Reading newspaper is no more a gratifying experience. Good news has become a rarity. Whether it’s a national or a regional newspaper nothing constructive could be found and issues such as terrorism, corruption, political dramas, inflation, crime, erotic photographs, etc., are ruling the roost causing unnecessary unrest among the readers.

The worry here is not about newspapers covering some of those issues but about the way they are presented. The newspapers seem to have taken a cue from the television news channels, which are creating havoc in the name of being voice of the commoner, on how to sensationalize content.

A majority of the newspapers have serious political affiliations and work as the unofficial spokesperson of those parties. Any newspaper supporting a political party unearths some scandal involving the opposite party and tries to portray it as the biggest and the most heinous crime on the globe through its headlines, cartoons, special features, etc. The rival party retaliates through its unofficial spokesperson (newspaper), ultimately making it a war between two newspapers. This trend is rampant among regional newspapers (Sakshi versus Eenadu in Andhra Pradesh). Sadly, the sacred editorial column too is not spared.

Another disturbing feature is the liberal use of erotic photographs and the coverage of trivial news about hitherto unknown people. Actress and models clad in bikinis and skimpy clothes are a regular feature in The Times of India and The Deccan Chronicle. Do they know that we are least bothered about an ex-Scandinavian model going to a psychiatrist after breaking up with her boyfriend or a football player’s former girlfriend undergoing a cosmetic surgery?

While some newspapers try to strike a balance between sensationalism and responsible journalism, a majority of them, especially in the regional front, have blatantly discarded the basic principles of journalism.

As a kid I remember my family (and the neighborhood) eagerly waiting for the cries of the newspaper boy. But the interest is no more seen in any of them. My grandfather hardly spends 10 minutes reading the newspaper and my father always complains of lackluster coverage and biased analysis.

I, at the most read headlines, the cartoon commentary and the movie updates section. For information (read correct information) on any topic I depend on the Internet. I bet there are more people like me who are fed up and the number will only grow. Already television and the Internet have relegated newspapers to confectionaries selling stale items. In such a precarious situation, it becomes imperative for the newspapers to build a positive image among the public and play a constructive role in the development of the country.

This doesn’t mean it’s all over for the early morning visitor. We still love it. Newspaper that thrives on giving the right information to the public is always welcomed. It’s the perfect companion while sipping a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s the only source which can present so much of diverse information in such a convenient form, and allows us to read at leisure. We still don’t want to miss experts’ opinion on inflation, economic crisis, and a brilliant cricket match (though we have watched it live), and of course the valuable editorial piece.

For today, Lord Venkateshwara seemed to have gone second in terms of popularity in the temple town of Tirupati. Politician turned Mega Star's first stage show turned out to be a box-office bonanza. Over 10 lakh people (or should we say fans)attended his first political meet, which also was his party's launchpad.

The crowd was delirious chanting Jai Chiranjeeva (which happens to be one of his films) and went berserk once the party name was announced. The name was announced by Chiranjeevi in a filmi style by starting the countdown from five. Though the name Praja Rajyam might not really sound that forceful when taken into account the hype and suspence surrounding his mega entry, it doesn't matter much when the party is led by Chiranjeevi. The way the launch was conducted, rather made success by his huge fan following, was really something that Chiranjeevi and his supporters would have wanted as first signs of victory. Though Chiranjeevi didn't directly hit out at any one, which is often the case with all political parties, he spoke his heart out.

Personally, I feel Chiru is a soft-spoken person, which can be a negative trait in politics. Looking at the way he has behaved over the last few weeks, he is slowly learning tricks of the trade. It's not going to be easy for him in any way with all bigwigs (in fact politically and morally corrupted rascals)around him. At the end of the day, I see only two possibilities - he might wage a lone battle against them or become one of them.

Chiru has bid adieu to the glamor world and yours truly is deeply saddened by this. We miss his amazing histrionics and especially his style and dancing. He is perhaps the only big hero in India who can dance, act and has his own imitable style. We miss the hype surrounding his releases and the frenzy fans' hungama and, of course, his larger than life image on the big screen. On the whole, we miss the Mega Star, perhaps one of the best entertainers that Indian cinema has produced.

