SATYAMEV JAYATE Review: Aamir Khan’s calculated risk?
The actor’s TV chat show creates a sensation amongst viewers on debut. But will the euphoria sustain for the remaining episodes?
Aamir Khan cried and made others cry. But it was not a scene from one of his issue-based Bollywood movies. These were spontaneous reactions to people’s issues on his first TV show, Satyamev Jayate that premiered on Indian television on May 6. Read on to know what we felt about the show…
THE FIRST FEW MINUTES
Satyamev Jayate began with Aamir walking on the beach, sharing his thoughts and literally explaining to his audience why he, an entertainer who is happy in his own world, cared about making a show that concerns every Indian. “Mujhe kya fark padta hai?” he questioned, providing the answer himself, “Lekin fark padta hai, kyunki main bhi toh issi samaj ka ek hissa hoon….” Aamir approached this in a very personal way, although it did seem a bit preachy. Having removed all doubts in people’s minds about his inspiration behind the show, the actor made it clear that he did not want to blame or criticise anyone or take perpetrators to court. “Sirf hungama khada karna mera maksad nahin, meri koshish hai ki yeh soorat badalni chahiye, mere seene mein nahin toh tere seene mein hee sahi, ho kahin bhi aag, lekin aag jalni chahiye,” he summed it up.
THE FORMAT
For a discerning viewer, the format seemed to be a take on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Some simply hung on with patience just to see whether Aamir could pull it off. The Bollywood star began with talking about the importance of mother dearest in our lives. While some were wondering if the episode was a Mother’s Day special since it falls on May 11, it soon became clear that the topic for the first episode was female foeticide. The actor chatted with three women who had to suffer multiple abortions and/or torture for carrying a girl child. Although he was shocked and in tears upon hearing each one’s story, Aamir handled each interaction with dignity and grace and did not forget to highlight the important points. He also spoke to doctors and researchers. The warmth of a fatherly Amitabh Bachchan talking to Kaun Banega Crorepati 5‘s contestants – most with a traumatic background – was probably missing. But then Satyamev Jayate is not a quiz show where you could just go on to the next question. This format deals with a serious issue, and tries to act towards a possible solution.
SHOCKING REVELATIONS
Statistics and reports were used as testimonials, and some shocking truths came out, for example:
- Female infanticide was started as a government scheme in the 1970s, during the population explosion in India.
- Killing the foetus in the womb is a Rs 2,000-3,000 crore industry in India.
- In some parts of India including Rajasthan, hordes of men are unmarried thanks to girls being killed before or at birth. As a result, young women from other states and communities are ‘bought’ and ‘sold’ either for lawful marriage, or forceful sexual intercourse by 4-5 men who have not been able to find a bride.
- It’s the educated and urban classes that indulge in female infanticide more than the rural/tribal areas.
- Doctors use code words for sex determination in Gujarat – if it’s a boy, they say ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ and if it’s a girl, the words are ‘Jai Mata Di’.
THE SOLUTION
He might not take people to court or directly blame anyone, but Aamir boldly showed sting operation footage of doctors involved in female foeticide on his show, and also promised to write a letter to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan asking him to transfer these cases to a fast-track court. He urged people to show support by sending an SMS, (costing only Re 1 and not Rs 3 or 6 like in reality shows), or by supporting the Snehalaya Foundation. But we wonder if Aamir were to take up all the causes (that will be addressed over 13 episodes) personally and follow them up, will he have time for his film commitments? Or is this retirement planning for the 46-year-old?
POSITIVE SIDE
It was nice to see the clippings of a poor woman, who had no qualms about having a daughter. The show ended on a touching note with a song (O ri chiriya) dedicated to the girl child, rendered by lyricist-singer Swanand Kirkire with composer Ram Sampath strumming along.
VIEWER RESPONSE
Indian families were no doubt glued to their TV sets this Sunday morning. Whether they will continue to do it for the remaining 12 episodes of Satyamev Jayate remains to be seen. But for the first episode, viewer response was so high that the Satyamev Jayate website [www.satyamevjayate.in] crashed. Twitter and Facebook also saw Aamir Khan and the show top-trending the entire day, with positive as well as negative remarks from the media, fans and renowned personalities. Websites carrying stories on the show, including BollywoodLife, got passionate comments from people with their first reactions – both by the individuals affected by the highlighted issue and the ones who simply wanted to support the cause.
