Meera Syal leads for criticism of Channel 4

NRI television actress Meera Syal has led an unprecedented wave of criticism against Britain’s Channel 4 over alleged racist attacks on Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty in reality TV serial ‘Celebrity Big Brother’.

Labour MP Keith Vaz has also tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons on the issue yesterday.

Syal, the star of ‘The Kumars At No 42′ weighed into the row, as Ofcom, the TV regulator said nearly 8,000 viewers had complained that Shilpa Shetty was being bullied by fellow contestants including Jade Goody, a previous contestant on the non-celebrity version of the show.

Channel 4 received a further 2,000 complaints.

“There is a very thin line between what is entertainment and a vile spectacle and I think we are in that area now,” Syal said.

Thirtyone-year-old Shilpa Shetty broke down in tears on Monday after allegedly being taunted about her skin colour, accent and cooking.

“What this treatment of Shilpa has done is remind a lot of Asian people in Britain of the type of uncomfortable treatment they’ve received themselves over the years,” Syal said.

“This is bullying and we mustn’t forget the impressionable people who watch this show.” Syal, 45, an author, playwright, actress and comedian, was made an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 1997, largely due to her efforts in supporting the rights of Asian women.

I have great admiration for the way Shilpa has handled herself. But Channel 4 has been obviously rubbing their hands at the audience figures because everybody is talking about it now,” she said.

Viewers were appalled as Shetty was mocked for bleaching her facial hair by Goody, 25, disgraced Miss England Danielle Lloyd, 23, and former S Club 7 singer Jo O’Meara, 27. Lloyd said, “She wants to be white.” Earlier the three had grumbled about her “spicy” cooking and there were internet reports - denied by channel 4 bosses - that Jade’s boyfriend Jack Tweedy, 19, called the actress a “Paki” during a late-night conversation that was bleeped out.

Ofcom chiefs said tapes of the incidents would be scoured and complaints carefully investigated.

In a show of support from fans, Shetty has risen to second favourite to win the Celebrity Big Brother title behind comedy actress Cleo Rocos.

A spokesman for William Hill, the leading betting house, said: “So far today, every penny has been put on Shilpa.” Previously the highest number of complaints over Big Brother came last summer when 600 viewers claimed a decision to bring back evicted housemates had been a “fix”.

Channel 4 has sought to play down the racism allegations but conceded it may be forced to speak to the housemates about their behaviour.

Shetty’s manager Jazz Barton said, “Britain is a multiracial society and this shouldn’t be happening on a reality show like Big Brother. I’ve raised my concerns to the producers.

“When they took the mickey out of her accent, I thought that was unacceptable.”

Shilpa’s mother had heard about the situation from friends in Britain and was “upset.” Actress Narinder Kaur, who is writing a book about her experiences on the show, said: “Millions of youngsters watch Big Brother and Endemol should set an example - they shouldn’t tolerating the way Shilpa is being treated.” “I wasn’t surprised when people failed to pronounce Shilpa’s name. When I was in the house six years ago they couldn’t say my name and just shortened it to Naz. But I am shocked at the level of ignorance that these girls have shown,” she said.

“To mock someone’s culture for being different from yours is racist, and it is disgusting to watch.”

— PTI

 

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