Showing posts with label Annup Sonii. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annup Sonii. Show all posts
Annup Sonii to return as host on Crime Patrol
7:36 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; July 5, 2019)
His decision to quit Crime Patrol, a show he hosted for eight years and had become synonymous with, in April 2018, came as a shock to many. A year later, however, Annup Sonii is all set to return to host the show.
He tells BT, “I took a break from the show as the actor in me was restless. I consider myself as an artiste first and performing for me is paramount. Somehow that wasn’t happening, as I was busy hosting Crime Patrol. In this year-long break, I did films and got to play different characters, which helped me satisfy my hunger as an actor. I had no inclination to return to the show and had moved on, but the makers have been understanding enough to accommodate my requirements. I don’t want to put acting on hold and I am glad that they understood my predicament. The show undoubtedly has given me a lot of appreciation, but becoming synonymous with it also came with its own restrictions. Also, I couldn’t experiment with different roles because of my image of a righteous man on the show. As an actor, I should be free to explore shades, which I got to do in this one year.”
Crime TV show Crime Patrol is now a book
8:20 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 7, 2018)
A book based on long running crime series, Crime Patrol, should hit the stands soon. Titled Crime Patrol: The Most Thrilling Stories by Annup Sonii (pictured) and Oswald Pereira, it has been endorsed by Ajay Devgn who says, “Crime doesn’t pay, but it makes for good reading. This book gives you a ringside view of some of the most dangerous crimes.” The book covers true crime stories in some of India’s small towns and warns that signs which may appear ordinary at times, could turn out into heinous crimes.
Annup, who has been hosting the show, points out that for those who are misguided, crime is thrilling. “Little do they know that it has grave consequences both for the victim(s) and the perpetrators. There are many deterrents, like the police force which does a remarkable job in putting such monsters behind bars, but we as citizens need to be vigilant and do our duty in keeping society safe. This is a book which lists some of the most heinous crimes and directs each one of us to keep away from crimes and also falling victim to it,” he asserts.
Oswald adds that it also highlights how the police work round-the-clock in investigating crime, using all their skills and resources in bringing the culprits to book. “My experience as a journalist who had written on crime for several years, helped me in adding a touch of reality to the stories and characters and showing how tough the police’s job is and their tenacity in solving seemingly mysterious cases, despite the many odds that they face,” he informs.
TV doesn't need to be censored anymore than it already is: Indian television industry hits out at Pahlaj Nihalani
8:14 AM
The Indian television industry hits out at Censor Board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani for his recent comments about exercising censorship on the small screen
Neha Maheshwri and Reza Noorani (BOMBAY TIMES; April 27, 2017)
The Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC) chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, has stirred up a hornet's
nest by calling for censorship on television. He recently said that many
TV shows, especially crime-based ones like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan
India, are “crossing limits“ by showing the most gruesome and heinous
crimes in graphic detail.
He added, “Why are filmmakers required to get a new censor certification for their films to be shown on television when the rest of the content made especially for television gets to go on air unchecked? This free flow of content in television must stop. It's affecting the natural psychological development of young minds. Parents are worried.“
Nihalani's statement has met with unanimous opposition from the television industry, which argues that there's already an effective mechanism of self-censorship in place. As actress Pooja Gor, who has also hosted a segment of Savdhaan India, observes, “For years now, TV content has been in tune with what is acceptable to family audiences. In fact, it's the only medium that is already producing filtered content because of its vast reach. And that's precisely why movies have to be certified before being telecast and not shows. As far as crime shows are concerned, the portrayal of incidents is very realistic. These gruesome and heinous crimes have happened in reality - women have been raped and brutal murders have happened. Restricting content on crime shows is not going to change reality. At least, the said shows are conveying a message of caution to the people.“
SELF-REGULATION: THE KEYWORD
TV producers, too, echo Pooja's opinion. Producer Yash Patnaik, who shot a 'kissing scene' between the lead couple of his show Jana Na Dil Se Door, says that while Nihalani is entitled to his opinion, he can't generalise the medium.
