushan and the contempt proceedings against him

01:32:38 - Announcements and Recommendations

References

Our Position On Newslaundry

The curious case of Tahir Hussain's recycled 'confession'

The liaison man of power politics and celluloid glamour: The swift rise and fall of Amar Singh

Mumbai's Lutyens: Is Entertainment Journalism all about access?

Recommendations

Mayank

Bandish Bandits

The once all powerful Amar Singh dies a lonely death

The Rise And Fall Of Amar Singh

The Disciple

Raman

PB Mehta writes: Ayodhya’s Ram temple is first real colonisation of Hinduism by political power

Deeno Daan Poem - Rabindranath Tagore

Rebellion

Manisha

What's At Stake For Bollywood 'Elite' In Sushant Singh Rajput Case

Abhinandan

Somali rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Hawa Abdi dies

Secularism gave up language of religion. Ayodhya bhoomi pujan is a result of that

Produced by Aditya Varier and Lipi Vats, recorded by Anil Kumar, edited by Harshula Sharma.

Transcription assistance by Shubhangi S.

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