Ranjini Haridas
UPDATE: Ranjini Haridas has given her side of the story.
Ranjini Haridas (33) is an interesting person but more interesting to observe is the reaction she garners from almost everyone with any strain of Malayalee DNA. Everyone likes to have a go at her. Either it is her accent or her dress sense or who she hangs out with – everyone – has an opinion on her.
If you Google her, you will come across hundreds of links to videos and images that has nothing to do with her. There are several videos and pictures very painfully morphed and photographed to resemble her engaged in sexual poses and acts. Some people must be really that into her.
Speaking to local FM Radio station, she explained her family’s and her response to such images and clips.
But why is this? Why is it that we publicly detest her but in private can’t get enough of her? This is similar to the “Malayali House” syndrome, everyone says it’s a silly show and would never watch it but if you look at the Youtube views, it has more viewership than anything else on TV currently.
Ranjiji Haridas’ biggest haters seem to be men. There seems to be a sexist streak in most attacks against her. She is well educated, opinionated, bold and career oriented. This makes some men uncomfortable. Remember the movies of the mid 90s, like The King? There is a bold young woman character who is modern and the hero needs to slap her a few times into submission. Yes, we have made movies like that.
Actor Jagathy had a go at her during the finale of Star Singer, a show she hosts, modelled on American Idol.
Writing about the topic in The Hoot, S Balakrishnan wonders why television audiences are so quick to condemn a woman they deem to be liberal – Sexist rage against reality show anchor.
Her response to the incident appeared in the Deccan Chronicle (the link no longer seems to be online but it was published on August 20th, 2011). Here is her column titled, Exercising our rights reproduced:
Sixty four glorious years of Independence. I must admit that freedom most definitely is a wonderful feeling.
All of us are blessed to be born in a free country and to enjoy the rights that we do.
Years ago numerous men and women gave up their lives to free our nation from the British rule and to this day we are reaping the benefits of their struggle and martyrdom. However, it is a fact that today we take our freedom and rights for granted. The Indian Constitution has empowered all Indians, but at the same time, some end up abusing the power too.
Just the other day I was the victim of an individual who took advantage of his right to freedom of speech to publicly embarrass and ridicule me. Moreover, all this happened on national television! The man in question, who from now I shall refer to as Mr Moon, clearly overstepped the limits of what to say when and where, and to my agravation, had no regard or respect for the event at hand or the people concerned.
It was further uncomfortable as I had to stand right next to Mr Moon hearing him diss me in front of an audience. I had to somehow smile through the excruciating process and then continue on as if nothing happened.
Let us not forget to give due respects to the man who chose to exercise this vital fundamental right to rip me and my work apart onstage, for being one of the most talented and highly respected actors of our film industry.
I guess I am just lucky that I am not scarred for life because of my thick rhino skin. I can just about imagine a teary eyed me running out of the stage weeping at being insulted by such a stalwart or even worse me getting back at him. An eye-for-an-eye, a tooth-for-a-tooth.
But somehow I just couldn’t do that either. I had a job at hand and had to complete it. It wasn’t my day or Mr Moon’s. It was the grand finale of one of the finest musical reality shows for kids and they were the stars. The focus had to be on them, not some slanderous statements made by a man pining for attention.
I enjoy the same freedom and rights every other Indian citizen enjoys and till the day I die, I will exercise them. Nobody has the right to tell me otherwise, and even if they do, like in this particular instance, I am sorry to say that the only thing achieved was some cheap publicity and the loss of respect for a so called brilliant actor.
Here is an example of the rhino skin required she is referring to:
Recently, there was an incident at the Cochin International Airport. There was an altercation between two passengers, one was arrested and released on bail for abusing a woman. The bailed out man’s wife files a complaint and the police then book a case against the woman. News reports till today states that the police have not got the CCTV from the CISF. One report said that the CCTV footage does not have audio hence we can’t hear the abuses.
Imagine if one of the passengers involved in the incident above is a male movie actor of some repute. Do you think the other would have objected? On the contrary, it is more likely that passengers would be falling over themselves to please the actor.
