Anurag Basu Reacts on Super Dancer 3 Incident, Says, 'I Understand How Embarrassing...'
Super Dancer Chapter 3, a popular kids' dance reality show that aired in 2019 and was judged by Shilpa Shetty, Geeta Kapur, and Anurag Basu, has recently been embroiled in controversy. A young candidate was allegedly subjected to "vulgar and sexually explicit questions" by the show's judges, according to the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Following the outburst, Anurag Basu, one of the show's judges, expressed disappointment about the incident, admitting that it was embarrassing and that more caution needed to be used when interacting with the candidates.
NCPCR has written to Sony Pictures Networks over a video on social media showing a clip from an episode of the children's dance show Super Dancer -Chapter 3 which aired on Sony Entertainment Television where judges were allegedly seen asking a minor "vulgar & sexually explicit"… pic.twitter.com/0w6KwEF6Ye
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2023
In a recent interview, Anurag Basu admitted that the incident on the show was indeed 'embarrassing,' and he regretted not handling it more sensitively. As a father of two children himself, Basu recognized the gravity of the situation, understanding how uncomfortable it must have been for the contestant's parents.
The filmmaker attributed the nature of the show, which involves shooting with children for extended periods, as a potential cause for such situations to arise. Children, being innocent and uninhibited, may sometimes say things that are beyond anyone's control. However, Basu took responsibility for directing the conversation toward a topic that led the contestant to say things that embarrassed his parents.
Anurag Basu emphasized the significance of drawing a clear line while asking questions to young contestants. He underscored the need for judges to be cautious and responsible in their interactions with children. As role models and mentors, judges should exercise discretion in their questioning, ensuring that topics of conversation remain appropriate and respectful. Basu also pointed out that the particular scene that drew backlash could have been edited out, but he clarified that such decisions were not within his control.
Speaking as a judge of a reality show and not on behalf of the channel, Anurag Basu addressed the issue with a sense of responsibility. He expressed his personal opinion on the matter, acknowledging that the viral clip had raised concerns. Basu believed that this incident would serve as a lesson for both judges and contestants, urging everyone to be more cautious about their words and actions on the show.
This is too easy on Sony Pictures. You should have fined them and barred those judges from appearing on TV for some time. Authorities taking a lenient attitude towards most serious issues is the bane of our time.
— sudeepj21 (@sudeepj21) July 25, 2023
Last month, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) issued a notice to Sony Pictures Networks, the broadcaster of Super Dancer Chapter 3, demanding the immediate removal of the controversial episode from all platforms. The notice stated that the questions posed to the minor contestant were allegedly 'inappropriate and disturbing,' and they should not have been directed at children.
As the issue gained public attention and garnered backlash, it prompted discussions about the importance of exercising caution and sensitivity while interacting with children, particularly on children's reality shows. The incident serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in such programs to prioritize the well-being and protection of young contestants above all else.
- PTC PUNJABI