Prologue

It was the era of glamorous TV stars who were as popular as film actors. Salma Sultan, Minu Talwar, Neethi Ravindran, Jyotsna, Komal G.B. Singh, Sadhna Srivastava to name just a few, carried an aura of distinction, dignity, a value system with unique sovereignty that sets them apart from today’s generation. Most humbly, if I may add, I was blessed to be one of them too.

Doordarshan Days walks through my personal journey during the golden period of Doordarshan in the decade of the eighties.

It was a fascinating period when Doordarshan started spreading its wings in all spheres adding vibrant feathers to its cap. This was the decade that created memories forever for many viewers as well as us, the presenters on screen, the producers, technicians, cameramen, and so many of our colleagues without whose hard work and support we could never have established our identity and reached people’s hearts as we did.

This book showcases the inside out of Doordarshan and its stars, unearthing interesting anecdotes, presenting the glamour and grind of the TV world in olden times, the comedy and absurdity, its history and its working pattern.

Doordarshan Days narrates my experiences from nerve rattling audition jitters to becoming a smiling, camera-friendly anchor and then an abrupt end in 1990 after thirteen long years of screen presence.

Some unusual occurrence jammed the brake so hard that it left me with no choice but to leave my television career. It compelled me to dwell into oblivion.

The inherent philosopher in a person inevitably pops up when the tide of life ebbs. One begins to imagine and think differently, realizes that life is short, people come and whiff away like a wave in the sea. N othing lingers on—name, fame, position, power is all but a flimsy bubble.

So, why not make hay while the sun shines? And, that is exactly how I conducted myself when the going was good. However, when the tide turned tough, every moment was a fight for survival; I could not let my life whimper away without making a splash to counter the strong, destructive waves. Swami Vivekananda’s Sanskrit quote kept vibrating through me:

“Utishtata. Jagrata. Prapya varannibodhata.”(Arise. Awake. And stop not till the goal is reached.) I had to show resilience and muster up courage to resurface as a noted painter, poet, and author. This book traces my voyage onwards to the literary world that propelled me forward with the hope and promise of a happy future.

Friends, I hope I will have your attention and full approval like earlier for this book too; even though it is an entirely different genre.

It’s an autobiography of my professional life—it was an intense life, an exuberant life that created a halo of recognition for me on Planet Doordarshan. It was, in fact, the realization of a fantasy that millions dream of; but few are fortunate enough to achieve—the fame and glory!

Viewers were always keen to know more about the roller coaster ride of TV presenters. So, here I am, narrating the agony and ecstasy that I have walked through, and realized that it is possible to leave an indelible mark on people’s minds if one works hard with full passion.

I am sure all my Doordarshan friends must also be having memories aplenty to share with the world. Doordarshan Days has the unique distinction of being the first in this sphere; it chronicles the complete picture of Doordarshan, from its infancy to its coming of age and beyond.

I hope it inspires you, dear readers, to sow the seeds of your ambition firmly, work crazily towards attaining your goals, and let the world relish the fruits of your achievements! I love you, my special friends, who still cherish that black and white image of Doordarshan. Hope you identify with this nostalgic journey back in time and reminisce memory lanes of the indomitable Doordarshan as much as I did while collecting stardust from the corridors of my workplace during the glittering golden era!

Awaiting your valuable comments.

 - Manna Bahadur