LITTLE REVOLUTION
Makes us wonder if Aamir Khan is bringing about a small revolution in the country. The actor denied that he aimed to do that, saying he only wanted to unite people for the causes discussed on his show. Wethinks if Satyamev Jayate happens to unite the country like Anna Hazare did last year, Aamir Khan might just bring about a revolution in small parts of the country. At least until the show is on. And we like the idea of that. But if it actually happens, will Aamir be able to handle it?
First Published: 11.56 AM IST 05.07.2012
Related Stories On BollywoodLife.com
Aamir Khan's 'Satyamev Jayate' first episode: Female infanticide and …
read more >>
SATYAMEV JAYATE: Does Aamir Khan deserve a Bharat Ratna?
read more >>
'Satyamev Jayate' impact: Aamir Khan to meet parliamentary panel
read more >>
SATYAMEV JAYATE: Aamir Khan defaming Rajasthan for publicity?
read more >>
HRIDAYA NARAIN
Posted at 4:49 PM on June 19, 2012
Amir ji you are indeed perfectionist. Whatever subject your are apting , doing full justice by communicating to our nation. Your program is giving a ray of hope to Indian citizen.I hope that you shall take casteism too as subject for your program.
HAM HOGE KAMYAB EK
THANKS
Ubale k.s.
Posted at 7:55 PM on June 17, 2012
Amirji you are really doing very good job for the intrest of our nation.you are doing job which our politician cant do (or not intrested do).Ihope in future you will add curruption related episode.
Your every episode is touching our heart & encoureging me to do somthing for society & our nation.
tingare vishnu
Posted at 1:22 PM on June 12, 2012
i am very very happy.
usha
Posted at 8:58 AM on June 11, 2012
aamir sir please create awareness to the people about the dongi swamijis.
geetha gundavaram
Posted at 6:50 PM on June 10, 2012
Its really interesting& touchingit will difinetly bring change in the attitude outlook in rural india as commnication best source for development,the presentation is very good lot information is collected &presented
zahabia
Posted at 1:07 PM on June 10, 2012
salaam aamir khan
helo i have been watching your shows found really interesting,i am zahabia pardawala i live in dubai and married with 3 kids by proffession i am hairstyilist and make up artist i want 2 do something diff with my proffession for our country or any where around the world in this world of fashion,gagdets,and many more,being in this field and knowing to change people with make overs want to do something for people who would like to be like star but cannot afford it,because even beauty is a very big thing in this world,beauty and brains work 2 gather and can b a world of a difference.example-like in villages small towns snd district, women, men, boys,girls small kids, would l
ike to go to a and parlour and get gromming done,but cant go of various reason,may be my thinking would be different but i want to help,i dont have that capital to start with i wanted help and encouragement that i can do it and i know that u can make it happen,every one will get a chance to look beautiful and a chance to experience the parlour and spa i really would like to do this.please u do shows on different topics and this is also a very important thing 1chance and it can work i also would like to teach this for people who would like to learn.i would like to talk to u abiut this in detailing if i can put my thoughts in words and partical ways. I would like to discuss this please would u give me yr # or recive a call on my # which is 0097150 8401843.awating for your postive reply
thak u
sarveesh sang
Posted at 11:30 PM on June 4, 2012
We have been watching all episodes of satyayamev jayate and the reaction.This programme has a life changing and life giving effect on old and new generation and will change their thinking and the philosophy of life .In case 20% will learn and become human you would have done your job. Fighting for the truth is the most difficult job may god give you more strength and determination continue on such issues.I am 77 and live in London for last 46 years.Are you taking up issues like corruption and black money? Biggest corruption exists in legal and medical field every where in the world. Rang de Basanti was the right answer for the politics of india.Racism was a big issue in 60′s 70′s and 80′s and lot of Indians suffered due to unfair treatment. Now things are bit better in UK but I will not encourage any one to come and settle in this country. Remove bribery and corruption , reform police and building industry india will be most heavenly country in the world. Baba ramdev ji and Anna Hazarey Ji have done a great job.
