Shoaib-Sania story: Let’s get the quantum right



Everyone and his dogs seem to have an opinion on how the media are covering Sania’s wedding. So here are my two bits.

1. Should we give publicity to lunatics?
Of course not. The most distressing aspect of the controversy has been the time and space afforded to assorted Hindutva nutters who have declared that Sania is now a Pakistani, should be thrown out of our country, should only play for Pakistan etc.

2. Should we focus on Sania’s choice of Shoaib?
Yes. If we work for gossip magazines. Perhaps the readers of gossip magazines care why and when Sania broke up with Sohrab. Perhaps they care when she started going out with Shoiab. And perhaps they have a view on what she could possibly see in him.

For the rest of us however — and the mainstream media, certainly —-these are subjects of little consequence. Sania’s love life is her own business. And so it should remain.

3. Should the mainstream media focus on celebrity weddings?
In an ideal world, no. But, the truth is that the Indian media have been obsessed with celebrity weddings for a long time now. If mainstream news channels can suspend regular programming only to cover Abishekh Bachchan’s wedding then it is a little late in the day to get self-righteous about the coverage accorded to Sania’s wedding.

4. Was it always like this?
No, it was not. Celebrity journalism was not a big deal till about twenty years or so ago. The media (in those days there were only papers) were not so focused on people and their private lives.

But people journalism is a global trend and India is not an exception.

5. Is the Ayesha – Shoaib story a legitimate one?
Yes, it is. It is more legitimate than glamour coverage of the wedding. Once something becomes the subject of a police case and both parties are interrogated by the cops you can hardly blame the media for covering it.

6. Is Ayesha telling the truth?
Probably not. Her story is bizarre. But then I doubt very much if Shoaib is telling the whole truth either. Even his story strains credulity.

The only person who emerges from this sorry saga with any credibility is Sania herself.

7. Should the media have allowed Ayesha to make her allegations?
It is foolish to say that the whole matter should have been left to the courts. We are forever writing about charges before court verdicts are in. Do we not write about Kasab till he is convicted? Do we ignore every case of cheating tilll the verdict is in? That’s silly.

Ayesha produced video footage, photos and a document. Plus there was footage of Shoaib talking about Hyderabad being his wife’s city. Nobody could have ignored this story, with this level of supporting evidence.

8. So, on what grounds can we criticize the media?
There are two major areas.
One: the quantum of coverage. Is this really such an important story that it should be the lead item on the news? Does it deserve so much attention time and space? Is there nothing else happening?

Two: the tone of coverage. The tenor of the coverage has sometimes been breathless and sensationalistic. Too many channels have taken sides openly and have decided that Ayesha is right and that Shoaib is liar. This cannot be justified in any circumstance.

9. Why is the coverage problem? Well, our usual response has been: if you don’t like what you are seeing, then change the channel.

But what do viewers do when the same story is on every channel?

That’s the problem.

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  • ishwar

    Should we give publicity to lunatics?

    Mr. Sanghvi, those who don’t agree with your views are lunatics. Serious or joking?

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    I fully agree with Ishwar.

    I thought Mr. Sanghvi is an educated man. Thought he can think and rationalize facts and figures. What a loss!

    Mr. Sandhvi, there are lots of people who read HT and read your columns are lot more educated than you are. We can analyze the news, the politics behind people’s motives and in this case the Sania’s marriage drama. As a public figure she will be scrutinized when she is marrying from the enemy nation. Pakistan that is.

    Why is that Pakis who couldn’t produce a Sania? Because it doesn’t have the environment that India has and India gave to Muslim girls like Sania. Democracy lives here. Girls have freedom here. Sania was nurtured by a nation of loving people. Naturally, there are many in India are disappointed, frustrated and saddened by her decision to marry a man from enemy nation. Pakistan is singlularly responsible for enhanced terrorism in this country. Not long ago the entire Mumbai, rather the entire nation was stand still for nearly three days because of Pakistan (state ) sponsored terrorism.

    Are we lunatics if we are a bit upset if one of our girls, that too, a star that was nurtured by Indian nation decide to marry a man from the terror state?

    You are that not smart and we are definitely not lunatics.

    [Reply]

    Salman Sheikh Reply:

    So Mr. Krishna thinks Pakis could not produce a Sania? Well, then Indians could not produce a suitable match for Sania either which Pakis did.

    The writer of the blog is spot on in denouncing the sanctimonious and mawkish outpouring of the fanatical Hindu extremists. And anyhow, another angle of looing at the whole affair is the sorry state of affairs in which although proclamations to freedom of Muslims in India are made, their choice of husband even is looked at with silly suspicion. It’s time to get over this narrow-minded ingoism and celebrate the happy occasions of someone so dear to the public.

    [Reply]

    joy Reply:

    Hey Salman,

    Hindu fanatics don’t go around bombing innocent people. Getting a seedy cricket captain to marry Sania from India is your criminal nation’s only achievement since 1947. God help her. BTW, her ex fiance is so happy to be relieved of Ms Short Skirts that he has wished her best of luck.

    vivek Reply:

    yeah – they just kill – like in gujarat!

    pooja Reply:

    I would like to know, Mr Krishna, if your stand would have been the same had Sania decided to marry some Mohan Sharma from Pakistan and not Shoab Malik?

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Yes, my reaction would be the same. It does not matter whether she marries a Mohan Sharma or Krishna or Ram Gopal. A **** is a ****. Their citizenship is what is of focus here. It was the entire the State apparatus of Pakistan that is being used to terrorise India. Thus, I prefer our girls marry anyone other than Pakis. I have no problem whatsoever if she marries any other foreigner including an Arab or Bangladesh born man.

    Here is another angle. As per Asian tradition, the girl generally accepts and moves in with in-laws. Not necessarily in this case. But it could happen. Sania also has the right to move her bank balance to Pakistan. This money was earned in India or India supported and sponsored. She earned that money as an Indian citizen. Now Pakistan based banks will have that money. Indirectly she is supporting Pakistan and in extension she is supporting Pakistan (state) sponsored terrorism.

    So, it does not matter which man in Pakistan she marries. She and her family are indirectly supporting a terrorist nation.

    swetha Reply:

    some mohan krishna will not survive happily in pakisthan where as sania could and is having celebrity life in India

    Mithi Reply:

    Good comment. Moreover, Vir Sanghvi theories/so called predictions have been proved wrong – like John McCain will be the US President, Amar Singh will never leave Samajwadi Party and the list goes on.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Thanks.

    Less educated persons like Vir Sanghi do not help India to advance.

    Why not Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to all people of India? For that why not UCC in every country?

    Can Sanghvi suggest UCC in Pakistan, Afghanistan and for that matter in 22 Arab countries? So, India is the one supposed to suffer by giving into all kinds of lunatic fringe groups? All in the name of minority rights.

    Do I ( as an Indian citizen and as a Hindu) have minority rights in Vatican, in Pakaistan, in Saudi Arabia? Can I build a tiny tiny Hindu temple in Vatican or in Saudi Arabia for Hindus to assemble and pray their Gods? Whether such a thought is even entertained for discussion in those countries?

    Anyone who proposes minority rights in Vatican and in Saudi Arabia will be thrown out of that country and more likely will be killed in few minutes.

    Where is Vir Sanghvi to fight for our rights where we are denied?

    Suddenly, every Hindu becomes a lunatic when he/she says ‘I like UCC being brought in.

    More than 400,000 Kashmiri based Hindu Pandits lost their home and lost their properties. They live like orphans in their own country. Where was Vir Sanghvi to fight for these poor souls?

    Are their rights not good enough for you?
    You and other less educated idiots pour your hearts and soul to a woman who is planning to marry a man from a terrorist nation. But you have time for Kashmiri Pandits.

    Great! Long live your philosophy!

    Then why the hell the minority

    [Reply]

    vivek Reply:

    India is a secular country – you can build a temple in US, UK – Why do you want to build a temple in the Vatican – has anybody from your family has ever been to the Vatican but this country belongs to muslims too. Don’t you get it that even with a majority of almost 80% – right wing parties have won only one election?

    Saurav Reply:

    Mr.sanghvi is right.