Now imagine if instead of the male actor, it is Ranjini Haridas. The insecure and intolerant Malayalee male gene comes in to play. Seeing a woman who is bold and assertive about her choices annoys them. She is an easy target.
If you are standing in an airport queue and someone tries to cut in, call the authorities. They should take action. Someday, we should forget about Ranjini Haridas and ask the authorities at Cochin International Airport what they are doing to make immigration and customs lines move faster. That is the real issue, solving that will ensure a better airport experience for us. Facebook-ing how much you dislike Ranjini Haridas is not going to make your life any better.
Everyone loves Ranjini Haridas, only some are brave enough to admit it in public.
The Kochi Post. 
We Malayalees hate Sreeshanth, Ranjini Haridas and Prithviraj. If we read the abusing posts and its comments I wonder what these people has done to deserve this harassment.
Earlier Ranjini made a controversy by writing an article in Deccan Chronicle about Jagathy. Though Jagathy is a great actor I personally felt that article was a good reply for his speech in the finale of a reality show.
Are we appointing ourselves as a morality safe guarders? The language of these safe guarders shows their real culture.
So what is the point the author is trying to get at ? It was wrong on the part of the passenger to question the fact that Ranjini jumped the line or he abused her when she got 2 more people to jump the line along with her ? Did you have to do a painful reconstruction of how malayalees are sexist and hurl abuses at Ranjini to justify what she did was right at the the recent altercation at the airport ? I don’t understand the author’s mind set that if it was a male actor no one would have asked a question. So who is stereotyping malayalees here ? If the lady is wrong, she is wrong mate. You have to suck it up rather than resorting to yellow journalism. Ranjini is a public figure and she has more social responsibility in a public space than behave as a prima donna.
Vinayak, I think the author is trying to say that if someone cuts the queue, you should alert the authorities, especially when you are in a customs/immigration line. The point of this article, from what I can make out from reading it, is not to put blame on the other passenger. If Ranjini was in the wrong, I ideal solution would have been the customs official in-charge to make sure everyone follows the rules.
If I were the passenger and Ranjini Haridas tried to cut the line, I would raise the issue with airport authorities and register a complaint. I wouldn’t get into a fight especially if I am travelling with my family. Ranjini Haridas has every right to be a public figure or prima donna or anything she wants, social responsibility and rule of law is equal to everyone.
Vinayak, I guess the truth hurts, and all the author did in the article was point out the very obvious fact that, there majority of the mallu men are very sexist. I was born and raised in Cochin, I have gone abroad and even there, its is sad to see that a majority of Mallu men (not all men) carry their deploring sexist behavior, they have mouthful of vulgarity to spew. And the very men that speak out against women will lust over women in secret and speak profanity of them in public, this is a fact and this is one of the MAIN reasons people cannot stand Ranjini.
The only reason people have so much hatred towards her is because she does not conform to the mallu idea of an obedient girl who will keep mum, say yes to everything, wear’s mulla poo and a saree at all times speaking perfect malayalam.
She is independent and successful in the entertainment industry, she has all the qualities of an anchor, which is why the producers and directors of her shows kept hiring her, with a bigger pay package each season. She is one of the top mallu celebrities that is invited as guest host in various entertainment shows across the US and the Gulf region. That in itself shows her fan base and although you or I may not have to LIKE her style of dressing, how she speak or how she hosts her show, that give NO ONE the reason, to call her vulgar filthy names, or morph her pictures in tasteless slideshows and say she is ruining Indian culture.
This so called hero Mr. Binoy stepped out of line the moment he made vulgar remarks and profanities, that is not standing up, that is someone who is holding prejudice and acting holier-than thou. The proper thing to do would have been to report to authorities and let the handle the situation with the ppl involved and the various witnesses.
Exercising your own right does not mean disrespecting others’ rights. If she is that good a person, why not show the dignity that should supposedly come with the education that she gained, be it from any part of the world. It is not by belittling the society that you exhibit your rhino-skin.
Where was this outrage when Mammotty slapped a fan?
