People
Sheila Chaman – Doordarshan Diaries: The Golden Era of Television
Circa 1980-90, Doordarshan was at its peak. Everyone was glued to their or their neighbours, television, watching Ramayan, Mahabharat, regional films, Chitrahaar, Chhayageet, etc. These were not just a source of entertainment, but they have slowly and surely become a part of our childhood memories and our golden heritage. I’m sure those who have spent their childhood watching Doordarshan must be knowing its logo tune by heart or even the news title tune. Children and adults alike speculated who will be reading the news today. Hindi and English, both. My father was very particular about watching the news. He asked us (me and my sister), to sit through at least for the headlines. He used to, especially, ask us to hear the pronunciations and diction of Rini Simon Khanna and Sheila Chaman. Both of them were so good and impressive. Sheila Chaman, with her hairstyle, mostly a French knot, her sarees, and her one-string pearl necklaces, reading the news flawlessly, stayed embedded in my mind. Little did I know that one day I will be reading her book and interviewing her for my website.
Reading Doordarshan Diaries: The Golden Era of Television, for me, was like reliving/revisiting my childhood days. The book documents history and takes you back to those golden days. With this book, the author has managed to preserve memories that influenced our generation and also preserve the values of the country’s transformative period. Doordarshan has been much more than a broadcaster and the book gives us an insider’s perspective to all those memories we have preserved. The author manages to capture the professionalism, the sense of purpose, the discipline, and also the warmth of all those who worked hard for it. She delightfully shares the perspective and experiences of colleagues from producers to leaders to the make-up artist and also other technicians. All those narrations show that Doordarshan was a collective effort, a teamwork. Reading through the narratives, one realises that Sheila Chaman was not just an amazing news reader, but she is also a wonderful writer. Her writing engages the reader. It is not abrupt, but has a rhythmic flow. I especially loved the part where she describes Doordarshan‘s journey and smooth transition from black and white to colour. It shows how limited resources but abundant enthusiasm and will to take a step forward, laid the foundation of India’s vast television landscape. The book begins with, Doordarshan taking baby steps into the media world with both uncertainty and optimism. Her narration engages the readers into the world when Doordarshan was a medium of entertainment as well as education and information. For those who have witnessed the Doordarshan era, this book is likely to evoke fond memories, and for those who were born after that, it is likely to serve as a valuable account of Indian television and broadcasting history.
Sheila Chaman, the author, in conversation with TheSongpedia.
TSP – What inspired you to write Doordarshan Diaries?
SC – I wanted to share my experiences with people – so when the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting approached me to author a book on Doordarshan and its transition and transformation from black and white to color and all that we faced during those times to how we evolved – it gave me an opportunity to do so. Every person would be delighted to read and know what went on behind the scenes and how things were with TV then as compared to now.
TSP – What was your earliest impression about Doordarshan? When you first joined, did you imagine that you were becoming a part of a beautiful television history?
SC – Doordarshan in its earliest years was exciting and felt like a simple, ordinary task reaching out to viewers and “talking to them” through the Camera – nothing very glamorous, slowly as we began to appear more on TV and started getting fan mail in hordes at the TV Center we felt the ‘celebrity status’ and the admiration & adulation of viewers. As the black & white era ended and color took over we began to realize that we were indeed a part of an unforgettable history of Indian TV viewing.
TSP – What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?
SC – In the earlier days when there was no teleprompter or autocue, we had to memorize all our lines – no matter how long the script (which was also written by us) and deliver it with ease and a smile in front of the camera without any mistakes (no prompters). We just could NOT afford any flaws on air – that was challenging and a big learning experience too.
TSP – Which moments from the Doordarshan days stay close to your heart?
SC – The Live commentaries during National & International events where we improvised and spoke extempore as we saw what was going on and relayed it through our words to viewers – it was a high point to do so!
TSP – In what ways has the role and responsibility of television changed since your days?
SC – Today the presenters and anchors have teleprompters and autocues and all scripts written down for them, so it is very easy for them to just read what comes on before their eyes in front of the camera . There is also shared responsibility in work today – unlike earlier when we had to do all the work ourselves – research, scripting, conceptualising, memorizing and presenting it all before the camera!
TSP – Looking back at those days, reminiscing about them, what emotions stayed with you for the longest?
SC – “Those were the days…” We had a very close bonding amongst us – no acrimony or competition. We shared, cared and supported each other – presenters, announcers and news readers.
TSP – The younger generation of today haven’t experienced the Doordarshan era. What do you think is the take away for them, from your book?
SC – My book gives tips on what is needed to become a part of the electronic media – I have organized many workshops and trained many to join TV. Most successful news anchors on various channels today have received a brief training from me for which I feel very proud to see them where they are today. Doordarshan is the mother of all channels and every other channel in India is an offshoot of this Channel – How & where it all started and what all went into its evolution should be interesting for Gen X & Z . The book is a must-read, especially for anyone wanting to be a part of the media. It is written by 10 of us from various departments of Doordarshan who experienced it all and wrote about it – a concise, valuable piece of nostalgia and history!
TSP – If you are asked to describe the spirit of Doordarshan, how would that be?
SC – It was very different then and a lot has changed now. The aim was to cater to the masses – to reach viewers with elan, with a moral and motto – can that be the same today?
Links to buy the book –
https://amzn.in/d/02VtrxTb