    [Reply]

    Manik Prabhu Reply:

    During Bofors, Ram Jethmalani asked Rajiv Gandhi 10 questions daily in the Indian Express. I wonder if i have to do the same., but the case of Maha nee Ayesha / Shoaib Malik is so bizarre., that i may not go beyond 2-3 days at the max. Here is the 1st Instalment for Maha Siddiqui :

    20 Questions to Maha-Jhooti, Maha Siddiqi:

    1. What is your date of birth.
    2. What is your qualification (Degree and year of graduation), please.
    3. When did you meet Shoaib Malik, where., and under what circumstances.
    4. What was your age at the time you met Shoaib Malik, and what was his age. If you had met him in “Dubai” as you claim, what were you doing in Dubai ? Do girls from good families travel to Dubai… and even if your father was an employee (Clerk) of Saudia Airlines, and we know Airlines staff and their families get 6 free-tickets annually., so you you guys (Siddikis) may have done a lot of free travel… visit to India every 2 months, eh !
    5. Your work experience please. Place of work and year of joining and leaving. When did you join Hala International School, Azizia, Jeddah., and when did you leave it ? Did you take pics of a 16-year old girl-student of Hala International School in the ICGSE – “A” Levels (+2 or Intermediate) with stunning looks. How many pics of this girl did you click. Who is this girl. Name and address please. She may be called to testify in Court. Do you still have those pics. How did you send them ? By post or email ? If you have the pics., please provide same to the Police. (If Shoaib Malik has those pics., those pics can be released to the Police and to the Media similtaneously, so that the girl may be contacted for collection of evidence and to testify during trial)
    6. The Marriage Certificate (Nikah-nama)., the plain form., allegedly signed by Shoaib and a few of his friends in a hotel (Chai-Khana) in Sialkot., and mailed to Hyderabad. Was this Nikah-nama by Shoaib., in favour of “AYESHA” or “MAHA”. Was this Nikah-nama allegedly signed by Shoaib registered and Notarised by the Qazi / Govt. Official of Sialkot (point of origin). Any document executed is not valid. There is a process, thru which it has to pass., to acquire legitimacy.
    7. Upon receipt of the Nikah-Nama, Maha signs it (in the space provided for the bride)., and lo and behold., MAHA becomes Shoaib Malik’s legally wedded wife ! The role of AYESHA (the fake creation) now ends.
    8. When Shoaib visited Hyderabad along with his team-mates., at the allegedly WALIMA RECEPTION (Where the Groom is wearing a “Track Suit”); did MAHA meet Shoaib. In what capacity. As Ayesha the bride., or as MAHA., the Aunt / Elder sister of Ayesha ? What was the excuse given for Ayesha’s absence ? She has fallen ill – she has gone to Saudi for some urgent work (what could be that “Urgent” work, wherein the bride leaves her Walima and runs ??) – she has gone to US (to meet whom ?) – etc etc. What was the excuse given.
    9. The staying at the Hotel. Maybe Maha did stay with Shoaib Malik in the Hotel – but as what ? As an Aunt. As Ayesha’s elder sister MAHA., or as Ayesha… the wife of Shoaib Malik ? Who will prove what happened behind closed doors ?
    10. As regards the mis-carriage. The date of the mis-carriage.,and the Doctor/Nursing Home’s full pathological report. From this date of mis-carriage we can determine the age of the foetus. When did Maha Siddiqui meet Shoaib last ? So that the 2 (the age of the foetus., and the meeting of Maha with Shoaib) can be cross-checked to verify the possibility of Shoaib having sexual relationship with MAHA ?
    11. After the said mis-carriage (was it natural – if so, under what circumstances., or was it deliberate.. if so why ?), Maha alleges that Shoaib did not contact her., or console her. In other words., ditched her. NOW., What did MAHA do ? Did she file a complaint to the Police of Hyderabad that she has been cheated by a Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, along with the copy of the alleged Nikahnama in her possession. WHY the hell did she keep quiet ?
    12. Is it true that in the year 2008, Shoaib Malik’s Lawyer in Pakistan sent a notice to MAHA Siddiqui alleging misrepresentation and fraud. Where is that notice. What action did Mr. Siddiqui take, on such notice ? Did he respond or did he keep quiet. If he did response, copy of the response(s).,. and if he kept quiet., reasons for keeping quiet.
    13. Mr. Siddiqui, Farida Siddiqui, Maha Siddiqui are showing such melodrama now in 2010. Why were they silent after the mis-carriage (or was it abortion); why were they silent to Shoaib Malik’s Lawyer’s notice, in the year 2008. They should have filed a counter suit in the City Civil Court, Hyderabad.
    14. Any girl who is in love does NOT collect “evidence” the way the Siddiquis have collected evidence (CLINICALLY). A normal person throws away the bills. What were the reasons for such meticulous maintainence of record ? If the girl (MAHA) had doubts that she may be ditched later., why did she not walk out of the relationship in the earlier stages ? Why allow it to blossom (and the evidence to gather) ? To subsequently black-mail later ?
    15. What is the age and weight of Maha Siddiqui. (to be verified by bone-testing by a qualified Doctor). Is she a Diabetic ? Lie detector tests to be conducted by Maha Siddiqui too, at the Forensic Laboratory at Uppal Kalan, Hyderabad. A team of psychiatrists headed by Dr. Majeed Khan, Psychiatrist, must examine Maha Siddiqui, to determine the psychiatric health of Maha Siddiqui.
    16. Is it true that Maha Siddiqui has received some money from some unsocial elements to annoy and embarrass Shoaib. This angle to be investigated by the Hyderabad Police. Please check the bank records of Maha Siddiqui, Mr. M.A. Siddiqui (her father)., Farida Siddiqui (mother) and NAJMA Siddiqui (sister).
    17. Who is NAJMA Siddiqui ? Is she a sister of Maha Siddiqui. Is it true that she was married., and she has divorced twice (Qulaa)., and is now with her 3rd husband. What were the circumstances of her 2 earlier marriages (that ended in divorce). The 2-ex husbands of Najma Siddiqui may be needed to be called to testify.
    18. How many crores would be enough for Maha Siddiqui to withdraw her case., or make an out-of-court settlement. Suppose Shoaib refuses to pay a single rupee, and the investigation goes on (at its usual pace)., and Shoaib travels back to Pakistan/Dubai., with the marriage postopned., is that what Maha wants. Agar mera na hua – kisi aur kaa na ho ! Hum to doobey hain sanam, tumko bhee ley doobenge ? Is that her strategy ? If so what did she gain by all of this ?
    19. Is some political party supporting Maha Siddiqui (with funds) from behind. This angle is very delicate and must be investigated thoroughly.
    20. Why doesn’t Maha Siddiqui come out in the open. Why does she talk from behind the curtain. She is articulate. Even if she weighs 250 kgs., its no problem. She must come out and say her version of the story. Until that happens, she will be considered a fraud, a prankster, a cheat and an imposter. (impersonator in legal terms). You have beaten Rakhi Sawant at this game of grabbing publicity. Admire your skills., but now it has reached its peak. The curiosity levels are subsiding and you are now beginning to look like Sick, perverted and negative (only intent to stop Shoaib from marrying… in other words.. a scene-spoiler… rang mein bhang daalne waali… rodaa atkaane waali… logon ki khushi barbaad karne waali). Please come out… out in the open… even if you be ugly.. or weighing 250 kgs… Come out… the way you are … and talk. Or else we will pull down this IRON CURTAIN.

    [Reply]

    Neetu Banga Reply:

    Mr. Vir

    Why not you say – Indian media needs to grow up!
    Sania is now world cup for media. The battle of Sania is running like a Indo-Pak war. Both sides want Sania trophy. Even parrot is jumping in their wedding prediction. Above all astologer is giving future of wedding. How much?
    A constant war is going on among the various news channels regarding target rating points (TRPs) and every channel wanted the highest TRPs in this gossip times.

    1111 Reply:

    u truly have followed this story to the core!!

    Kishan Rao Reply:

    The neighbours of the Siddikis in Saudia City of Jeddah have seen M A Siddiki running out of the house barefooted to save himself from the fury of his obese daughter Maha Siddiki, who would thrash her own father with a shoe whenever any of her demands are not met. Her sister Naghma Siddiki had an affair with a Hyderabadi boy, after her 2 divorces ended in a fiasco, and got pregnant. Her parents cajoled and then forced her to marry for the third time, so that she may give birth to the baby under legal and legitimate marriage. The mother, Farisa, while on her honeymoon in Bombay with her husband MA Siddiki, ran away with a boyfreind to watch a movie. MA Siddiki himself had divorced his wife several times but renewed the marriage upon the pleading of his wife. MA Siddiki’s family deals in animal hydes and skins – they are in fact butchers by profession.
    The whole family is of nuts – they are simply not normal people – arrogant, ill-mannered, uncouth, total upstarts – but meticulous in their schemes and plots. Whatever scehmes they devise, they cover it from all legal angles without leaving any loop holes. Or so they imagine. Truth has its own way of coming out – this time too, despite their utmost care, they will again be exposed for what they are – total criminals who are also nut cases, who need to be kept behind bars and treated of their mental ailments.

    Krishna Reply:

    Both Manik Prabhu and Krishna Rao may have points.

    The Supreme Court of India does not support your line of arguments. It supports the right of a woman in a relationship. Be it proper or improper; be it supported by document or not; be it live-in arrangement or not.