On the flip side, I don't see any positive impact on the so call forward castes. I hope that, at least issues like corruption, education and health will be addressed properly.

Hats off to the people of Karnataka for teaching the sleeping father and his fat son a fitting lesson. It's also an important victory for BJP as this will send positive vibes across its branch offices in other southern states.

The beleaguered Kumaraswamy tried to put a brave face but alas! the huge defeat was vivid on his face. "In politics there is no ending. Every time it will start from the beginning. In politics, any person can win the hearts of people in the elections. We will fight it (loss of seats) and we salute the people (for their verdict), whenever people are in problem we will help them and try to cooperate with Karnataka," he groaned.

It would be better if the father and son sleep till the next elections.

Moving on to other things, I am happy that IPL is coming to an end in a couple of days. It's been an overdose of cricket and I really need a break from it. Of course, this dejection may also be due to the losing streak of Deccan Chargers.

Couldn't watch Bujjigaadu - Made in Chennai. Will finish off this week. Rejected one match and currently in turmoil regarding the right girl.

This is continuation of my earlier post on Chiru and his entry into politics. It will be a mistake to say that Chiru will change Andhra Pradesh in a jiffy, if he wins the next elections.

I only say that we need some one who has a clean image (leave alone his family matters) and has been involved in giving something for the society which has given him the status, money and power to come to power. Couple of reasons and extended thoughts on why Chiru's entry is important

1. As said a good human being with a penchant for service. He already has enough money and so I think (but not sure) money is not the motivating factor for him to enter politics.

But not sure how will he be after joining the politics.

2. Through his loyal fans, who made his blood and eye banks huge success, he can achieve his ambition or take his initiatives closer to people better than normal political parties.

As to some comments on my friend's blog, the future of Chiru's son is more secured than Akshayee Khanna, Bobby Deol, Ranbir Kapoor, Farhadeen Khan, etc. His daughter episode is history now. As far as Chiru is concerned, it is too early for him to call it a day.

This said, it is important for Chiru not to follow the footsteps of late NTR who started with a bang and over a period of time became one among the many filthy politicians.

However, it would be better if Chiru decides to partner with a meaningful party like Lok Satta.

This is a good news for millions of people, include the write too.

Personally, I have been waiting for someone with a macho image to enter the world of dirty politics, atleast in Andhra Pradesh which has been under the clutches of two caste-based selfish political parties during the last two decades.

The signals from our Megastar camp indicating the floating a new political party has
certainly created ripples across entire Andhra Pradesh. Padmabhusan Megastar Chiranjeevi's larger than life image on screen, massisive fan following (I presume more than half of AP which is around 5 crores along with his fellow caste members) and the command he has over the Telugu film industry, will definitely attract the votes of masses.

Closely observing the mood of people across Andhra Pradesh, it is clear that they are vexed with the current govt for obvious reasons. In this situation, Chiranjeevi, who already has shown his inclination to do something for the society (for whatever reasons), has given a fresh lease of life to the boring and mundane politics.

If everything goes well, he might well become the next CM. Already, there are some politicians from the TDP and Congress willing to join Chiru's party. Rajashekar Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu are under tremendous pressure as they are sure the Chiru wave will certainly throw them to distant shores.

However, this said, I would love him to guide the party and continue to mesmerize us
through his screen presence.

Vote for Chiru

Jai Chiranjeeva!

Karnataka has once again come under President's rule. JD(S) has once again played spoil sport. The reason is trifle - the BJP had not accepted to certain conditions of JD(S). One can easily guess who the conditions favored. There has not been a single person in Karnataka to complete the term in the recent past barring SM Krishna. Interestingly, there seems to be no plausible solution to this musical chairs. It clearly shows that the parties have no concern for the welfare of the people and the development in the state.

I still strongly feel that Karnataka should be under President's rule during the remaining term just to teach a fitting lesson to the power-greedy political clubs like JD(S). I would be glad if someone explains me the reason behind Kumaraswamy not stepping down after completing his term.

Power conscious politicians are just playing havoc on the country's future.