The issue here is not whether Ranjini did the right thing. The issue here is would we have reacted differently it is was a male actor or Sreesanth.
the evidences placed in this document itself publicly exposes the behavior of the so called personalities… only of becoming a “TV anchor” are ‘they’ deserved to “get” everything before others…… ….
Instead of putting the title “EVERYONE LOVES RANJINI HARIDAS”..it would have been better if you wrote “i am a ranjini fan” ……STOP boosting these these “type” of personalities any more
Perfectly said!!
Yes, Freedom is the most wonderful thing in life. Some believe that its just meant for them, when fact is not that. Everyone has right to freedom , be it male or female. I appreciate ranjini’s professional attitude that she showed on the stage when she had to face Mr moon’s bullshits. She is gem of a person and a wonderfully gifted girl . I support her.
Ranjini Haridas, since she is a celebrity, should have equal rights to that of Mammootty to jump the queue. And since this is a land run exactly by rule of law, nobody should question her but silently inform the authorities. And ya since Ranjini Haridas has even filed a complaint after jumping the queue, after flaunting her relationship with higher police officers, her version of who abused who cannot go wrong. Whom are you fooling sirjee?
If comments and criticisms alone measured any aspect of rightfulness or quality then Justin Bieber would have been the greatest singer. So stop using this cliched malayali hypocricy use for every disgusting acts.
Regardless of someone is a celebrity or not, I would always give way to a woman. I would never argue or abuse with a woman. If there is an altercation, I will register a formal compliant. Especially when I am travelling with children. What example are you setting for your children?
Jacob.. If you think the authorities in Kerala will take action on your complaint about some one jumping the line, you must be living in Utopia. It is OK to present yourself as a gentleman in these blogs. But once you lose your credibility … it is no good. Also in many western countries especially in US, women don’t like any preferential treatments. It is an insult to them. They want to be treated as equal not someone who wants preferential treatments from you.
It is just that the accent which she puts is so fake. There are people who are born and brought up abroad (and a lot others who even have spent a few years outside for higher studies) who can speak Malayalam very fluently. I am no one to comment on her personal things .. but being in a media (Malayalam media) she has no right to chew the words.
If she was so good in English (as everyone claims — including herself) she should have sought a career with BBC or CNN. If in a Malayalam show she is daring to mispronounce and speak as she pleases it is not surprising that she should be prepared to face the reaction of audience. And I hate the tag ‘Mother of Modern Malayalam.’ This language that she gargles is a lot worthier than wat she can imagine. Everything else (her attire, boldness ….) is only secondary.
Indu, if you detest her so much, why don’t you just ignore her? Write to the channel heads and all those associations calling her to cultural clubs in Europe to stop doing it. I don’t think she has ever mentioned that she is mother of modern Malayalam? Do you have a problem with Fahd Faizal’s way of speaking too?
Jacob,
I have to give it to you for defending some one like Ranjini Haridas with such fervour. You used the words “She is well educated, opinionated, bold and career oriented” to describe her. This reminds me of the statement Prithviraj’s wife made in an interview about him being the only actor in south who can converse in English. What happened after that is history. He was the butt of jokes for all those facebook activists and internet trolls for something he never said.Now we have Sreeshanth. Haven’t you come across any one in the industry with better credentials and a bit more humility ? Ranjini might be opinionated, bold and career oriented and she has every right to be like every other citizen. But “well educated” doesn’t is not something that reflect in her actions and the use of language. In the youtube interview for the question “How do you define such malayalees”, the answer she gave shows her class and upbringing and had the nerve to question the parentage of all who saw the clip. More absurb, in the very next sentence she says she would also have seen such a clip. So does that mean she also belong to same category of people she loathed in the previous sentence ?