    The point is, Shoab signed the documents. He had a relationship, physical or otherwise. He visited their Hyderabad house. He dined there. He took pictures with her. He sent a legal notice to her 2 years ago. He yelled at her a lot over the phone.

    Within the last 24hrs he and his ‘community leaders’ arranged for a divorce which he owned. That means he accepted that ‘Ayesha or Maha’ was his legal wife. He has now legally divorced her.

    Thus, Mr. Manik Prabhu’s lengthy and useless writing is meaningless. The same goes to Mr. Krishna Rao’s.

    Let me clear here. I do not support Ayesha or Shoab or Sania. All I see is a big drama being played out at the expense of Indian tax payers.

    I want Uniform Civil Code, so that these kind of non-sense do not occur often, so that we can concentrate on much important stuff.

    vivek Reply:

    ran away with a boyfriend to watch a movie? Damn – she should have taken a cab!

    Krishna Reply:

    Right in what?

    Supporting a second and third marriages?

    Supporting a division within India, not supporting Uniform Civil Code that encourages these kind of non-sense?

    Supporting our girls marry men from a terrorist state (Pakistan that is).

    Sanghvi is a college graduate and yet an illiterate. So you are supporting him. Thus, you become a literatue, but an uneducated perrson.

    How come, you guys can forget terrorism sponsored by Pakistan towards India?

    [Reply]

    Manik Prabhu Reply:

    The purported Nikaah of 2002 had inherent flaws. 2 parties were not present physically at one place and at one point in time. They did not have their respective witnesses either. They did not sign the Nikah-Nama at the same time. There is a geography/time gap. This is not allowed in a Nikaah. It has to be one-shot spot-on. Secondly The Mehr (Dower) of Rs. 500-. is amusing. What value has Rs. 500-. In 2002 AD ? This is circumstantial proof, enough to convey that it was a prank. Ayesha-Maha controversy self-signing in the given place does not can never legitimize Nikaah conducted in parts. Shoaib’s case was strong but of course, it would have taken its time and sullied reputations, real or purported.

    But come to think of it resolution out of court is always the best option. It saves time. Saves what little that has been left as regards reputation issues are concerned. Most importantly, TIME is of essence in this case. Maha (Ayesha)’s shadow would have followed Shoaib for ever (in spite of winning this case). It is good Shoaib got out of his earlier marriage (which was a flawed Nikaah, like the joke-marriages in Vegas) and gave a victory to Maha [Ayesha] . Of course, Ms. Maha must have extracted something.

    So Maha wins divorce and Shoaib wins Sania April 15, 2010. Congratulations to both. Each got what they wanted. Let the marriage celebrations NOW begin. There must be a Classical Hyderabadi wedding – Shoaib in dark navy blue striped Sherwani – Sania in peach (Motiya) Khada Dupatta with Jadavi Lachcha. Let Hyderabadi wedding songs begin !

    DAILAAN MEIN PINAAYE HAAR KYA KHUSHNUMA BANAA KAY

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Dear Manik,

    Which world are you living in? Then again, please do not hide behind a Hindu name. Please come out as what you are.

    Who gives a damn whether that marriage between Ayesha with Shoab is legitimate or not? Please go and tell out honorable Supreme Court Judges to buy your argument.

    For a fact, they give a damn to your line of arguments. A marriage or no marriage, a union between a man and a lady is what matters. By hook or crook, Shoab and Ayesha came together. It is not for us to judge how and when a man and a lady should fall in love or come together.

    What matters is that they came together. They signed documents. They dined together. Apparently he visited their house in Hyderabad several times. Ayesha’s parents gave a party to the ****-cricket players. There are believable documentation to this effect.

    Because of the lunatic politics of Congress and the minorities in India, there is no Uniform Civil Code. India is a nation of billion people. Yet, there is no uniform civil code which is necessary for the nation to stay intact.

    It is the lunatic mulsim extremists do not allow Uniform Civil Code by controlling the vote bank. Congress has been playing with fire so long.

    Look at what is happening. Any one with a muslim tag can marry any number of times. Say Talaq three times and you are free. May be that you need Rs. 15,000 to meet the Shariat law as it happened in this case.

    In less than 50 years this nation will become a Muslim nation.

    Good luck sweet heart! Think about freedom of your children and grand children.

    If at all they are alive till then.

    Good luck to all of you who believe in ‘thousand cuts’ by Pakis.

    Sania’s family is sponsoring and supporting terrorism through this marriage. For that matter any one who marries a Pakistani citizen who supports their ‘terror’ policy deserves no bride and no groom from this great nation.

    [Reply]

  • http://- Rajeev

    “Everyone and his dogs seem to have an opinion on how the media is covering Sania’s wedding. So here are my two bits.”

    So Mr.Sanghvi agrees that he is one of the dogs. What a nut!!!

    [Reply]

    Rajeev Reply:

    And I have not heard Sanghvi’s masters (Sonia and Rahul) commenting on this.
    How has dog barked without permission from masters?

    [Reply]

    Sunil Reply:

    The only reason I think about this mudslinging is to get HT’s circulation up. Vir wants the public to be involved in this gossip purposely. I do not give credibility to anyone’s story. Vir himself is making this statement. He also goes on to say that Sania is the only person who emerges as credibile.If she is credible then she should have enough morality and intelligence to see through this entire saga. Agreed Ayesha’s story is not very strong but even Shoaib is on a very shaky ground. So why should public judge this. Let the legal system take care of this issue and Vir stop the practice of writing a story then sitting back and enjoying the fun of the controvery that follows and when it starts to die you come up with another writeup. You are not an intelligent writer but on second thoughts you might be doing a good job for HT’s circulation.

    [Reply]

    angellica Reply:

    ‘But what do viewers do when the same story is on every channel?’
    There he said it. He is being pragmatic…
    why do people complain when someone is trying bring the media to focus on the things that really matter?

    [Reply]

    Rajesh Reply:

    I dare you to do some Jihadi/islamic lunatic bashing. Hindutava bashing has become kind of like old and used up record !

    Krishna Reply:

    Yes sir.

    Sanghvi or any of English news papers in India have the balls to do this.

    Every one who has a civil discussion is a dog in the eyes of Sanghvi.

    Those who demand Uniform Civil Code become dogs, lunatics and Hindutva believing extremists.

    shiuli Reply:

    Mr.Vir, another Blogger on HT or rather cartoonists Mr.Navare, has sketched his art which speaks volumes on the way media is handling the issue of 2 celebs Sania & Sohaib. As stated by you, some twenty years ago, we had only papers to look at and fall back, well at least now in the digital age we have another easy approach, ie click on and move on. Here is a piece of thought – A good writer seems to be writing about himself, but has his eye always on that thread of the Universe which runs through himself and all things.”

    amit singh Reply:

    that’s why we have ipl for our rescue..

    Krishna Reply:

    I have never thought Mr.Sanghvi will lower himself this low.

    When marriage # 1, marriage # 2 is being discussed, why is that it never occurs to people like Sanghvi to discuss about Uniform civil code in India? Oh, I forgot. That kind of intellectual discussion may offend the minorities.

    Sanghvi, please go ahead bark all you want. After all, your daughter is not affected, right.

    [Reply]

    sanjay Reply:

    rajeev, i wish the tamils had blown a stupid person like you instead of Rajiv.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Please, please be use caution. Tamils ( or the entire the state of Tamil Nadu) are not indulging violence.

    Did you mean Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka. Then say state that clearly.

    [Reply]

    amit singh Reply:

    mr. veer has won the Rajeev Gandhi award for journalism , he wont say a word against rajeev gandhi because then his award would be of no value

    vivek Reply:

    and who has been supporting these terrorists? Tamils from Tamil Nadu – right? You are so sad Mr Krishna

    Rajeev Reply:

    I never knew terrorists were posting on this board.

    I have no love for Rajiv gandhi but the way he was killed was inhuman.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Be careful what the hell are you saying.

    People of Tamil Nadu are NOT terrorists, idiot. The Tamil Tigers are. They live in Sri Lanka. Please know the difference.

    And again, don’t twist the story to another area.

    The focus is ‘ Sania and her wedding’ and how Sanghvi sees it.

  • Vivek

    Why aren’t you accusing the mullahs who have opposed this marriage? There has hardly been any Hindu groups commenting on it. Whats your problem with Hindus? You criticize people. But have a fair play towards everyone. And you are just adding to the pile.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    This is not just muslim family vs muslim family problem. This is India’s problem. A girl born and raised in India has a problem with a man from across the border. That man happens to be powerful and has media on his side. That man also happens to be the citizen of Pakistan, a terror state.

