19 Nov : Hollywood siren Pamela Anderson appeared to have proved too saucy for India. She entered the House in India’s popular and controversial daily television reality show “Bigg Boss” in Lonawala (near Mumbai) on Wednesday night for a three-day cameo appearance and India Government issued an order earlier in the day to ban the show in prime time relegating it to slot between 11pm-5am.
The order reportedly gives this primetime show adults-only label, directs it to be broadcasted only between 11pm-5am and run a disclaimer/advisory, and prevents news channels to show its video footage between 5am-11pm; saying that its content “offends against good taste and decency” and “objectionable and not suitable for children and unrestricted public exhibition”. “Bigg Boss”, however, went ahead on Wednesday during its regular earlier time slot of nine pm. But Bombay High Court, being moved by show’s owner ‘Viacom 18’ on Thursday, stayed the India Government’s order to reschedule the time of broadcast till next hearing on November 22 on the issue.
Anderson entered the House, where she is Khaas Mehmaan (Special Guest), with a white chiffon sari, jhumkas, bangles, bindi, and “namaste”. She cleaned the floor with a broom, gyrated to Bollywood number “Dhak dhak karne lagaa”, and ate paranthas. It is her first visit to India and she has reportedly said that she was not a fan of reality shows. She has reportedly been paid $550,000 for this stint.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that although censorship was not acceptable, but many times television producers crossed the line for mercantile greed without consideration to families and children. Their race to boost the ratings had frequently resulted in sensationalization of the content. They should regulate themselves so that the freedom of expression was not jeopardized. Television producers needed to grow-up and show maturity to analyze themselves what was good for the Indian nation and the world, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, added.
Rajan Zed, however, welcomed Anderson to India and applauded her interest in Indian ethos and other things Indian.
Television rating agency Audience Measurement and Analytics Limited has reportedly revealed that “Bigg Boss” gained substantially from Pamela Anderson’s appearance.
“Big Boss”, in its fourth season, follows the “Big Brother” format. Filmfare winner Bollywood megastar Salman Khan (Tere Naam), 44, is the current presenter. Anderson joined ten remaining housemates, who included Bollywood actors, models, singer, former dacoit, and wrestler. British celebrity Jade Goody appeared in this show in 2008.
Thrice divorced/annulled MTV nominated Pamela Anderson (Baywatch), 43, is a Canadian-American actress-model-author-producer-former Playboy Playmate. She is vegetarian and an animal rights activist.