Tanwir
Posted at 5:15 PM on June 3, 2012
Amir,,
This is a new idea to earn MONEY,
Playing with Indian sentiments,,
Every once very well aware about these entire situation.
Only One Answer I need….
If it is social service,,,
WHY YOU ARE CHARGING 4CARORS INR EACH EPISOD..????
sameer
Posted at 3:59 PM on June 8, 2012
@Tanvir,
Dude grow UP!!! Go and get the numbers. It his own production, he can not charge money to anyone.
and moreever he has delayed his much waited film talaash (which was supposed to be release on 01 June) for the show.
Suman
Posted at 12:09 AM on June 10, 2012
Do you know who is the producer of the show? Its ‘ Aamir khan production’. Why he has to charge 4 crore then?
Jaspal Singh Gidda
Posted at 6:50 AM on May 31, 2012
Nawanshahr is a city of Punjab.. It falls in the Disrict of Shahid Bhagat SIngh Nagar.In 2005 a movement to save the girl child was launched by then Deputy Commissioner Sh. Krishan Kumar with the help of NGOs umbrella “UPKAR CO-ORDINATION SOCIETY” and Inforcement..Day & Night movement became the movement public. Number of awareness tools are applied by Upkar Society..i.e Seminars, Rallies, Play,Jago, Parbhat Feri, Teean, Girls Lohri, Computer Education, Magazine, Declamation contests. Now Parbhat Feris ( Rally which held by traditional music instrumrnts and held at 4 AM in a village/Towm) are continue. Sex Ratio in the year of 2001 was 808/1000 in the age group of 0-6 yrs. Now it is 879/1000 in the year of 2011 as per census record. Now as per latest survey in the age group of 0-1 yrs is recorded 975/1000. The movement is continue..Awareness movements required long process..We are committed for that..Aamir Khan’s serial “Jaytamev Jayate” is beyond the expectations..It create awareness throughout the world..Aamir Khan boost the spirit among the NGOs and general public..Aamir Khan and his aproach is Zindabad..Long Live Aamir Khan..Good Wishes for his efforts.
Abhijeet Deb
Posted at 10:16 PM on May 30, 2012
Amir Ji aapke Is Program me is India Ke Har Nagrik Aapke Saath Hai.Hum sab Internet Se Aapka Saath Dunga. SATYA KA JAI HO. Jai Hind.
Pradeep gupta
Posted at 9:00 PM on May 30, 2012
Amir sir i have watched ur all episodes, u r doing a well job…. I have uploaded ur’s 1 picture 4m the episode on facebook i have got above 300 likes and many comment’s….i fell very happy that many people are supporting u and i am also….u go on Amir sir we all INDIAN are with u….
Tanwir
Posted at 5:40 PM on June 3, 2012
Have you uploaded Anna Ji Pics on facebook,,
He is the real ground Hero,, Not TV show Hero,,
He even not asked a single MONEY For Social Service,, Like Amir 40000000Rs/Eposid,,
Think India Think,,
Azad
Posted at 12:12 AM on June 10, 2012
You are mad. You need to grow up. Get facts correct and then comment or else if you are a hater of Aamir khan get lost from here
Sigma
Posted at 10:48 PM on July 22, 2012
atleast we r able to see those matters about which we hardly think…….we are aware about the various problems…….also with ray of hope as we even see the work of many great contribution of common people fighting against their own problem.
Pradeep gupta
Posted at 8:59 PM on May 30, 2012
Amir sir i have watched ur all episodes, u r doing a well job…. I have uploaded ur’s 1 picture 4m the episode on facebook i have got above 300 likes and many comment’s….i fell very happy that many people are supporting u and i am also….u go on Amir sir we all are with u….
jitendra l
Posted at 6:08 PM on May 28, 2012
D o i s
office allahabad h.s/ent board exam form sell rate .1000rs (9th 11th registration form sell rate500 /form examination centre aremade-Rs 100000-00new centre old centre Rs 60000-)rate leta hai
Uma kaushik
Posted at 4:31 PM on May 27, 2012
Respected aamir sir,
i’v watched ur t.v. show satyamev jayate.i believe that this is d only t.v. show,which will bring revolution in our society. you’ve done a great job,keep showing this type of episodes to awake people from the sound sleep, otherwise again they’ll sleep.I’M with u.If I can do anything for MY society i’M ready.