    Very recently that nation sent terrorists to India, particularly to Mumbai. The nation was traumatized. The world is worried about the active role of Pakis_ in terrorism. It is in this context Indian Govt refuses to have talks with these past, current and future terrorists.

    It is in this circumstance, a star of India has chosen to marry a man from across the border. Thus, it is not a Hindu problem, it is India’s problem. As an Indian I am worried about this kind of trend. India is a nation of billion people. And the world has nearly six billion people. Thus, she can find an eligible man to marry her, except from terrorist nations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan etc.

    [Reply]

  • alex

    Where is Ayesha? Why she is hiding and commenting? If she is clean and if she tell the truth why don’t she catch shaob and slap him after all he is her husband? Why we haven’t heard anything about shoab marriage with ayesha in any news paper or shoab girl friend ayesha after all he is a popular cricket star? And why shoab is hiding fake Ayesha photo. This is really silly case. Rich peoples want to show off how rich they are and how popular they are and just to popularize themselves they come up with this evil thought, so that media will interrogate them and every sensible people will learn who the hell he is or she is , this is the only reason why Ayesha keep barking like a mad dogs and shoab roam like a stray dog in the street of hyderabad.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Stop shouting on top of your lungs dear.

    Will this non-sense could go on if there are Uniform Civil Code? That is every one is equal before the law? Had that been that case, the ‘Phone marriage’ between Ayesha and a Pakistan based man would not have been possible.

    Second, Shoab would have been arrested for his mischief. Third, he would not have got the divorce (overnight quick divorce that is) without a court’s involvement.

    Indian muslims and Indian Hindus, and Indian Christians cannot and should not have separate marriage laws. There must be a Uniform Civil Code and there must be a Uniform Civil Justice.

    [Reply]

    vivek Reply:

    and what should be the base of this Uniform Civil Justice? Hindu laws?

    [Reply]

  • Raja

    An advice to “Community Leaders:” This is one such situation where community leaders and elders need to intervene and try to resolve the matter between Shoib and Ayesha and between the two families. Even though there are laws governing the marriage, the matter of marriage and family and all the subtle hurts and their intricacies are handled only in a humane way by caring community elders and not by a rash and heartless “law.” Let us wish well to both the families and let the media focus on some other issues – e.g., the Maoist violence – that is an issue needing awareness among the people and not the Ayesha-Shoaib-Sania’s personal lives.

    [Reply]

    hun Reply:

    Sanghvi-
    why do you not simply say both Ayesha and Shoaib are Liars. All shoaib did was sleep with his Maha apa not ayesha. You should check facts out before pontificating.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Please don’t play Gandhi here.

    None of the ‘minority leaders’ are here to listen to your ‘ Gandhian thoughts’.

    They want ‘Muslim personal law’ to say effective. They want separate muslim marriage law which allows to Polygamy. That is to marry as many times they want, but to keep the upper limit of four wives at any given time.

    Instead of preaching your Gandhian thoughts to the people, why don’t you fight and vote for Uniform Civil Code.

    That means, you have to vote a party other than Congress and their associates.

    [Reply]

  • Vish

    Again stretching your reactions to the reactions by a bit.

    Problem was not the quantum I believe, your article was not that good on quality this time. No where in your article you mentioned that a law was/maybe being broken and gave certificates to Sania+Shoaib. We don’t live in a newspaper, we live in a soceity which is supposed to be governed by certain laws. If people like you start spearheading the anarchist ‘chalta hai’ lobby then what will happen to less sane people in media? You have no idea I have been reading your articles for over 20 years now, tho I’m not 30 yet. So you can assume that in my family, and many other families too, some people will be reading your articles.

    At the most we wanted our police/judiciary/admin to look into the matter. Here also, you have given Sania a character certificate. To me she comes across as a marriage breaker second wife, desperate for some man by hook or by crook. She and her relatives are helping Shoaib break the law and any good lawyer can get Shoaib, Sania, her family and everyone organizing/attending this marriage arrested.

    Again, as per Indian law a marriage is valid once it is entered ‘under any circumstances’. Be it a child marriage, or a marriage done after kidnapping the bride/groom(yes it is true), it stands valid once it is entered. Shoaib accepted the marriage was performed, many muslim bodies have also said that marriage stands valid. I myself have witnessed my frnd’s sister getting married on phone to some guy in Saudi. Shoaib and Ayesha were not leaving together and had no love lost can be a good ground for divorce, but marriage can’t be annulled on this basis. So Sania, unfortunately, comes across as a ‘marriage breaker second woman’. I already know three couples who changed the names of their daughters from Sania to something better after her ‘guy-chaning-as-clothes-marriage-breaking’ stunts. In this episode everyone is lying and fooling people. Disgusting. And in the name of being open minded/world class/liberal/democratic we can’t support everything weird.

    [Reply]

  • KZ

    Finally! Somebody with some sense of sanity!!

    [Reply]

    Salman Sheikh Reply:

    I agree. This is refreshing in that at times when so many with their racist axes to grind are busy confusing the matter and complicating it, an insightful clear-cut fact-of-the-matter analysis completely shorn of blind jingoism and extremist viewpoints has been propounded. Well done.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Dear Salman,

    Please tell me where is racism here. Don’t throw some words here. Give your points. Is it racism if some one suggests there should be Uniform Civil Code?

    That phone marriages are a joke in a civil society?

    [Reply]

  • Jatinder S Hoon

    If this you call media coverage, Shri Vir Sanghvi, then you have not seen Tiger wood coming out Sex coverage yesterday. Evrey new’s channel including B.B.C and all major news paper covered it.I wait your comment, “BALLS ARE IN YOUR COURT AND PITCH.”

    [Reply]

    Ramakrishna Reply:

    Dear Sir,

    Mr.Vir Sanghvi is known for his one side view. Here is a case where a gentle man named married a women had wonderful days and now he feels to get rid of this lady to get married to some other lady. This is a simple case of cheating. He must be judged according to law. No one tells complete truth.

    [Reply]

    jiten Reply:

    I always have adored mr. sanghvi (the author) for his neutral and true journalism. He is sense of inspiration .God bless this nice soul

    [Reply]

    Sunil Reply:

    Is he dead??????

    Rajeev Reply:

    May his soul Rest In Peace.

  • Legionnaire

    Nicely written! putting things in perspective.

    [Reply]

  • http://HindustanTimes Ash

    C’mon Man !
    You seem to have one strong opinion or another on everything ! 1. You are media (which you are passionately criticising). 2. Are you a dog yourself ? (as you are calling everyone else with an opinion). 3. Boy you stink – as always ! Stop being so cynical and get back to your recipes on Bharva Kulcha ! At least they’d be some takers of that. You are way off – very articulate, but you are shockingly off in your analysis ! Sania-Shoaib thing is entertainment for the masses – treat it for what it is. Stop being Dr. Judgemental or Mr. Righteous !

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Ash, you are so funny and good. I request that you must reply often to people like Vir Sanghvi. Just because he can speak and write in English, he thinks that he is super intelligent to comment on any topic and in any manner.

    The sad point is, this guy Vir is not going to change.

    As you have noted he should restrict himself to writing about food recipes.

    [Reply]

  • Sandeep

    Now Mr Sanghvi Will teach us what to do and what not to do…

    What have u learnt after reading the comments on ur past few articles i guess nothing…

    [Reply]

  • D R Reddy

    Dear Vir

    Are you following what is happening in Pak about this.If Yes, How you cannot have the same emotions as other normal Indians ( like she should not play for India..)…The way Pak is celebrating….I guess they may declare April 15 as their national Day

    [Reply]

  • Salman

    lol @ the bias journalism here who just want to keep up the tempo.

    Ayesha never produced a video photoage or pictures at first place. Its on the record itself plus the one pic where Shoaib standing with that fat pumpkin is the one whom he thought her as Maha( elder sis/coz/friend) of her which he hasn’t denied.

    Lol @ evidence …total bias.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Salman,

    Now you are indulging in name calling. ‘Fat pumpkin’ that is.

    Shoab being a muslim man married a muslim girl (Ayesha that is) whether it was right or not. None of us in this forum arranged his marriage. It was he and his cronies in Pakistan did it. As per the Indian Supreme Court all forms of marriage – yes, all forms of marriage or live-in arrangements will be seriously looked into. Thus, Shoab is liable to be tried in a Indian court. He visited her home, and apparently had intimate relationship with her.

    We didn’t encourage what he did. He did what he did and therefore is responsible for his actions.

    When was the last time a Pakistani spoke truth?

    IF he spoke truth and only truth, why he did he sign the divorce papers?
    Why don’t he take Ayesha to court and get the justice?

