Socialite and author Shobhaa De has stirred hornet’s nest by criticising our athletes in Rio, mocking them ‘Selfies lo, Khali haat wapas aao,’ what a waste of money and opportunities. (Take selfies, come back empty handed). What a shame for a self styled critic of any and everything around, who herself has shot to fame with her porn-laced fictions.
The media slurps and enjoys anything that can pump up their TRP charts and this occasion has given another opportunity for them to cash on the story.
Shobhaa should know that not all athletes are from affluent families like Bindra. Most of are from poor and rural background, with very poor nutritional food regimen to develop strong muscles and bone structure that are required to endure the rigour of training and participation in games. Did she think that the sportspersons were on a local para meet? Damn it, they are in the world’s top most sports meet of the highest grueling standards, where only the very best win. We are far behind and way to go, but is this the way that she is showing?
Who doesn’t take Selfies? Our Prime Minister always does, President Obama did that in Mandela’s funeral! It is the order of the day and if the sportspersons have not been taking Selfies, it could have meant that something supposedly was wrong with them.
‘Khaali haat,’ empty hand – whatever in the world would have she meant by the stupid statement. Would she have been happy with her bitchy stand vindicated? Dipa Karmakar is one star to wipe off the medal void! She is from a poor background too. She did a most risky and difficult and deadly ‘Produnova’ somersault rarely attempted. No medals are needed, but she has endeared herself to the nation, like the dimwit author in the dim lit dinner and cocktail circuits.
Even if it is a waste of money, it gives an opportunity for our stars to note and learn, what an international level of performance could be. The money is better spent, than the billions wasted on many idiocies in this country.
‘Bray louder Shobhaa ji, and if there be a government change, you too might stand a chance to get a Bharat Ratna!’
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide voix