Yash adds, “We are a free country and the audience has every right to decide what they want to watch. The TV fraternity is extremely responsible when compared to other mediums. Both producers and broadcasters follow the SNP (Standard Norm Practice) diligently. We don't air foul language, nudity and violence the way other mediums do. Just as censorship is expected on what we show, there also needs to be restraint on what we talk on public forums. It's extremely irresponsible of anyone to generalise the medium and degrade it. Let's have some respect and dignity.“
Sudhir Sharma, who has produced shows like Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and Baawre, adds, “There is already a lot of pressure on us. We are answerable to our broadcasters and viewers. If another body jumps in to dictate terms, that will be the end of creative freedom on television. We don't need more advice on how to make shows and which lines to not overstep.“
Now, the question arises that despite makers being conscious about the content they dish out on the small screen, is there a body regulating it? Every broadcaster has an SNP team keeping a close tab on the content airing on their respective channels. The makers are expected to adhere to the norms and regulations set by these teams. Director-turned-producer Ravindra Gautam, whose show Meri Durga is currently on air, informs, “TV content is monitored by the channel's SNP team, which makes sure that it adheres to all the self-regulatory content guidelines laid down by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). Any complaint regarding the content can be made to the Broadcast Content Complaint Council (BCCC).“
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ON TV?
Ravindra says, “TV should get as bold as society. However, ironically, we are still in the 70s' saas-bahu zone. That's the reason the medium finds it difficult to resonate with the youth. That's also the reason why web series are attracting more youngsters. Bold doesn't just mean sex; it's also about the mindset. We live in an era when we are abhorred for showing a consummation scene after marriage. An actress fears such a scene could be the death knell for her career. In fact, TV needs to get bolder or it will seem regressive. We need to introspect why the youth is more hooked on to the internet and web series. That's because we don't explore unconventional content on TV. The government and the channels should be supportive.“
BOLD ONLY POST 10
Actor Ronit Roy, who has dabbled in both films and TV , says that he believes censorship begins at home. He says, “I don't know about other people's houses. but in my home, we guide our children on what to watch and what not to. Anyway, the bold shows, which have adult content, like Bigg Boss, are broadcast after that time. And in my opinion, it is right because children should be asleep by that time.“
In the past, there have been several instances of broadcasters being summoned by the BCCC for going bold. A representative of the channel is summoned by the body to address and answer viewers' complaints and queries regarding the content. Producer Vikas Gupta says, “I had shot a kiss between two members of the same sex, but the channel didn't approve of it. They were of the opinion that it might get into a legal wrangle and also hurt sentiments of the audience.“
He adds, “Yes, we do produce risqué content, but that's aired after 10 pm when kids are asleep. I wouldn't know why Mr Nihalani has made a statement like that, because we already have a strong censorship system in place. We are answerable to our broadcasters and there are strict rules in place. Unlike movies, where a Befikre can have several kisses but a James Bond film can't, the rules are uniform on television. Also, we run tickers when such shows are aired, so that people can share their opinion with us. TV doesn't need another body interfering with what we show. It doesn't need to be censored anymore than it already is.“
CRIME-BASED SHOWS ARE NOT JUST FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Nihalani's major grievance is with crime-based shows airing on TV currently. He said, “Television soaps, reality shows and crime shows are crossing all limits. Shows like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India show the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail. Real-life people are named in the fictional recreation of crime stories. Women are raped in incestuous attacks, housewives and minor girls are shown to be violated. If the same content was shown in any film, we at the CBFC, would have to clamp down heavily on the content.“
Annup Sonii, who hosts Crime Patrol, rebukes this claim and says, “The medium follows certain thumb rules while making the content. I can vouch that the team of the show has never crossed the line. Even the graphic details are mostly symbolic. This is something that's happening around us. The motive behind recreating these incidents is to inform people that crime is not a solution. Ramayan mein agar Ravan nahi dikhaayenge toh Ram ki achhai ka kaise pata chalega? Also, censorship is equally vested in the hands of viewers, who, if offended by any content, can stop watching it. That will be signal enough for the broadcaster and the channel to pull up their socks and look into what they are dishing out. We are anyway adhering to strong censorship values and don't need another body intervening in our creativity.“
