Rajdeep Sardesai and his team are at the center of a violent storm of allegations. Recently, an incident involving BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi went on a live debate, led by Rajdeep Sardesai. However, soon an argument resulted in Ilmi withdrawing very publicly mid-show. As this wheelchair-bound, fractured foot woman disconnected from the show, Rajdeeep’s team continued to invade her privacy. This incident underscores a blatant disregard for Nari Samman and the depth of sensational media presented as journalism.
Rajdeep Sardesai and Team: An Unprofessional Encounter
@sardesairajdeep @IndiaToday @aajtak
Don’t you ever bring down my Fader again.
Remember I have been on both the sides and know how to handle bullies like you.
BTW it doesn’t behove political propagandists masquerading as journalists to sermonise.
And learn your facts…
— Shazia Ilmi (@shaziailmi) July 26, 2024
Shazia Ilmi participated in a live debate on India Today, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai. During the debate, tensions peaked when Sardesai asked to cut off Ilmi’s mic. Enraged by the insult and deliberate silencing of the only woman on the debate, Ilmi withdrew from the show and took back her consent to be filmed. While Shazia Ilmi took off her body mic, the camera kept recording showing her struggles on air! The footage on India Today TV showed Shazia respectfully.
However, a clip released by Rajdeep later shows how the camera focused inappropriately on her upper body as she struggled to remove her microphone and leave the area.
To continue shooting a guest after the show is over or he/she has withdrawn consent to be part of it, is gross violation of the contract. Besides, for Rajdeep Sardesai to put out the video, while the lady is unwiring, is nothing short of sexual assault. The pervert must be called… https://t.co/Bs9Cb9j43k
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) July 27, 2024
Here comes the shocker, despite disconnecting from the show and the mic, the cameraman continued recording Shazia Ilmi. Later, he panned to record her hobble away from the recording zone. Finally, he turned the camera to record her in her home away from the designated and permitted place! Consequently, Ilmi was visibly distressed and enraged at his blatant disregard for her privacy. She was forced to evict the cameraman from her home. The continuous filming despite her clear discomfort and lack of consent is not just unprofessional but a violation of a woman’s Nari Samman. Does a female not have a right to personal space and privacy in her own home? Did her withdrawal from the debate somehow mean a violation of her safe zone?
Rajdeep Sardesai’s Misguided Defense
Ma’am, @shaziailmi I respect all my guests always. If anything, I am too indulgent: the fader is lowered only to avoid cross talk and noise on the show. If you have a grouse with me or with an army general on the show, of course that’s your prerogative. And I respect that too.… https://t.co/43atjurw75 pic.twitter.com/VjfmrrGWsz
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 27, 2024
The issue of withdrawal from the debate would be a storm in a teacup. However, the way Rajdeep addressed Shazia Ilmi’s anger on social media turned the minor issue into a flaming tornado. Sardesai went to bat for his camera team. He defended their actions and accused Ilmi of mistreating the cameraman. While claiming that the cameraman was just doing his job, Rajdeep released the clip of unseen footage of Ilmi that was recorded after she left the debate without her consent.
It seems Rajdeep Sardesai tried to use ‘Attack is the best form of Defense’ method to address the situation.
He presented the clip as proof of Ilmi’s bad behavior. Unfortunately, Sardesai’s response was seen through by netizens. The video footage shared by Sardesai himself showed Ilmi’s visible distress, further highlighting the inappropriate behavior of the cameraman. Sardesai’s defense, calling the continued filming a part of the cameraman’s job, rings hollow in light of the clear invasion of privacy. Has Rajdeep Sardesai lost all sense of decorum and ethics that are vital to journalism? Will he allow similar behavior with his journalist-turned-MP wife?
So, Rajdeep Sardesai's team not only recorded female BJP spokeie @shaziailmi's post-show movements (when she was removing her mic and being comfortable, kind of intimate video) but also posted it on X.
This is really shameful behaviour. @BJP4India shouldn't tolerate it.
Imagine…
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) July 27, 2024
Nari Samman: A Call for Ethical Journalism
The Rajdeep Vs Shazia incident underscores the urgent need for media houses to prioritize Nari Samman. The pursuit of sensationalism should never come at the cost of basic decency and respect for personal boundaries. In the fast media cycle, males must adopt a culture of respect for women, ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.
अपनी बदतमीज़ी का प्रमाण देने के लिए शुक्रिया !
मेरा घर मेरी सफ़ेद स्पेस है!!
Not Against my will! @JPNadda@anil_baluni @PratyushKanth @Shehzad_Ind @PremShuklaBJP @pradip103 @tuhins @TimesAlgebraIND @wokeflix_ @neelkantbakshi… pic.twitter.com/UFV0K9x9JG
— Shazia Ilmi (@shaziailmi) July 27, 2024
Shazia Ilmi’s ordeal should become a case study for the media industry. The conversation on this issue should revolve not around right or wrong. It should focus on creating a culture of Nari Samman where every woman is guaranteed respect and regard. Women’s privacy is a critical issue, and their society as a whole must unite to address this issue. Media professionals must be held accountable for their words or actions to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Don’t think Shazia needs to explain. The cameraman can record her while she is on air. If the cameraman continues to record her, in her own house, after the show is over, it’s called cheap voyeurism. The cameraman, under the tutelage of @sardesairajdeep, has crossed a line. Sick. https://t.co/u0tD5cx17Y
— Nupur J Sharma (@UnSubtleDesi) July 27, 2024
The integrity of journalism hinges on its ability to respect and uphold the dignity of all individuals.
Thus, the Shazia Ilmi incident should not be treated as a personal affront. Instead it is a fight against professional misconduct and demand for Nari Samman. And the media needs to introspect on how in the fight for TRPs and viewership ratings, respect for all and ethical behavior has taken a backseat. Consequently, Shazia Ilmi’s stand against personal space violation is a powerful reminder of the need for dignity and respect for women in all professional spaces. Nari Shakti can only be upheld when it is backed by the concept of Nari Samman! Therefore, the media must remember that their quest for sensational stories should never override the fundamental rights and respect due to individuals, especially women.