You said contact the airport police for someone cutting through a line ? Seriously ??? Do you live in another planet mate ? You do that and you will be a laughing stock for them. If this was between 2 normal people and I stress the word normal, do you think the cops would have given a hoot ? The lady had the cops number on her speed dial. So she was showing the right of entitlement from her being a so called …. to bypass the line and then get the cops to file a complaint against someone who was right. Probably the education she has was not good enough to pump the thought that the events are recorded. I am sure the case would be settled out of court since she is at fault and would die a natural death. So my point is the lady was clearly abusing her position as a public figure. So would we have reacted the same way if it was a male actor ? Did you ever come across an incident where an actor jumped the line before ? I haven’t. Usually if the actors / actresses are important enough they are taken through a separate entrance so such a case will never arise. Ranjini obviously is not on par ( or will never be ) and will never be placed on the same pedestal. So we can hear such altercations involving her again in future until such a time comes when people chose to ignore her.
And lastly for your point “Ranjini Haridas has every right to be a public figure or prima donna or anything she wants, social responsibility and rule of law is equal to everyone.” I beg to differ. Agreed on the rule of law being equal for everyone. Social responsibilty for a public figure is more than a common man for the very reason that he / she is a public figure. People look up to them and they have should ideally have a sense of civic, moral and social responsibility as they are constantly in the public glare. If this was done by someone selling their wares in boat jetty who gives a hoot ? Have you heard about someone called Sachin Tendulkar ? Then you know what I am talking about.
Vin, I think you have got a few things wrong here. Firstly, I am not defending any one person, I am describing a phenomenon by which women are easy targets online, especially if they are liberal. This has been well documented the The Hoot article mentioned above.
You have stated a very detailed account of what happened at the airport that morning, including who Ranjini has on speed dial. I wasn’t there, perhaps you were. Since I wasn’t there, I don’t think it is right for me to comment on it.
There is a actor, Kalabhavan Mani, who is currently wanted by police for injurying two forest guards. He is absconding – yet the focus seems to be on a ‘verbal’ altercation between two passengers. Is it because she is a woman? An easy target? Where is the outrage against Mani? Too scared?
If you feel, people will laugh at you if you make a complaint, I can’t help you. You need to face and overcome your insecurities yourself.
Jacob,
I am with you on that one. It is people like Mani and Ranjini who are lesser mortals who show a sense of entitlement. Mani wanted a free ride for him and his cronies at an amusement park as well. I remember that news as well. I wasn’t at the airport. But the news that she called the cops from the phone is a reasonable justification that she is connected, which is not a privilege for the common man. I am not insecure about someone laughing but I wouldn’t waste my energy and others’ time when someone cuts you in and we are all grown up and can handle such situations pretty well.
Women are a target online and in public places no doubt. It is a fact we have to be shameful about and the accused do get away with political pimping and show of strength. That is what we should be fighting against . I for one wouldn’t shed a sweat for people like Mani or Ranjini.
I have nothing against Ranjini Haridas, she’s talented, bold and worked hard to get where she is right now but one trait I couldn’t forgive within a celebrity is arrogance. The ‘don’t care two hoots’ attitude is sure to get you noticed and make you stand out for ridicule. Take a lesson from the greats in any field, they are either humble or know how to appear humble before the public. Why was it that Mr. Moon’s comments were a rage when it happened?? Probably because everyone liked her being taken down a peg or two. For that matter, the speech reminded her to just compere and not pass additional judgement on the singers and be graceful through the proceedings. Virat Kohli is an incredibly talented batsman, but he wasn’t spared when he chose to have an altercation with Gambhir. I believe its all about how you carry yourself in public and she, for all her talent and boldness is terribly lacking in that department.
ROFL, You think this will change people’s minds about her. Dream on and try not to wake up 😛
I am not sure if anyone is trying to change “people’s” opinion about her. None of us know, at-least I don’t, her personal to comment on what kind of person she is. From what I understand of what the author is trying to say, she/he is questioning why this reaction, would it have been the same if it was a male actor or politician?
