I would say, it was a rather violent week for the small screen, as it was for the nation. TV channels actively captured the 'social activism' so-to-speak around the Narmada Bachao Andolan's protests in regards to the Sardar Sarovar mega dam project. We had the full gamut of angry public protests, screaming people, amidst the left-liberalism shown by the likes of Arundhati Roy, and "new to the fold" Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. The principal catalyst driving the for and against protests was of course Medha Patkar's hunger strike.

The calling came through the small screen, when an ailing Patkar challenged the nation with a statement, "We invite the youth, academicians, activists and actors to join the campaign. We want to expose the true state of rehabilitation measures taken by the governments of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It will expose all that the government is doing in the name of development."

Providing the starry spark for her message was Aamir Khan, "I want the people of this nation to watch this footage carefully. These are the politicians whom we have voted." Aamir was actually referring to the footage where politicians were caught throwing out people from their homes.

Here, almost every channel managed to get an exclusive interview with the otherwise reclusive star. Most of the interviews, really surfaced on suspicion as Aamir's sudden activist stance was questioned by everyone - so, are you trying to promote your upcoming film through this? Why Narmada Bachao Andolan? But somehow, for his good track record, Aamir came out real clean and honest.

In all, I think our country really needs more of this. Active resistance from across a cross section of society. And couple this with a rather active and vibrant media; social change can't be far away. Like, they say a picture says a thousand words, the television footage, had said more than any print story could say about the role of civil society and polity in India.

. As Medha Patkar, who while giving up her 20 day fast for getting justice for the displaced families said - the fight is not over yet. This challenge is deeper, larger and bigger." I agree fully.

And talking about emotional outpourings getting violent, I was quite amazed at the public protests in Karnataka following the death of the state's legendary film icon Rajkumar. TV channels captured scenes of unruly mobs, chasing and beating up policemen. who were a target of the public ire. In the midst of all the mayhem, viewers were also treated to footage from Aannavaru's (elder brother as he was referred to) 45-year film career.

*****

Moving on to soaps, , after a long time I managed to catch some rushes of the Bag Films produced Kumkum. So, finally even this serial has gone in for the 20-year generation leap. One of the most successful serials in the afternoon slot, which has completed more than 770 episodes. I think, the leap was long overdue to shake out the viewer ennui.

But, inspite of the leap, the lead pair Juhi and Sumit still continue to look youthful and romantic I quite like the younger characters who have been introduced in the serial. There is Vivan as Dhruv who plays Hussain's (Sumit) son. Apart, from the characters, the show has been totally revamped to give it a rather young and stylish look. Also, from the look of it, the sets now have rather colourful interiors, beautiful paintings and a lovely decor.

Since, we are on generation leaps, looks like mother of all soaps, Kyunki Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi, is finally all set for its third generation leap. And with Savita Virani, out of the picture now, it's Tulsi's turn to take over as the Saas while the four bahus create troule for her. So, will be interesting to see if Tulsi's character will change for the wicked in time to come. After all, saas bhi kabhi bahu thi...

Aamir Khan's pic from: indiafm.com
Medha's pic from: studentorgs.utexas.edu