My favorite columnists. Review on Favorite Columnists

For I long time, I have been pondering to write on this topic. Though it may amuse most of u, but I have felt columnists do make an impact on our lives. Nowadays with advent of Satellite Channels and Internet we can access any NEWS instantly than to rely on our Newspaper. Then why do we still buy one?

Apart from the usual news, one is always interested in reading the article of his/her favorite columnists. Over the years, I have been influenced quite a lot when I read them. They may be wacky, witty, serious and even bitchy too. But who does not want spicy news? I guess we all savor for their opinions and counter opinions.

Well, these are my personal views and here it goes:

1.SHOBAA   DE: IS there any one who needs to be introduced to her? A famous ex-model, columnist, script writer and a novelist too! Amazingly gifted with beauty and brains, this 50+ lady has allured everyone from the time she entered the press media. De has unique appeal that withstands the onset of age & would give all our so-called beauty queens run for money. She has grace, poise, fiercely strong in her views and always stands for it. Whether her views on Italian power ruling New Delhi, a dig at Bobby Deol’s  look or may be a simple roadside girl selling flowers, She is at her usual best. Extremely articulate, She has that flamboyance to carry herself in Satya Paul’s saree collections and not apologetic about it.

U love her or hate but u just cant ignore her.

2.SUCHETA DALAL: Here’s another firebrand with a fearsome reputation as India's foremost investigative financial journalist when she unearthed the Great Indian Securities Scam while working at The Times of India. Remember the gr8 Harshad Mehta scandal in 1992 when all hell broke loose with her expose. She is brilliant on STOCKS, BULLS & BEAR TRADING and is normally said even now she is capable of sending shivers down the SENSEX.

3.JUG SURAIYA: He has been the associated editor with the TOI for past few decades and has recently penned that he will retire from his job, this week. This grand old man is a distinguished writer on Satire, Wit & Humor. He is very good at words and always takes u down the memory lane, revealing his personal reminiscences while bringing out the parallels of any famous personality, recent political upheaval, financial scam or even an absurdity happening. He guarantees u of a witty note. His wife Bunny Reuben often features in his articles making it even more interesting.

Who would have imagined this man with his illustrator Neelabh Banerjee to give birth to famous comic strip?-DUBYA  MAN’S DUNIYA.Hence, Jug’s satiric interpretations on a deranged American superhero in the mould of comic book Superman. This one tickles ur funny bone through its prime target “George W.Bush” who has been re-elected again as U.S. Prez.

Jugular Vein really rocks.

4.V.Gangadhar: Formerly a senior journalist in T.O.I. and Reader’s Digest, he is a renowned columnist for other print and e – media. 10 yrs back when The Sunday Observer was revamped, I was hooked to V.G.’s column from the day one. His articles are available on his home page in Rediff.com. Though he maintains a low profile image, he comes across as down to earth person through his writings. His works remind u the flavor that R.K.Narayan carried in Malgudi Days. V.G. though hails from Tamil Nadu; he stayed for major part of his years in Ahmedabad working in Calico Mills before selling down in Mumbai. He then quit his job to get into journalism.

He gives u a very beautiful nostalgic image of Ahmedabad and its usual fafda chutney & jalebi; his own childhood days in Thirunelveli and its equally famous halwa, Navratri sundal(prasad) and golu(dolls) and lots more. He brings out the contrasting image with today’s age. He has been my personal favorite adding that humane element in his views. I find him similar to an equally famous Tamil Author who wrote “Chinna Vayadinile”(During my childhood days) that used to feature 2 decades back in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan  & we as kids would gather up to hear his musings from my father.

5.THE LATE BUSY BEE: BUSY BEE WON’T HUM ANY MORE!

This was the headline when India’s satirist and popular columnist Behram Contractor died few months back. After working with Evening News and Mid-Day, he started his famous newspaper The Afternoon Despatch & Courier that carved a niche for itself. He was known for his laidback but witty writings. His imaginary Bolshoi( the boxer dog) and the 21st floor friend were the major characters in his writings. He was Mumbai’s most popular satirist with crispy language, short sentences and flowing satire. “From Bombay to Mumbai” is a masterpiece along with his “Howzzat”—a major compilation of his works.

Apart from these, I do love the writings of Jay Dubashi(his expertise on politics and finance), The late Dom Moraes(who doesn’t know him), Cyrus Merchant(always upbeat on spirituality), Ayaz Memon(badshah of cricket) and the recent ones by Sudha Pillai in Bangalore Times.

Pls do send ur comments and also ur choices.

Rajni