    For your kind information, Shoab did give divorce to his chosen fat pumpkin. None of us in the forum played any role in this

    [Reply]

    amit singh Reply:

    yeah right. the **** cricketer later divorced his sister…is this what happens in Pakistan , u marry and divorce your sisters and also pregnant them

    [Reply]

    Supriya Shravan Kumar Reply:

    Read a fine post by Dr. C. Sridevi. I cut+paste it here., and i quote :

    WHY INDIAN GIRLS PREFER PAKISTANIS.

    1. Pakistani men are good looking compared to Indians in terms of looks, physicality and health. 45% of Indians are mal-nutrititoned. Pl. read UNICEF report and also Dr. Amratya Sen’s report on the mal-nutrition problem in India. In simple language., it means that 45% of Indians are walking corpses.
    2. Pakistani men are soft-spoken, and kind hearted., and have a capacity to give love. There are few dowry deaths in Pakistan compared to India. Unfortunately the Indian man is greedy [asks for Dowry, house/apartment, car, 50 tolas gold, plus a ceremonial marriage. He is interested to make a hole in the pocket of the girl's parents]. The Groom & Co. drain so much money from the girl’s parents., that the girl’s heart is filled wit hatred for the Groom. Tell me., after seeing one’s parents robbed by a dacoit., which girl will like her husband ? So there is hatred from day 1.
    3. Pakistani men spend money on their women and families in terms of food, clothes, jewelry and travel too. In contrast, the Indian food is of very poor quality (in terms of nutritional value). Same goes for other things like clothes, jewelry, travel.
    4. Pakistanis may not be as educated as their Indian counterpart (in terms of academic qualifications), but when it comes to matters of heart., they perform better. In simple language., a Pakistani thinks with his heart (DILDAAR) and an indian thinks with his head (BANIYA). Any girl would like to have a husband who is CHIVALROUS… and not a scheming baniya with a calculator 24×7.
    5. The Pakistani lives for the moment. The Indian plans for the next 100 years. Planning for future is GOOD and commendable., but sometimes planning ahead takes one so far., that one ceases to exist / enjoy the moment at hand. This destroys a relationship. No woman would want to be tied to a FUTURISTIC time capsule. Afterall life is the moment at hand.

    Lack of looks, chivalry (Dildaari), miserliness (Kanjoosi), mean-ness, cheapness, vulgarity, lack of dress sense, poor food (nutritional quality)… all these flaws are driving good looking Indian girls to look for a man ELSEWHERE (other than India). As simple as that. No offence meant, but this is the truth. I have arrived at these conclusions after 30 years of practice as a Psycho-analyst and Psychiatrist dealing with human related issues., both in the US and India. (on the SE Asian community). So i have a right to say a word on this., after having observed thousands of cases during my professional life”.

    Unquote.

    [Reply]

    Rajeev Reply:

    I have read all this BS on pakistani forums..so supriya you are not Indian but a terrorist Pakistani..

    This is what Islam stands for..lies and deceit.

  • Smriti

    Vir Singhvi is the Rush Limbaugh of India. Without reading the complete article, one can easily assume it will be glorifying (worshipping) the Gandhi dynasty, trashing the Hindu religion and silent on any other religions issues, blame every problem inlcuding weather on Hinduism, He is a typical closet self-hater.

    [Reply]

    Pradeep Reply:

    Mr. Sanghvi,

    You posting is simply contributing to the media craziness on the topic. And your answer to question 5: “Is the Ayesha – Shoaib story a legitimate one?” is utterly flawed. It is the media that propelled the police to take cognizance of the case. Not the other way round? Shaoib is victimized because he is a Pakistani. Ayesha does not have a feet on this issue.

    [Reply]

    Lulu Sharma Reply:

    Sanghvi-ji, stop being a spoil-sport. Your attempt to defeat the essence of Indianism is unpatriotic.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Well said.

    Sanghvi does not Uniform Civil Code either.

    It was the lack of UCC encourages these kind of non-sense in India.
    Can Shoab do this in a Western country and get away with this?

    [Reply]

    Indranil Mukherjee Reply:

    Your obsession with the UCC is breathtaking!

    “Why is it so hot?” one would ask. And your likely answer would be, “Because there is no UCC!”

    :-)

    Rajeev Reply:

    He is a Jain..I guess.

    [Reply]

    Saarthak Reply:

    Were you paid by the BJP to post this? because I cannot in anyway make out how this article shows that Vir Sanghvi is glorifying the gandhi dynasty in any way. I do not support the present Congress government either but I find your remarks quite peculiar in context of this article.

    [Reply]

    Rajeev Reply:

    I am commenting on Vir’s tendencies not on article.

    I am paid by BJP as Vir Sanghvi is paid by congress, you fool.

    [Reply]

    Indranil Mukherjee Reply:

    You’re rabid. Period.

  • Avtar Grewal

    Let MS. Gill, the UPA Minister of Sports, set the quantum right; by announcing that Sania will not be allowed to play for India any more after her marriage with Shoaib.That way every quantum, including media coverage, will be set right by itself, and nobody’s ( including Rajeev’s ) dog will bark in any spectrum !!!

    [Reply]

    Jayesh Reply:

    Mr Sanghvi,

    We people, reading your column from west coast USA, are left with very little respect for your way of writing and kind of biased mindset you have.

    What do you mean by his dog? Aren’t you a canine being in same hind sight?

    Stop using Hindutav nutters like terms, as almost entire nation feels the same way. People like you who like to please their masters and present govt, are trying to give undue attention to Sania-Shoaib episode.

    We do not give tiny rat’s butt to whom Sania is marrying.

    Its just that Shoaib malik – a shady person – banned for a year by PCB and himself confessing his nikah to Aiyesha in 2005 post cricket match footage in Hyderabad, doesn’t seem right guy for anyone, let alone Sania.

    [Reply]

  • redfox

    Mr Non communalitst Vir Sangvi.
    How do you say
    “Is Ayesha telling the truth?
    Probably not. Her story is bizarre. But then I doubt very much if Shoaib is telling the whole truth either. Even his story strains credulity.”
    So are you saying both are liars? All Shoaib did was sleep with his Maha apa not Ayesha?

    Instead of saying Ayaesha is “Probably not telling the truth”, why do you not simply say you do not know? Communal sob you are!

    [Reply]

  • Jess

    What I have been tweeting for the last couple of days is that this is, indeed, a valid story. This case can set 1) a legal precedent for phone marriages and establish legal guidelines as to what consitutes a valid marriage. 2) Help leaders of various religious faiths to learn that such a thing may happen and how they could handle it. 3) It should raise a social awareness of how we see marriage in our culture.

    In addition this is very interesting (almost academic) sociologically for the following reasons:

    -Everywhere else in the world, a “phone marriage” (even signing papers afterwords) would be dismissed a prank or child’s play. A laughable event. However, Indian sensibilities and values place a lot of validity on marriage conducted over the phone. Does the arranged marriage concept have anything to do with this?

    -Siddiqui’s are a wealthy family. Would a middle class family be able to create such a circus with lawyers and media press releases?

    -We need to examine the role of possible mental illness of this woman. She may suffer from some sort of Borderline Personality Disorder or Delusional disorder. And, as families go, the dad and mom are co-dependents. They are willing to go the distance to facilitate, protect, support and hide their daughters whims.

    -We need to consider that, at 20, Shoaib was like any red-blooded male who fell in love with a photo/an image. (Playboy magazine and “girl of the day” photos in newspapers are popular for a reason).

    -Or, perhaps Shoaib was seduced by the wealth of the Siddiqui’s and married their daughter for financial security. Remember, he was not famous at the time. Again, it was a “telephone” marriage.

    -The few photos that I’ve seen of the woman, Ayeesha/Maha apa/whatever, validate Shoaib’s version of events to a certain extent.

    -Finally, there is a huge political element to this. a) Look at all the anti-Pakistan comments coming from Indian readers. Shoaib is guilty because he is Pakistani, lets never mind the ridiculous nature of the allegations. b) Even Preity Zinta had a difficult time filing an FIR in her support of Shandar Amrohi. So how is it that Mr. Siddiqui got an FIR filed almost instantaneously and Shoaib’s passport seized with the investigation being undertaken by several Police teams. Hmmm Mr. Siddiqui is well-connected and/or Police are influenced by the nationality of Shoaib.

    It seems fashionable to media bash. Especially, now with tweeting and blogging.

    [Reply]

  • Desh Deshpande

    Vir Sanghvi has played the ubiquitous “foreign” card. The man who started the Bombay magazine at the tender age of 22, now resorts to tabloid journalism. Vir, there is more equity in food shows. Stick to it. Just because it’s a global trend, doesn’t mean we have to ape it. Other than that I do not disagree with the rest of your thoughts.

    Anyway, best of wishes to the potential bride and groom.

    [Reply]

  • shiv

    Begaani shaadi mein abdullah diwana !! What a waste of peoples’ time and attention.

