In a powerful documentary titled ‘While We Watched,’ Ramon Magsaysay Award winning renowned Indian journalist Ravish Kumar, the former executive editor and longtime anchor at NDTV, has delivered a scathing critique of the state of Indian TV media, stating, “What we are seeing on TV today is not journalism.” The documentary film sheds light on the challenges faced by journalists and the alarming deterioration of media ethics in the country.
During his tenure at NDTV, Ravish Kumar fearlessly reported on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist policies, leading to considerable attention and acclaim. However, the media landscape changed drastically when the channel was taken over by billionaire Gautam Adani, who is said to be on friendly terms with Prime Minister Modi.
In the trailer of Vinay Shukla’s film ‘While We Watched,’ Ravish Kumar emerges as the central figure. The gripping preview depicts Kumar receiving death threats from callers who brazenly express their discontent with his criticism of the country. The chilling threats include phrases such as “How dare you criticize our country? We will murder you.”
Addressing an audience in one of his speeches, Ravish Kumar boldly proclaims, “A spineless journalist breeds a hopeless society,” emphasizing the importance of courageous journalism in shaping a responsible and informed nation. He further admonishes the current state of news channels, accusing them of poisoning the minds of their viewers.
In an interview with The Guardian, Vinay Shukla, the director of the documentary, shares insights into the genesis of the project. Shukla reflects on the pivotal moment in 2014 when, according to him, Kumar sensed an impending avalanche in Indian media.
Shukla recalls that while some colleagues dismissed it as a fleeting phase of power dynamics, he was convinced that a seismic shift was underway. The documentary explores the rapid dismantling of newsroom structures, which, instead of occurring gradually, were demolished in one fell swoop.
Shukla emphasizes that the documentary transcends its immediate context, becoming a profound reflection on journalism itself. He views the film as a love letter to the profession, seeking to enlighten people about the sacrifices and challenges true journalists face in their pursuit of truth. In the era of disinformation, Shukla believes that the dehumanization of journalists is a disturbing trend that needs urgent attention.
‘While We Watched’ has garnered international attention and has been released in the UK, USA, and other countries. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role journalists play in holding power accountable and maintaining the fabric of democracy.