Sushant Singh, the host of Savdhaan India, adds, “I would like to say that the age of censorship is over. It's a lost battle.What next? Ban the internet? What we show on these shows is the harsh reality - minors getting raped, crimes being committed by close relatives... We can't turn a blind eye to something that's happening around us. Will clamping down the portrayal bring down these incidents? On the contrary, a number of victims have gathered courage to report about the injustice done to them due to the message that our show conveys. The only way to curb crime is by raising your voice and fighting back.“
NO NEED FOR FURTHER CENSORSHIP: SHABANA AZMI
In response to Nihalani's comment on censoring TV content, Bollywood
actress Shabana Azmi, who is part of BCCC, says, “At present, there is a
BCCC board that addresses the complaints made by the Information &
Broadcasting Ministry and public. It has members from within the
industry and fields of social science, including representatives from
women's, minorities' and children's commissions headed by Justice
Mudgal. I have been on board since its inception and know how it works
well. It comprises a liberal and sensitive group of people and there has
always been complete compliance from the con
tent team whenever the BCCC has objected to something. The council has
held interactive workshops with creative teams in Mumbai, Chennai,
Hyderabad and Kolkata to sensitise them and hear their compulsions. It
works well and should continue. There is no need for further
censorship.“
FILMS GIVEN MORE LEEWAY THAN TV
Actor Ram Kapoor, who generated quite a buzz following a kissing
sequence with his co-actor Sakshi Tanwar on the TV show Bade Acche Laggte
Hain five years ago, says, “I am baffled by this man's statement. What
is he talking about? Doesn't he know that TV is censored anyway? I am
currently doing a web series and I've
never experienced this kind of creative freedom on TV. We ponder over
everything multiple times before airing it on the small screen because
it's viewed by families. It's morally right to restrict the content on
TV and channels are aware of the norms that they need to follow. If
there is any decline in the viewership owing to offensive
content, it would mean decreased ratings and no channel
would want that. Forget risqué content, a kiss between Sakshi and me
created such an uproar; that should be enough for Nihalani to know that
TV follows stringent guidelines. We can't afford to hurt people.“
He added, “Why are filmmakers required to get a new censor certification for their films to be shown on television when the rest of the content made especially for television gets to go on air unchecked? This free flow of content in television must stop. It's affecting the natural psychological development of young minds. Parents are worried.“
Nihalani's statement has met with unanimous opposition from the television industry, which argues that there's already an effective mechanism of self-censorship in place. As actress Pooja Gor, who has also hosted a segment of Savdhaan India, observes, “For years now, TV content has been in tune with what is acceptable to family audiences. In fact, it's the only medium that is already producing filtered content because of its vast reach. And that's precisely why movies have to be certified before being telecast and not shows. As far as crime shows are concerned, the portrayal of incidents is very realistic. These gruesome and heinous crimes have happened in reality - women have been raped and brutal murders have happened. Restricting content on crime shows is not going to change reality. At least, the said shows are conveying a message of caution to the people.“
SELF-REGULATION: THE KEYWORD
TV producers, too, echo Pooja's opinion. Producer Yash Patnaik, who shot a 'kissing scene' between the lead couple of his show Jana Na Dil Se Door, says that while Nihalani is entitled to his opinion, he can't generalise the medium.
Yash adds, “We are a free country and the audience has every right to decide what they want to watch. The TV fraternity is extremely responsible when compared to other mediums. Both producers and broadcasters follow the SNP (Standard Norm Practice) diligently. We don't air foul language, nudity and violence the way other mediums do. Just as censorship is expected on what we show, there also needs to be restraint on what we talk on public forums. It's extremely irresponsible of anyone to generalise the medium and degrade it. Let's have some respect and dignity.“
Sudhir Sharma, who has produced shows like Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and Baawre, adds, “There is already a lot of pressure on us. We are answerable to our broadcasters and viewers. If another body jumps in to dictate terms, that will be the end of creative freedom on television. We don't need more advice on how to make shows and which lines to not overstep.“
Now, the question arises that despite makers being conscious about the content they dish out on the small screen, is there a body regulating it? Every broadcaster has an SNP team keeping a close tab on the content airing on their respective channels. The makers are expected to adhere to the norms and regulations set by these teams. Director-turned-producer Ravindra Gautam, whose show Meri Durga is currently on air, informs, “TV content is monitored by the channel's SNP team, which makes sure that it adheres to all the self-regulatory content guidelines laid down by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). Any complaint regarding the content can be made to the Broadcast Content Complaint Council (BCCC).“
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ON TV?
