I guess Door Darshan should have a new slogan. In Indian English - Take no tension, watch Door Darshan.
No screaming anchors, no disturbing visuals... news read in the same monotone. In the 55th year of its existence, I have begun watching the channel again. You can let it go on in the background and read a book peacefully. Off and on, glancing up to take in the news. It indeed is tranquil. And there is no sarcasm here. Years ago, I was criticising it for just the very reasons !
They do not even give you the schedule of programmes. And one is sometimes pleasantly surprised when there is a telecast of a good debate, good music, a good film. Which, believe me is quite often. Door Darshan has the best archives of music, film, new reels and features. And just as you get immersed in it, there is an abrupt halt and time for the next show. Perhaps, if they really had a well thought of schedule, they would let the public know !
Door Darshan brings back memories of the family getting together in the TV room. It was bonding time. From my old grandmother to the family help, and the dog. Children on the mat. The swirling logo and music that Hritik Roshan made fun of in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara - which my daughter would call the Dumtaka music - would bring all other activities in the house to a standstill. Right from the agriculture programmes that began at 6 pm to the end with the news at night. After which everyone dispersed to bed. Nothing was 24/7 those days. The term did not exist.
Which brings me to the present. The ongoing 2014 Asian Games at South Korea. Door Darshan is indeed telecasting the Asian Games. The 2011 edition.
What is the medal tally ? Ignorance is bliss.