    [Reply]

    VINOD PANDEY Reply:

    Vir,
    The Shoaib-Sania-Ayesha problem has to be solved by the following three :-
    1. The alleged oppressor, i.e. Shoaib . He has to prove that he is not ditching Ayesha, given that some ‘evidences’ of his ‘engagement’ with the latter have surfaced.
    2. The alleged victim, i.e. Ayesha. She has to prove that her purported marriage to Shoaib is legally tenable.
    3. The willing-to-be-oppressed Sania Mirza. She has to help solve the zig-saw puzzle as an interested party.

    I see no role for the media anywhere here. It should rather focus on other compelling issues .

    [Reply]

  • Chatur

    Sanghvi is the only editor of a newspaper who has time to comment/write articles on tabloid news. Personally, I find Indian Express newspaper the best in terms of news and editorial material. It appears to be impartial. I hope Vir Sanghvi never joins Indian Express. He seems to be a paid agent of few politicians.

    [Reply]

  • Sanjeev

    A long message from job less guy (Vir Sangvi)….

    [Reply]

  • Girish Pillai

    Vir,
    You cant blame media coz both r known sports persons . But it should not have been taking so much time and space. Shoeb and Ayesha are hiding certain facts anyway. It shows how cheap these people are really. If they are from ” respectable ” families as Sania claims, this should not have happened.
    Vir, Sania can choose anyone. But dont you think, it is ill timed when our great neighbour is bent on sending terrorists to India on a day today basis, 26′11 massacre, jawans are fighting them everyday at the borders, Pak is exporting counterfeit notes and drugs……Theres is a national feeling, Vir. We love India. Every Indian knows that Hyd, Bhatkal, Malappuram and Kasargod in Kerala are all centres of certain peoples who support Pakis in destroying India. Sincerely, media shouldnt have spent so much space and time on this. Just like a muslim, we are also proud to be Hindus, Vir.Yes some has crossed the borders of decency in their comments, its absurd.

    [Reply]

  • nazir

    I love the massala gossip……..a nice break from bloody politicians

    [Reply]

  • Vik

    Vir is an agent of Pakistan, if not why he always support Pakistan. Anti national.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    If you are using that yard stick, then you have to label the entire English press in India as anti-national. The news papers ” The HINDU” , Times of India, Hindustan times, Indian Express — they all publish anti-Hindu, pro-Pakistan viewpoints except for few days when Mumbai is burning or Parliament is attacked.

    These folks including Vir have labeled every Hindu as a lunatic or extremist if they have a view point contrary to theirs. Particularly Uniform Civil Code, opposition to Haji subsidy and similar such non-sense that goes on in India.

    The meaning of Secularism in India: Anti-Hindu.

    [Reply]

    vivek Reply:

    Then majority of India are anti-national. In 60 years they have voted marginally for BJP only once – the party which talks about Hindus and univiform civil code and haj subsidy – go figure it out

    [Reply]

  • TABBASUM KHAN

    SINGHVI U NEED TO BE FAIR ENOUGH IN THIS VERY SENSITIVE ISSUE.IF UR DAUGHTER OR SISTER WERE IN THIS SITUATION,I AM SURE U WOULD HAVE NOT DARED TO COMMENT AS INDO PAK ISSUE. IT SEEMS UR MAKING FUN OF WOMEN’S SENSITIVE ISSUE. BE SENSIBLE ENOUGH BEFORE COMMENTING.

    UNIFORM CIVIL CODE IS THE ONLY ANSWER TO SUCH SITUATIONS.THOSE WHO OBJECT TO SUCH LAW,NEVER SUFFER LIKE WOMEN ,AS AYESHA NOW SUFFERING. IT WILL BE GREAT HELP TO WOMEN.WHAT’S STOPPING SUCH LAW? IS THE GOVT BOWING TO MALE FOLK ?

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    First learn to type correctly. NO CAPS please. Caps = yelling on top of your lungs.

    It irritates everyone. Difficult to read.

    As a Khan, none of the rule should apply to you.

    [Reply]

    Indranil Mukherjee Reply:

    You make a mistake here, my friend. “Tabbasum” is no Khan… no genuine article would misspell her own name… ;-)

    [Reply]

  • Ats

    I have heard in good old days media used to rouse public reaction, generate a kind of awakening , today we have gossip, speculation, movie relases, cricket , senseless debates on TV getting us no where.

    By the way SRK ( the guy always ready to take off his pants in shaadis for doe) release got more publicty than Sania Shoaib by a commi media run from new delhi.

    It is Media that has to set standards, and decide how much and what to report. I doubt if there are any standards, guidlelines on this, none of us want far too excess coverage of any event esp. people’s personal lives. By the way guys like Vir, Sayeed Naqvi, are doing just fine.

    [Reply]

  • Atul

    Mr.Sanghvi, for over sometime that I have been reading your articles, not even once have I found them knowledgeable, entertaining, WORTH. infact I have always seen people crticising your articles for even what I believe they are worth for.
    One does not expect such quality from a perosn of your caliber and why does every second article of yours has to carry a baseless criticism of Hindus, why are u so anti..

    [Reply]

  • Kishan

    Mr Sanghvi why do you always have to see a snake whenever you see a rope in a not fully lighted room. Why do you have to bring in Hindutva in every motivated, publicity seeking story. I thought editors are enlightened people with unbiased minds.But you belie that hope and damage your own credibility. Or is it that you get paid for writing such rubbish?

    [Reply]

  • Manik Prabhu

    The purported Nikaah of 2002 had inherent flaws. 2 parties were not present physically at one place and at one point in time. They did not have their respective witnesses either. They did not sign the Nikah-Nama at the same time. There is a geography/time gap. This is not allowed in a Nikaah. It has to be one-shot spot-on. Point No. 2 : The Mehr (Dower) of Rs. 500-. is amusing. What value has Rs. 500-. In 2002 ? This is circumstantial proof, enough to convey that it was a prank. Ayesha-Maha controversy., self-signing in the given place does not can never legitimize Nikaah conducted in parts. I could have won this case, hands-down. But of course., it would have taken its time., and sullied reputations, real or purported. It would have been a dirty trial, but I would have won hands down. I brushed my Muslim Personal Law Case Law., and was ready with my brief.

    But come to think of it., resolution out-of-court is always the best option. It saves time. Saves what little that has been left as regards reputation issues are concerned. Most importantly, TIME is of essence in this case. Maha (Ayesha)’s ghost would have followed Shoaib for ever (in spite of winning this case). It is good Shoaib got rid of his earlier marriage (which was a flawed Nikaah, like the $5 marriages you have in Vegas for fun)., and gave a victory to Maha [Ayesha] . Of course, Ms. Maha must have extracted her pound of flesh, purported to be Rs. 4 crores.

    So Maha wins divorce and Shoaib wins Sania April 15, 2010. Congratulations to both. Each got what he/she wanted. Jai Ho. Let the marriage celebrations now begin. There must be a Classical Hyderabadi wedding – Shoaib in Sherwani – Sania in Khada Dupatta with Jadavi Lach`cha. Let the wedding songs begin !

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Just go and take a hike.

    Shoab has signed the divorce papers. That means he owned the marriage and then he divorced her. That is now legal.

    When was the last time a Pakistani spoke truth?

    Please do not kiss the *** of a Pakistani citizen. That too in a case like this. Unless you are a Pakistani and wants to support Polygamy, cheating and lying to girls from Hyderabad.

    [Reply]

    Supriya Shravan Kumar Reply:

    There is an idiom in English “Discretion is the better part of valor”. I can write a long writeup on the nuances of this case., but Sir Manik Prabhu has already enunciated it so clearly., infact the way he dissected the case, its a work of art. Manik Prabhu is in the bad habit of winning all the cases he pleads. He never lost a case in Court ! So when he says (and dissects), there is not much to elucidate.

    Summary is : “Importance of Time”. A case can drag. Argument-counter-argument and this waste of time (time-span in Law) destroys both parties (esp. the aggrieved party) in cases that have societal or social or moral shades to it (Either way). So., where these things are involved., the finest thing is to discuss and opt for an out-of-court settlement.

    Which is what Shoaib Malik wisely did. I am sure he contacted some eminent lawyers., and took the decision., saying… okay… Ms. Maha (Ayesha).. YOU WIN.. It is a win for her., but a phyrric victory. Since you are not from the legal community., let me put it this way. Shoaib lost a “battle” but won the war. Do you get my point.