As Malayali’s, we have to accept the hard fact that we cannot publicly be seen happy about a fellow Malayali ding well for himself in the public arena, but grudgingly we all want to be them. It is in our genes, and hence probably why outside the ‘great’ state of Kerala we strive for the best for ourselves. Take Sreesanth (if you leave aside his uncalled for antics), he did well for himself and he was the pride of Kerala, but in our closet only. Never publicly. Same goes for Ranjini Haridas – without doubt she is the most recognizable face in today’s television age. Men in Kerala are sexist and their attitude reflects that even after marriage. It is sad. Jagathy, however great an actor is sexist and cheap as the video clip shows. So, to sum it up – Ranjini Haridas, you are the new face of the modern Malayali women and you should be proud.
1) We love a 55 yr old men in skimpy clothes romancing a 20 year old girl on screen (he’s a superstar). His morality cannot be challenged and they can do anything to anybody.. because they can.
2) We love kids dancing in skimpy clothes to Bollywood item numbers. They should be encouraged (it’s talent). Yes by the way the host cannot wear western clothes.
3) We guys have the right to tease or harass girls. If a girl does not respond to your advance and hangs out with another guy then shes a slut (kittatha mundiri….). By the way, half sleeves, denims; tshirts are slutty.. and any girl wearing such clothes wants it desperately. So hit on them folks … madi venda.
4) If we cannot speak English, then make fun of the person who can or at-least tries. Why would we speak English..??? We are mallus for God’s sake..!!!!
5) We kill and bleed for politicians who would sell their own mother for the “chair” but would not help a neighbor in need.
6) If we become slightly famous, then behave as if you conquered Everest, say stupid things in public and do any bullshit to prove that you are one (alpanu artham kittiyal…)
7) My CK underwear has to show every time I sit .. because that’s STYLE. Denims should be worn on the bum not waist.
8) We love jerking off too Bollywood item numbers, or Sunny Leone and try to hit on anything that walks, but girls in my family will only wear saris and pavadas and behave lady like. Else they are as good as dead.
9) Being in media means.. I can say any bullshit I want and truth always bends towards better paying customer. News is business, who cares about truth. (nakkinu ellu illathathu kondu….)
10 ) Always stand with the majority crowd… even if they are crazy and wrong… (nadodumbol… naduve) who cares about right or wrong… I’d like to pelt stones…
These are just few that came into my head… I have more if any of you morons needs more…
”Seeing a woman who is bold and assertive about her choices annoys the insecure and intolerant Malayalee male gene..” I would add female too.. Her kind of femininity intimidates an average hypocritical Malayalee, irrespective of gender.. Its a fact and it even reflect in some of the comments I read here! Good job writer….!
If you have such writing skills why not use it to talk about something useful to mankind? Malayalam have seen plenty of actresses and anchors over several years. If they find Ranjini to be way too much arrogant I don’t blame them.
A person is only worth his/her character. Jumping the Q… I just don’t see how you could justify that.
Why are we divided again? now we have people who think the author is trying to boost “Ranjini” and people who is arguing she is the ideal woman of this present society. I believe the whole idea of this article was to point out how biased and prejudiced we are. There are a million other issues that needs to be sorted out before we need to be concerned about the life of a Tv star and we don’t give a damn!!! And yes, i totes agree to the point of the author and adding an extra line “Charinju nikkana maavilalle oodi kayaraan pattuu” 😀
I am still surprised the biggest issue in kerala is Ranjini Haridas jumping a queue!!! Seriously!!! And people talk about it as if it is the biggest crime ever done by anyone in the whole wide world, GROW UP!!!
The article is spot on! yes, they hate her accent and yes, they find her voice annoying. But they hate her independence more, her success annoys them more. They pick on few of her negatives because it has become politically incorrect to admit they hate to see bold women succeed. As the article rightly points out although they publicly express their hatred over her, their feelings towards her are also lined with interest and curiosity. The insecure male ego which defines a majority of malayalee men finds satisfaction in hurling abuses at her and declaring her to be immoral and a bad example to other women.
Guess one cannot be famous and humble 🙂
I seldom watch shows that are being hosted by Ranjini..she may be smart, articulate, bold and everything a malayalee girls hopes to be but somehow she lacks humility. And this is where Mohanlal scores or for that matter another Ranjini who is equally bold and accomplished. Ranjini Jose. I can name many others too in the public arena who takes the publicity with a little more grace than Ranjini.