Ravindra says, “TV should get as bold as society. However, ironically, we are still in the 70s' saas-bahu zone. That's the reason the medium finds it difficult to resonate with the youth. That's also the reason why web series are attracting more youngsters. Bold doesn't just mean sex; it's also about the mindset. We live in an era when we are abhorred for showing a consummation scene after marriage. An actress fears such a scene could be the death knell for her career. In fact, TV needs to get bolder or it will seem regressive. We need to introspect why the youth is more hooked on to the internet and web series. That's because we don't explore unconventional content on TV. The government and the channels should be supportive.“
BOLD ONLY POST 10
Actor Ronit Roy, who has dabbled in both films and TV , says that he believes censorship begins at home. He says, “I don't know about other people's houses. but in my home, we guide our children on what to watch and what not to. Anyway, the bold shows, which have adult content, like Bigg Boss, are broadcast after that time. And in my opinion, it is right because children should be asleep by that time.“
In the past, there have been several instances of broadcasters being summoned by the BCCC for going bold. A representative of the channel is summoned by the body to address and answer viewers' complaints and queries regarding the content. Producer Vikas Gupta says, “I had shot a kiss between two members of the same sex, but the channel didn't approve of it. They were of the opinion that it might get into a legal wrangle and also hurt sentiments of the audience.“
He adds, “Yes, we do produce risqué content, but that's aired after 10 pm when kids are asleep. I wouldn't know why Mr Nihalani has made a statement like that, because we already have a strong censorship system in place. We are answerable to our broadcasters and there are strict rules in place. Unlike movies, where a Befikre can have several kisses but a James Bond film can't, the rules are uniform on television. Also, we run tickers when such shows are aired, so that people can share their opinion with us. TV doesn't need another body interfering with what we show. It doesn't need to be censored anymore than it already is.“
CRIME-BASED SHOWS ARE NOT JUST FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Nihalani's major grievance is with crime-based shows airing on TV currently. He said, “Television soaps, reality shows and crime shows are crossing all limits. Shows like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India show the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail. Real-life people are named in the fictional recreation of crime stories. Women are raped in incestuous attacks, housewives and minor girls are shown to be violated. If the same content was shown in any film, we at the CBFC, would have to clamp down heavily on the content.“
Annup Sonii, who hosts Crime Patrol, rebukes this claim and says, “The medium follows certain thumb rules while making the content. I can vouch that the team of the show has never crossed the line. Even the graphic details are mostly symbolic. This is something that's happening around us. The motive behind recreating these incidents is to inform people that crime is not a solution. Ramayan mein agar Ravan nahi dikhaayenge toh Ram ki achhai ka kaise pata chalega? Also, censorship is equally vested in the hands of viewers, who, if offended by any content, can stop watching it. That will be signal enough for the broadcaster and the channel to pull up their socks and look into what they are dishing out. We are anyway adhering to strong censorship values and don't need another body intervening in our creativity.“
Sushant Singh, the host of Savdhaan India, adds, “I would like to say that the age of censorship is over. It's a lost battle.What next? Ban the internet? What we show on these shows is the harsh reality - minors getting raped, crimes being committed by close relatives... We can't turn a blind eye to something that's happening around us. Will clamping down the portrayal bring down these incidents? On the contrary, a number of victims have gathered courage to report about the injustice done to them due to the message that our show conveys. The only way to curb crime is by raising your voice and fighting back.“
NO NEED FOR FURTHER CENSORSHIP: SHABANA AZMI
FILMS GIVEN MORE LEEWAY THAN TV
Actor Ram Kapoor, who generated quite a buzz following a kissing
sequence with his co-actor Sakshi Tanwar on the TV show Bade Acche Laggte
Hain five years ago, says, “I am baffled by this man's statement. What
is he talking about? Doesn't he know that TV is censored anyway? I am
currently doing a web series and I've
never experienced this kind of creative freedom on TV. We ponder over
everything multiple times before airing it on the small screen because
it's viewed by families. It's morally right to restrict the content on
TV and channels are aware of the norms that they need to follow. If
there is any decline in the viewership owing to offensive
content, it would mean decreased ratings and no channel
would want that. Forget risqué content, a kiss between Sakshi and me
created such an uproar; that should be enough for Nihalani to know that
TV follows stringent guidelines. We can't afford to hurt people.“
Overdose of crime shows? - But crime sells!-Annup Sonii
8:06 AM
Annup Sonii just completed 1000 episodes as the anchor of Crime Patrol
Roshni K Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; August 18, 2016)
In the 1000 episodes that
you've completed as an anchor of Crime Patrol, which case left a deep
impact on you?