    Saddened to read the cheap comments posted by fellow Indian citizens. Extremely in poor taste. Reflect the character of Indians as a nation. We may have built bombs and infrastructure., but reading the comments made me hang my head in shame. It comes out as if we are a nation of cheap perverts and sadists. One must use language with restraint and never lose dignity. Hate is a consuming passion. If we fall into the RSS/VHP/Bajrang Dal trap and hate Pakistan and Pakistanis 24×7., we will become Afghanistan in a couple of decades. Get out of the hate ride before you become Pragya and Purohit. Wish people well., and dont be jealous on someone else’s success or happiness. Swayam-darshan (discover yourself), swayam-jhothi (be your own light)., and swayam-marg-karanam (make your own path). DOnt walk the path of hate. It destroys you more than AIDS (from within). In a bid to dye your soul into safforn color, dont corrupts your soul.

    [Reply]

    vivek Reply:

    How many wives did Lord Krishna have?

    [Reply]

    Rajeev Reply:

    Please use your real name.

    [Reply]

    ishwar Reply:

    Pakis never tell the truth. They are born liers.

    [Reply]

    Supriya Shravan Kumar Reply:

    and all Indians are angels. For instance Swami Nithyananda (Ranjitha/Yuvarani tapes fame) now hiding in Hardwar., and the other Sex-Swami from “DELHI”… who duped people some 2500 crores .

    All hate-monger Hindutva perverts are kindly advised to read Jad Adams’ new book “NAKED AMBITION”. It is about an Indian and his moral character. Read Jad Adams book before writing another word. Sick perverts.

    Rajeev Reply:

    And also how POPE avoided talking about sexual abuse by priests.

    Gaurav Sharma Reply:

    Keep discussion to Indians only, shall we?

    Siraj Reply:

    So many comments and so many experts on Sania-Shoaib affair……tell me where they are planning their honeymoon….follow them guys and be the one to post that story first….after all Indian life is about reading silly useless unimportant stories about so called celebrities…good luck!!

    Rajeev Reply:

    Sex has no religion or nation so let’s keep it open discussion.

    Trivia: This pope RATzinger was a Nazi symapthiser in his youth.

    Rajeev Reply:

    When did you convert? How much rice did you get?

    Gaurav Sharma Reply:

    and we Indians are world most honest people, isn,t that right Ishwar!

  • TABBASUM KHAN

    U had more confidence on Shoaib.In the process of arguing u had turned it anti hindutva !! u being a columnist since a long,why did ur wisdom failed u ? Was it necessary to look through the prism of religion ? Bcuz that it involved a muslim woman’s stand on her right,so it has to be tuned as anti hindu ?Don’t u think by this sort of comment, u group yourself among pseudo secularist like congress,Lalu etc.What compel u to give it a anti hindu color ? U proved ur self no different from the pseudo secularists.View of a columnist should be responsible as it compels people to have an opinion on an issue,which impacts society at large.

    I have to doubt about ur credential as a standard and upright columnist from today onwards.

    Now that Shoaib signed the divorce paper and acknowledged his marriage to Ayesha,don’t u think it would have been an impossible battle for a normal women ? Its for this reason Uniform Civil Code has to be implemented in india.I hope u would ponder over it impartially, without pseudo secularist lens.

    [Reply]

  • http://- Rajeev

    Now I am waiting for the story on Sania-Shoaib honeymoon from Sanghvi.
    The question is whether Shoaib is going to use condom or Sania will take pills or will they have unprotected sex.

    I am excited.

    [Reply]

    Krishna Reply:

    Rajeev,

    You are being too fast. Vir needs some time to analyze the facts. Then only he can give his predictions.

    He must analyze whether use of condom is a Hindu and Western belief. Whether Sharia allows such a thing. Then he has to look from his ‘ secularist’ views whether taking pills or using Condom is the right thing.

    After all his analysis, he has to look from Hindutva angle to see whether Hindus are fanatics or dogs or donkeys or much worse.

    Please have some patience. Vir is busy analyzing facts. Don’t disturb him during his meditation.

    [Reply]

  • Begum Zaheer Yar Jung Bahadur

    Vir. There is so much hatred in the comments posted below. This is so very ugly. , and deplorable. Most of it is due to personal frustration(s) and jealousy. One must be happy at other people’s happiness. I have penned a few lines, commenting on the wonderful column you wrote, which is so full of wisdom and reflects your ability for in-depth analysis and grasp of contemporary history.

    Badi dhoom gajarr say… Aaya Rey.. Nausha.. Ameer`on kaa..
    Jaaama jo tera.. Laakh kaa; Kalgi hazaar`on kee
    Baandho baandho Doolhe-Raja.. Sehra Rey..

    Let Hyderabadi Marriage Songs begin. It must be a purely CLASSICAL Hyderabadi Shaadi. The Doolha in Sherwani.. Saafa (Shamlaa)… Mogra Sehra.. (Classical Hyderabadi Sehra… with Baghli., Haar., and Sehra)… atop a White Horse… Band-Baaja… and 500 boys dancing in the front playing the DAFF (Dufflee).. Arabic Style Daff… Shoaib must leave Sania’s home from Jubilee Hills in an open red flower-decked car… reach Banjara Hills Post Office… or let us say… Syndicate Bank (Shangrila)… opp. the Newly Built Shopping center., which is 1 furlong from Krishna Oberoi (Venue of the Nikaah 15 April 2010., 6:30 PM). From there., he must alight a white horse… and the Baraat walks the distance (5-7 minutes walk). Security tight rakhna chaahiye… CISF services to be taken., IF NEEDED. 2 trucks of Military Police might be needed. (Military Camp at Mehdipatnam is v.close., so 2 trucks, say around 100 Jawans – armed, should be enough). As Eminent Lawyer Manik Prabhu so lovingly suggested (keeping in view the “evening time” 6:30 – 7:00 PM)., a dark navy-blue Sherwani.. with white churidaar pyjama + white saafa… would look superb… otherwise… a cream color raw-silk Sherwani and churidaar would look good too.. As regards Sania., Khada Dupatta in Motiya Colour (Peach … or Kharboozi color., as they say in Hyd… (inside of the Kharbooza).. with Jadavi Lach`cha and Karan phool.. classical look… and it must be a classical setting. Shehnai (Mangal Dhwani) at Sania’s home (for 7 days)., and also at the Hotel upon arrival of the Baraat. Allah Mubarak Karey…. AAL IZZ WELL… and AAL WILL BE WELL., God-willing.

    [Reply]

    Saaaqi Reply:

    I do not understand on what grounds a compromise was reached between the two extreme positions taken by the parties. On one hand Shoaib says he never saw the lady now claiming to be Aysha and on other hand Aysha says she had abortion of his child!.

    Either their statements were wrong and made with malafied intentions (or press heard and recorded them wrong) or the whole lot comprising of three families and as well as commette members are “M A D E – C H O – “. They all should come out clean at this point in time else both nations shall anticipate another showdown of a kind some time down the line.

    [Reply]

  • Supriya Shravan Kumar

    Rajeev : You dont call someone a “terrorist”, simply because that someone says the TRUTH., which may or may not be to your convenience. As simple as that. What Dr. C. Sridevi, Psychiatrist and Psycho-analyst has written is very true. Now i have to get blunt and let me say this to you bluntly, because you are not fit to understand decent language and nuances of langauge. Unfortunately, thru custom or tradition, whatever., the fact is:

    INDIAN MALE IS A GIGOLO.

    The Indian male charges “fees” from a girl / her family. At the time of marriage., he asks for a bungalow / flat / apartment / plot / 1 kg gold / clothes / utensils / car etc., as “DOWRY”. Why does he ask all these things for ? That is the price for having sex with the girl. He is using his body like a taxi. You pay the fare., and the taxi drives. This does not happen ANYWHERE in the world, even in the poorest countries like Congo, Ethopia or Chad. Men are not men if they charge “Fees” for having sex with women. If a man, any man, whatever his name, charges money or takes financial consideration from a women or her family for getting into a relationship / marrying her, that is tantamount to saying that the man is a prostitute. A male prostitute. As simple as that.

    The Indian male, thru custom or tradition, call it whatever suits your sensibilities, has become a gigilo and is charging the woman with “fees” (one-shot at the time of marriage) and also full maintainence (like the maintainence charges of the apartment)., life-long. When the woman is expecting, the delivery costs to be borne by her parents. If its a baby girl, gold ornaments for the grand-daughter., if its a boy., some thing else. Then clothes. Then the birthday comes., expectation of “gifts” by the gigilo. This goes on, life-long. WHAT FOR ? Ever heard men in Italy Spain, Switzerland, China or even the poorest country of Africa like Chad doing this. No. They dont. Why ? Cuz they are “men”.

    To be a man is not to have “chataak” gosht (50 grams of meat) between your legs. It means a certain display of character. Chivalry, Decency, Dignity., the ability and the quality to take care of a woman. Work hard and earn. Then Feed the woman., clothe her., have sex with her.. give her the joy of being a wife., have kids.. take care of the kids.. feed them.. educate them.. clothe them. AND IN RETURN EXPECT NOTHING from the woman (for the services rendered). That is a MAN with a capital “M”. and not a “thimble”.