Maybe we malayalees are prejudiced and that is why we seek a little bit of grace from our public figures. Forgive us since Ranjini will tide over this (She is a hard nut to crack!) but we malayalees need some time to get over this.
The first time I met her was casual. She was a friend of a friend. I remembered liking her. I was in 12th standard. I remember wishing there were people like her my age that I could be friends with. Seemingly open and accepting of you. The next time I saw her was on some malayalam channel that only my grand mom used to watch in my family. I didn’t know it was the same person. This was 5 years later. It felt nice to see an actor that you could relate with. The majority of actors appeal to a certain crowd. I was happy that for once, malayalam channels were being inclusive. Being my mother tongue, I always wanted to watch stuff in malayalam. Somehow I didnt like most of the stuff on TV. Being malayali does not mean you have to conform to a certain style, have a certain attitude or even speak a certain way. But somehow you are expected to. I for one think that having people like her (not OD-ing in her), actually allows a certain sect of us to be able to relate better to our community.
Also, for a language with as many dialects as ours, why not make room for one more? There are several of us, who were brought up in Kerala, other parts of India or abroad who speak that way.
Every single day hundreds of people jump queues all over kerala, none of them make it news. Most of them don’t even cause any public outrage, even by the ones affected. Then why is it an issue when she did it? coz she is a public figure, we expect more grace form public figures? Are you trying to say we have public figures who act gracefully? Someone else pointed out at least some of them know how to fake “being humble”. How good an argument is that? Do what you want as long as noone sees it!!! This attitude is killing our nation. Nobody gives a damn until something happens to them personally, even then all we do is bloody mourn but do nothing about it.
lol….is the author infact “ranjini haridas” wrapped under name of “jacob joseph puthenparambil” …i pity the author for finding ways to earn feminist support in this issue…havuing talent is of course a criteria to earn respect..but comes only after character which Ranjini lacks… its not men who hate Ranjini…infact she hasnt got those features which would attract an average man..i wonder how she won those beauty contests,,,, its the majority of malayali youth that hates ranjini..the only reason why she is still loved by few that we still have a good share of household confined only to serials and reality shows..who perceive their filmy characters as real ones.. i would appreciate if the author (if a GENUINE REAL person other than Ranjini ) would check herr comments on Kerala and people of kerala…tell me one single single reason to respect and admire someone who has been repeatedly saying in all her interviews that SHE HATES THE PEOPLE OF KERALA… and let me tell you one thing…there are two ways of earning publicity- positive and negative…and what Ranjini has got is NEGATIVE PUBLICITY more than how much she earned positive….
The good Malayali girl as projected in the media dresses conservatively, is submissive, does not voice/have opinions, speaks only in a pseudo humble tone, and bursts into tears at the drop of a hat. This is the notion of the average Malayali of what a woman should be. The character of Vinaya Prasad in ‘Sthree’ serial is an example.
Ranjini does not conform to the traditional notions of what a good Malayali girl is supposed to be. She speaks her mind loud and clear, does not act humble to crowd please, and carries herself with confidence instead of the much touted ‘soumyatha’. She is iconoclastic. She has broken the glass ceiling by being herself in a society that has very clear rules regarding how a woman should be. The mustachioed Malayali macho man who believes a woman’s role is to serve his highness will feel threatened by her.
I’ve read other versions of the airport scene. It seems Ranjini did not jump the queue. There was an altercation and our hero called her “thevidishi” and other abusive terms, and the police were called. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/Ranjini-Haridas-is-innocent-in-airport-issue-Asha-Sharat/articleshow/20222011.cms
Ranjini is much like any assertive, bold woman anywhere else in the world. I don’t think she would have garnered this much hatred elsewhere. Malayalis, with their regressive notions on gender and women, misogyny, inherent chauvinism, and big egos, are not ready for someone like her.
Hats off to the editor for bringing a new perspective.