Each episode in its own way has affected me emotionally, but as an anchor I feel Crime Patrol has done great service to society by exposing human trafficking. Also the female foeticide problem that is prevalent through Baby Falak episode and another case in Maharashtra.
Your style of anchoring is natural and not over-the-top. Was that a conscious decision on your part?
I have grown as an anchor with each episode. From the beginning, the makers, the channel and I were absolutely clear that there should be no drama in the anchoring portion. I also didn't want to sound like I was preaching. I am overwhelmed with the love and respect I have received from the audience. My relationship with them is that of a well-wisher, who's from among them. I never say 'Aap ko aisa karna chaahiye ya nahi karna chaahiye'. I always say 'hamein'.
Don't you think the audience has had an overdose of crime shows on TV?
These are phases. Right now people feel crime sells, thus everybody is into making these shows. Crime Patrol has set a benchmark though and our focus has always been to make people aware and alert.
What about the age-old concern that potential criminals can master their modus operandi from crime shows?
To each his own. Ramayan speaks about both Ram and Ravan, it's left to the world to choose who they want to worship. At the end of every episode, there is always a strong message we convey and I always say 'Crime Never Pays'. Well, it may be wishful thinking to expect the world to see only the good in everything.
After Balika Vadhu, we haven't seen you in a fiction show?
Crime Patrol takes away my maximum time, but I will be happy to take on a fiction show provided the role is central or of a pivotal character.
What do you think about the current content on TV?
In the last few years Indian television scenario has reached its pinnacle with international collaborations, infinite series, grand historicals etc. But the unfortunate side is that we are still indulging in regressive content and shows that mislead the audience. We need to understand that television plays an important role in shaping the mentality of the society. I personally feel along with entertainment, content should also reflect morals, values and a progressive thought process.
Each episode in its own way has affected me emotionally, but as an anchor I feel Crime Patrol has done great service to society by exposing human trafficking. Also the female foeticide problem that is prevalent through Baby Falak episode and another case in Maharashtra.
Your style of anchoring is natural and not over-the-top. Was that a conscious decision on your part?
I have grown as an anchor with each episode. From the beginning, the makers, the channel and I were absolutely clear that there should be no drama in the anchoring portion. I also didn't want to sound like I was preaching. I am overwhelmed with the love and respect I have received from the audience. My relationship with them is that of a well-wisher, who's from among them. I never say 'Aap ko aisa karna chaahiye ya nahi karna chaahiye'. I always say 'hamein'.
Don't you think the audience has had an overdose of crime shows on TV?
These are phases. Right now people feel crime sells, thus everybody is into making these shows. Crime Patrol has set a benchmark though and our focus has always been to make people aware and alert.
What about the age-old concern that potential criminals can master their modus operandi from crime shows?
To each his own. Ramayan speaks about both Ram and Ravan, it's left to the world to choose who they want to worship. At the end of every episode, there is always a strong message we convey and I always say 'Crime Never Pays'. Well, it may be wishful thinking to expect the world to see only the good in everything.
After Balika Vadhu, we haven't seen you in a fiction show?
Crime Patrol takes away my maximum time, but I will be happy to take on a fiction show provided the role is central or of a pivotal character.
What do you think about the current content on TV?
In the last few years Indian television scenario has reached its pinnacle with international collaborations, infinite series, grand historicals etc. But the unfortunate side is that we are still indulging in regressive content and shows that mislead the audience. We need to understand that television plays an important role in shaping the mentality of the society. I personally feel along with entertainment, content should also reflect morals, values and a progressive thought process.
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