It has become a habit to repeat one’s own self again and again. That’s the problem with most of the serials and the shows celebrating the weird lives of celebrities. Jeena Isi Ka Naam is one such serial that stands out in the mediocrity that is doled out on TV in the name of celebrity shows. The two reasons that immediately come to mind are suave-n-refined anchor Farooq Sheikh and the producers NDTV. Naam Mein Kuch Dum Hai!! Isn’t it!
’’JIKNH’’ is one serial that is gripping in many ways. It started with deconsructing stars like Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Saurav Ganguly. The sincere efforts are made to research the minute details about the stars. Many friends or acquaintances are invited from distant places. The most poignant moment comes to my mind when Naseeruddin Shah broke into tears after meeting the principle of his school. This old gentleman had come all the way from Australia. Naseer had been under the impression that he had passed away and to see him in flesh-n-blood was a goose-pimple-evoking moment.
There’s no doubt that the fuel behind this well run serial is the anchor Farooq Sheikh. The yesteryear star of such movies as Umrao Jaan, Bazaar, Chashme Baddoor and Katha adds a dose of constant refreshment with his unique sense of humour. He never tries to steal the thunder from the celebrity, nor does he indulge in undue maskabaazi. It is to his credit that episodes featuring ordinary stars like Aftab Shivdasani are made to look watchable just because of Sheikh’s wonderful sense of comic timing while going for breaks etc.
The sets of the show are quite appealing and so is the title music. The regal Kurtas worn by Farooq Sheikh have already been declared a fashion statement by the fashion gurus universally. One of the shortcomings that come to my mind is the fact that there are moments when one feels that it is basically an exercise in making the celebrity feel royal. With a Shahrukh Khan or Shyam Benegal its fine. But I wouldn’t bracket Lara Dutta or Tushshaar Kapoor in the same league at all. And moreover, there is no mention of anything clandestine or controversial. Everything is goody goody. Rather diabetic. Don’t you think!
Anyways, all said and done, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai is a watchable show. The last public appearance of late actor Mahmood happened on the show featuring Johny Lever. Mahmood sahab was in his element. I read after his death that there were plans to do an episode on him as well. But there were people who asked for money to appear in his show. Some of them were people who are what they are because of Mahmood sahab. Well, what can one say...Jeena Shayad Isi Ka Naam Hai