She is a good anchor and she is doing her job very well. I honestly appreciate her caliber and I realized that factor once Asianet changed the anchor for Idea Start Singer. But apart from celebrity, she is a normal citizen of India and is responsible to obey the rules and regulations. I am not complaining about her personal life and her personal opinions but it is reasonable to obey the rules that others are following.
I was just going through a video (Renjini Haridas attacked) in Facebook and the responses to that particular post. I was shocked to go through 1000 something comments of 99% men, verbally abusing her inspite of her being abused by men in a crowded place. (And some even commented her language in very abusive dirty malayalam words, such an irony!)I was horrified and angry at all malyali men out there. I wished I could slap then and just scream at them. I think any lady would share the same feeling with me.I thank God and my husband since I don’t live in Kerala. And I did say my opinion there and I had some replies posted there saying you and renjini have same personality. Hadn’t been protected my profile, these men are capable to abuse me in my profile; I am pretty sure about it. Even I had watched the idea star singer episode where Mr. Jagathi Sreekumar publicly embarrassing her (my instant feeling was Oh god what’s wrong with this guy and has he gone insane or something). If someone else was in her place, he/she would have been scarred for life. Hats off to her continuing her show and only Renjini can do that. I agree with you she is well educated, opinionated and very bold. I like her and I support her!
Yesterday we were standing in queue at a shopping center, owing to the ‘sale’ sign each queue was big here in Kuwait. This us when I saw an Arab lady having just a few item asking each one of those standing there if she could move ahead. It was a mix of Indians and Arabs and the happily obliged. I am sure if Ranjini had asked even Binoy may have obliged. Just my thought.
Unless you were present there you are not in position comment on what she could or could not have done.
Lets assume that Ranjini was in the wrong, it was not Mr. Binoys place to use indecent foul language calling her names like “Thevadachi” there are witness there who heard this. If you have a problem you can go to the airport staff or authorities, with the many witnesses there already, if there in fact was a problem it could have been easily resolved.
[…] Kochi Post had earlier written about the incident. If Mr Binoy, the accused in the case, has a different take on what happened, we would […]
I do not know the veracity and character of both aggrieved parties but I think if either party had not raised their voice and talked decently this issue would not have been blown out of proportion. By the way, I hate it when someone cuts a queue and gets ahead making mockery of the decent folk standing patiently. The celebrity status or business class status not withstanding, if there is no special provision in that airport then all are deemed equal. I may or may not like a person but that should not cloud commonsense, decency and decorum.
Well said. seems to me these are the points that majority of people are missing.
In your article, you have mentioned that this is an issue cos its a woman involved. I don’t think so. How can you be sure that Binoy wouldnt have reacted if it was a male actor? The author has mentioned in one of his reply to the comments that he would always give way to women. Fine ! I have never seen a consideration or respect for a woman. It happens in a very rare case.
When it comes to the Jagathy issue, I support Ranjini cos I dont think any other lady would have handled that situation so well. She gave importance to her responsibility at that moment and reacted to the remarks later. Hats off to Ranjini for that ! But in the airport issue, her reaction has been totally different. Whether its a man or woman, actor or actress or whatever, there is a basic courtesy to ask the permission before you cut the line. And for a lady who is well educated as u said, I think it is applicable. I also read the later version of Rajini’s side of the story but was not really convinced.
Its not only about Ranjini on social media… Just that the victim changes. There was a time when there was a new post on Prithviraj everyday on social media. Its not about a person but more about our attitude as Keralites. At times I wonder what pleasure the people get when u create or share all this. Personally, I dont share any such posts. Everyone talks about Santhosh Pandit but at the same time, he is there on TV very often. Well , he wanted publicity and he’s getting it.
Another thing here is the media. I really feel the media does not know to focus on the right issues. Either its Ganeshan’s personal life or Sreesanth’s hand in match fixing ! These should be presented in the news but not 24 x 7 focus. We create the news such that these people are the only black sheeps in the whole state. There are many more and it all just goes hidden. We have many other issues in our state that needs more focus.
