Friday, May 11, 2012

Satynameva Jayate, A win-win

Without a doubt Aamir Khan's Satyameva Jayate has captured our attention. Usually, I do not respond to programs asking viewers to send SMS. But no sooner had Aamir announced, I had sent the SMS.

Later on, I went to Twitter and Facebook to promote the program. Obviously, everyone was talking about Satyameva Jayate. An acquaintance posted a comment in response to my status message that baffled me.

He made a sarcastic comment stating that Aamir takes Rs. 3 Crore for every episode. I didn't try to argue with him.

What is wrong in Aamir charging for the show? Why should someone do anything for free? Isn't it a common saying - there are no free lunches?

In fact, I think Aamir through Satyameva Jayate has create a perfect Win-Win for everyone who is involved.

1. Audience: Aamir after a long time has given the populace a reason to sit together and watch something meaningful on TV.
2. Advocacy: The program hits you. Though only one episode has been telecasted, I am sure the rest will also be well researched and holistic.
3. Channels: For sure, the TRP ratings would be shooting. The channel must be very happy to get all the eye balls.
4. Self: Of course, Aamir is an actor by professional. Why would you expect him to be anything else? Did you expect him not to make any profit from Tare Zameer Par or 3 Idiots. These movies had message and were powerful in their own rights. For that matter you didn't expect Vidhu Vinod to screen Munnabhai for free.

I might be wrong, unless Aamir mentioned that he was running Satyameva Jayate as Not for profit. And for those who have an issue with the transactions, please forget about the money, just get the message.