A selfie of society

Bhagyalakshmi anchors 'Selfie', a talk show on Kairali TV.

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ward-winning dubbing artiste Bhagyalakshmi’s voice is familiar to viewers of Malayalam cinema. However, at present, in the role of a hostess of a talk show, ‘Selfie’, on Kairali TV, she has been helping many voices to be heard on different issues that touch our lives. Although she is in her comfort zone as a presenter, having successfully hosted many programmes on the small screen, her current avatar is rather new for her and she is the first to admit it. But she adds in the same breath, she is enjoying the challenges thrown up by her role. The artiste explains why it is a welcome change from the celeb talk shows that were hosted by her.

Close up of ‘Selfie’

The show, produced by Amritha, holds a mirror to society. The attempt is to capture different facets of topics that is making news. The talk show brings together people from different walks of life, all of whom has something to say or do with the topic being discussed. For instance, an episode on hidden cameras has law enforcers, technical persons, citizens, those who have been at the receiving end of hidden cameras and so on sharing their views and experiences.

Role of the anchor

I am there to ensure that the conversation remains focussed on the topic under discussion and help each person get the space to air his/her opinion. Often talk shows turn into a platform for all noise and no discussion. I am an excellent listener. As such I want to give enough space for every person to express his/her opinion. It is important to listen to the entire line of argument or explanation. I dislike the present trend of cutting in while someone is speaking and moving on to someone else. That is unfair. I feel that the lack of listening is affecting all kinds of communication in today’s society.

Audience reaction

Channel honchos tell me that discussions should be crisp and to the point and that no one person should be allowed to dominate the floor. However, I wonder if it would be a good idea to let at least some of them explain or expound on the issue. Viewers often tell me that they enjoy the fact that I let my guests speak instead of constantly interrupting them. However, I am aware that I can be blunt and, sometimes, ask uncomfortable questions.

Topics under discussion

I don’t see myself as a Page 3 person. So I am enjoying the opportunity to talk about issues affecting our lives. For instance, we discussed women and alcoholism, problems that nuns face, hidden camera… The show is one month old now. We sit together and zero in on a subject. I have to do a fair amount of homework to read up on that and the producers chip in with their inputs so that I am aware of the various aspects of the topic being discussed. However, what has disheartened is me that most of us seem to be tongue tied in public platforms. We are so vocal at home and have an opinion on everything under the sun. But when it comes to talking about it in public, it is a different picture altogether. That somehow kills the spirit of discussion and debate. I feel such programmes make us aware of our surroundings.

Image makeover

I do enjoy dressing up for occasions. To break my usual image of the sari-clad Bhagyalakshmi, we put up some promos of mine that had me wearing casuals, from salwar-kameez to jeans. But many viewers felt it was not me. So I was forced to go back to wearing saris. I have become a prisoner of my image (laughs). In fact, there are panellists who compliment me on my dress and accessories. I request them to go beyond that and evaluate my work as an anchor. When they come for ‘Selfie’, I want them to delve into the subject we are tackling and open up on that. I am not there as a model!

‘Selfie’ airs on Kairali TV at 9 p.m. on Fridays.