Thanx.i salute u.
satyamev jayate.
bande mataram.
sunil from patiala
Posted at 12:50 PM on May 27, 2012
dear aamir you’ve done a great job,keep showing this type of episodes to awake people from the sound sleep, otherwise again they’ll sleep.May God bless u with gud thoughts.
Thanx.
tanu
Posted at 1:44 PM on May 26, 2012
hi i m tanu frm punjab mere sath bhi bahut galat hua hai hai par mein kisi ko kuch keh ni pati …….mein kya karu
Devang sagar
Posted at 4:50 PM on May 24, 2012
Amirkhan ji
Apane aek rhushimuni jesa kam karatehe
Vesa kam karahe
Abhindan
Vaibhav Agarwal
Posted at 3:48 PM on May 24, 2012
These type of episodes so called as awakening India had been there for a long time. It had now become a business for making money. But if Aamir would really be interested in taking a step towards awakening India then he should have joined politics in my opinion. We do seriously need some educated people in our political system. People who have the guts to change things. Otherwise it would be a waste of time.
dilu
Posted at 12:58 AM on May 22, 2012
Respected aamir sir,
i’v watched ur t.v. show satyamev jayate.i believe that this is d only t.v. show,which will bring revolution in our socity.i salute u.
when mr.sachin is god f cricket,i belive that u r d god f acting & bollywood.
jay jagannath.
satyamev jayate.
bande mataram.
jaydeepsinh rajput
Posted at 7:00 PM on May 20, 2012
” amir khan sucsesfull acters ”
” kyoki vo ek childarn ki smsaya or uske vichr janne ki bhut achhi koshis karte he ”
thankss amir khan
jaydeepsinh from vavdi stat
jaydeepsinh
Posted at 6:54 PM on May 20, 2012
AMIR KHAN NE E PROGRRAM JOIN KARKE BHUT ACHH KIYA HE KYO KIM AJ KE JAMANE KE LADKO KOAMIRJI BHUT HI TELENTED LAGTE HE OR IS AMIR JI SE BHUT PRBHAVIT HOTE HE QYU KI AMIR JI EK BHUT SACSESFULL ACTERS BHI HE THANKSSSSSSS AMIRJI
Little Survivors International
Posted at 3:00 PM on May 16, 2012
Great to see a brave celebrity talk about such an important and confronting issue like infanticide, a problem that the Indian Government has failed to adequately address. An NGO has launched a petition titled “Prime Minister: End Infanticide in India” on change.org under recent petitions in the Human Rights category, please sign the petition and tell the Prime Minister to act now to end infanticide.
Pradeep M
Posted at 10:39 PM on May 15, 2012
Dear Aamerji,
You started a great job, go ahead all Indians With You. All the Best
Abhishek
Posted at 9:21 PM on May 15, 2012
carry onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn mr khan
sush
Posted at 7:26 PM on May 14, 2012
Aamir khan ne duniya ka subse ghatiya program banaya hai…
kyuki uski soch bhi vasi hai…
DILU
Posted at 12:45 AM on May 22, 2012
after saw ur comments, towords satyamev jayate & aamir sir,i felt that u r a rascal.
shakti
Posted at 5:08 PM on May 28, 2012
dear sush,
aap kaun ho mahi nahi jaan ta lekin aap ne jo likha he ye jaisa ghatiya kuch bhi nahi ho sakta, aap ko kaisa program cha hi ye jo sirf tv show wale or contestant ko faida ho or negative hanga ho aap jaise log country k liye sab se bure log ho 1 bar dill me hath rakh k socho aap ka soch kitna galat he mahi aap ka country ka nahi hu lekin hum aamir ka kaam dekh ke india ko ko pasand karte he aap ke country mer aamir kahan jaisa star he ye chij ka proud karo ok
bhagu
Posted at 5:49 PM on June 16, 2012
sush i think you need to get lost
how can you say this !!!!