And you have mentioned in your article about informing the officials about cutting the line. Knowing the officials in Kerala, I dont think the officials would even react to such complaints. When you come on a holiday to Kerala, the first thing in your mind is to get out of the airport and meet your loved ones waiting outside which maybe happening after a year or even more. What I feel has happened here is that Binoy would have reacted when Ranjini cut the line which would have affected Ranjini’s ego as she is a celebrity and this has happened in public. I agree to the point where you said that it shows that our airport system needs to change where they have a separate system for VIPs. But I dont think any change would happen in the system or attitude. This will be talked about until we get a new victim and then its all forgotten !
Quite frankly Divya, when you have not been there it is best not IMAGINE, how you think Ranjini might have reacted if she might have had an ego or not. Irrespective of whether Ranjini had cut in or not, or whether she blatantly lied that she did not cut-in and gave attitude. It was wrong of Mr Binoy to use profanity and salacious remarks, call her names like “Thevadichi”.
The author here is not asking here to lodge a complaint and wait for it be resolved a couple of days later. Understand its an airport, so there is bound to be airport staff/authority nearby, this could have easily been brought to their attention, and with the many witness there it could have easily been resolved, if Ranjini was was in the wrong she could have been asked to step back in line or apologize, problem solved.
The only reason this such big news is sadly because the Indian crowd particularly our Mallu crowd are prejudiced against any woman who is outspoken and will not take no for answer.
Anything else Ranjini does in her personal life is her business, is she harming anyone? NO. Is her english accent going to kill you? No…. You are allowed to dislike her as an achor and so on, thats your personal choice, so avoid her programs or events. There is no need to go on a nationwide hate campaign.
And regardless of people think that we have regressive system or regressive mentality that will never change and do nothing at all, of course it will never change. When you see something wrong point it out that it is wrong, only then is there a possibility of change
Most malayali men find the idea of a smart and successful woman (especially if she speaks English) pretty hard to gulp down. I am no terrible fan of Renjini’s or of the show she hosts, but the fact remains that her show has been a very successful one and that she has been hosting it for more than eight years now, and that’s no mean achievement.
If you take the recent incident of her allegedly jumping the queue at the Cochin airport, there is a complaint registered with the police and both the parties involved have made allegations against each other and given contradictory statements. And, of course, as far as I know, the police is looking into the matter and it’s being investigated.
What clearly shows the attitude I mentioned earlier is the enormous number of posts that were floating around (and still do) on the social media hurling the choicest abuses at Renjini and replete with lewd, salacious remarks and comments through which some depraved voyeuristic souls vented their frustration. No one, other than the the parties involved in the incident and those who were in close proximity to them on that day, and of course the police, would or could have been in a position to know what exactly happened there and who’s telling the truth and who’s lying. But every discussion on the social media based itself on the default reasoning that Renjini (being bold, smart and outspoken and successful – read “ahankaari” in Malayalam) created the fracas and poor boy, Binoy (who saved mallu manhood the embarrassment of a collective erectile dysfunction), could only have been the victim and never the aggressor. The verdict was out as soon as the matter reached the social media…and who’s bothered to find out what actually transpired there and who was actually at fault… well that’s for the police and the authorities to find out, and who’s bothered anyway!
Interesting post. From the video it is clear that Malayali men do have a strong sexist streak in them. I wonder though if the attitude to Ranjini Haridas can be explained away so easily. While she is always smiling as an anchor and polite in her conversation, she- and most of the judges as well- are usually very patronizing towards the participants. I also recently watched a video in which an old man criticized her ‘immodest’ dressing, and her dressing was NOT immodest in the least. However, I think- and he may have meant this, judging by his subsequent comments- that it may not be appropriate for the program, in which all the participants are dressed traditionally. Akin to wearing a suit to a rock concert, or shorts to work, her attire, body language, comments and even her accent may sound patronizing to many- including me.
Be that as it may, the Jagathy video and her comments afterward only incite sympathy for her. For those reasons alone she needs commendation.
Also, regardless of what I think- everyone- the show’s sponsors, judges, participants, networks- etc, seem to like the show, and we know it makes a lot of money. However, this is my criticism of her and many other similar shows.