    A woman looks for “Chivalry” in a man. “Veer-taa”, or “Bravery”. It doesnt mean coming out with a sword. It means the ability to face the world. It measn the ability to protect his woman. It means the ability to take heat., it means the ability to display strong “nerves”. Shoaib Akhtar may have a million flaws., but he displayed chivalry. He came ALONE to Hyderabad to face the problems. Can you imagine Babu Bajrangi going to Pakistan alone., and facing the problems ! NO WAY. He will go with 5000 people in trucks armed with acid bombs., gas cylinders., swords., and trishuls., because cowards do not ., can not go alone. They go in hordes. In trucks., shouting and armed. They indulge in violence, rape and murder., only in GROUPS, because they are cowards. They are NOT men. They have a “chataak” (50 gms) gosht between their legs., but they ARE NOT MEN It is a disgrace to call them as “men”.

    A man is not just a physical term. It means the ability to possess certain qualities too . If someone does not have THOSE qualities., and if someone is a beggar-for-life asking the woman (and/or her parents / brothers / mother) all her life., then that man is a gigilo. A male prostitute. As simple as that. He is not a man. That is the reason., and that is rightly the reason., that as Indian girls get educated., get exposure to the outer world., they will marry men born in diferent countries. If an Indian girl, a Hindu girl, goes abroad., sees Spanish men., sees Italian men., gets exposed to the world., do you think she will ever think about an Indian man ? Just juxtapose an Italian man or a Spanish man with his Indian counterpart. Where is the machismo. Where is the character. Indian men LACK character. They use cheap language. They are wife beaters. 99% of women suffer in India at the hands of men. The men may have degrees., but they do not have hearts., because they have been culturally conditioned to be “gigilos” and male-prostitutes.

    Now go., and cut and paste this write-up by me., on all the Pakistani Sites. Chalo.

    Jai Mata Di.

    [Reply]

    Rajeev Reply:

    Are you for real?

    You are posting racist stuff and are proud of it.
    Only pakistani muslims can be so shameless.

    [Reply]

  • http://parthiban.co.cc Parthiban

    Dear Krishna, I think you are getting too emotional about this. I do agree with you opinion on Sania getting married to Pakistani. As a star and prominent person she should not get into this knowing that Pakistan is giving us a hard time in terms of terrorism, Our defense expenses are so high which can be used for many other development area and only because of Pakistan we are wasting such a huge money. She is a celebrity and should think about the implication and do what is best for the nation.

    [Reply]

  • Grace Theo Vanderbilt

    I admire Indian Tennis star Sanea Mirza, and i wished to say a few things (borrowing the words of a great writer). Here are a few lines. I study at Sorbonne, and wished to send her a book on the occasion of her wedding, but i do not have her address. hence i asked someone and they guided me to your blogpost. Sorry if its a bother. and Merci.

    A few lines (albeit borrowed) :

    Having the courage to take the steps we always wanted to take is the only way of showing that we trust in God.

    She thought about the greatness of soul of the true sages, sages who had spent their entire life searching for an answer that did not exist, but who were not tempted to invent an answer when they realized there was none. Instead, they carried on humbly inhabiting a Universe they would never understand. The only way they could truly participate was by following their own desires, their own dreams, because that is how man becomes an instrument of God.

    ‘So what’s the point of looking for an answer then?’
    ‘We don’t look for an answer, we accept, and then life becomes much more intense, much more brilliant, because we understand that each minute, each step that we take, has a meaning that goes far beyond us as individuals. We realize that somewhere in time and space this question DOES have an answer. We realize that there IS a reason for us being here, and for us, that is enough.
    ‘We plunge into the Dark Night with faith, we fulfill what the ancient alchemists used to call our Personal Legend and we surrender ourselves fully to each moment, knowing that there is always a hand to guide us, and we accept it or not is entirely upto us.’

    What is now proved was once only imagined.

    The fish must have asked themselves how they managed to fly, these mysterious creatures who plunged into their world, then left as quickly as they entered.
    The birds must have asked themselves how the creatures they fed on and that lived beneath the waves could possibly manage to breathe under water. Birds existed and fish existed. Theirs were universes that occasionally collided, but they could not answer each other’s questions. And yet both had questions, and the questions had answers.

    If she were capable of asking a question, it was because, in another Universe, there was an answer. Someone knew it, even if she didn’t. she didn’t need to understand the meaning of life; it was enough to find someone who did, and then fall asleep in his arms and sleep as a child sleeps, knowing that someone stronger than you is protecting you fro all evil and all danger.

    Far from diminishing their passion, this only made them live each moment as if it were their last, and the love between them had all the intensity of things that take on an eternal quality precisely because they are going to die.

    However, there was a third party involved in this furious struggle. A man caught in destiny’s mysterious web, a web that neither Magi nor Witches can understand. An ordinary man, perhaps as in love with that woman as he was, a man who wanted her to be happy and to do his best for her. An ordinary man, whom Providence’s mysterious designs had thrown into the middle of this battle between a man and a woman who knew the Tradition of the Moon.

    We are all masters of our own destiny. We can so easily make the same mistakes over and over. We can so easily flee from everything that we desire and which life so generously places before us. Alternatively, we can surrender ourselves to Divine Providence, take God’s hand and fight for our dreams, believing that they always arrive at the right moment.

    ‘For many days, I wondered if that man really had existed, or if he was an angel sent by God to teach me the secret lessons of life. In the end, I decided that he had been a real man, a man who had loved me, even if only for an afternoon, and during that afternoon, he’d given me everything he had kept to himself throughout his whole life: his struggles, his joys, his difficulties and his dreams. That afternoon I gave myself wholly as well- I was his companion, his wife, his audience, his lover. In a matter of only a few hours, I experienced the love of a lifetime.

    I still think of him sometimes. I’d like to know where he is, if he found what he was looking for that afternoon, if he’s still alive, or if God took his soul. I know he’ll never come back, which is why I could love him with such strength and such certainty, because I would never lose him; he had given himself to me entirely that afternoon.’

    ‘it was a mistake that set the world in motion,’ said the Teacher. ‘never be afraid of making a mistake’. ‘But Adam and Eve were driven out of Paradise.’ ‘And they will return one day knowing the miracle of the heavens and of all the world. God knew what he was doing when he drew their attention to the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. If he hadn’t wanted them to eat it, he would never have mentioned it.’ ‘so why did he, then?’ ‘in order to set the Universe in motion.’

    ‘Never be ashamed,’ he said. ‘Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.’
    ‘How will I know which is which?’
    ‘By the taste. You can only know a good wine if you have first tasted a bad one.’

    ‘I will always remember you, and you will remember me, just as we will remember the evening, the rain on the windows, and all the things we’ll always have because we cannot possess them.’

    [Reply]

  • faizan

    its such a pity that a girl’s choice for her groom has come under such a scrutiny, and that too not from her family members but from the people of her own nation, thanx to indian media thats creating records to get as low and cheap as impossible.
    sania has given enough to make her country proud of her, and if some how the man whom she wants to be her husband is from a country thats culturally almost similar to us but somehow is an enemy nation ( thanx to all the politicians), why are we creating such a fuss. are we the same people who made “Veer Zaara” ( movie based on kinda same subject) such a huge hit.
    sania is what we call a global citizen ( thanx to her shining career), and she’s got all the freedom to choose a groom she loves no matter fro wherever it may be.
    and all these hate comments above made me smile, guys in whichever corner u live in this country (must be quite remote), u’ve got internet connections so better use them for uplifting ur local thinking.

    last but not the least Mr. Sanghvi, u’ve got ur numbers quite right i suppose, i liked ur analysis very much.
    thanx all if u read this
    :)

    [Reply]

    chanderkanta Reply:

    The most interesting part is yet to come. The prophecies made by all the ace numerologists, including the astrologer, Bejan Daruwala. Wont we want to know how their marriage finally works out as per these predictions ? Most of them have forecast it as doomed. Some of them have given them just about 2 yrs before they part ways. With a dishonest husband, as Shohaib, to start life with, I wish you , Sania tons of good wishes !

    [Reply]

    Damodardas Modi Reply:

    Chandrakanta : IF you are married., i want to ask you a simple and direct question. Do you think, and do you believe that you are the only woman your husband ever touched ? Can you put your hand on heart and answer that question., please. Ask your husband the question directly., and seek a direct answer. Holier-than-thou. A Police Sub-Inspector has 100 women in his life. Which world are you living in. Hunh ! Look at the Hindutva-icon Swami Nithyananda., who is truly representitive of the sex life of Hindus. All colours agree in the dark, Chandrakanta. There is no holy cow here. There is no holier-than-thou attitude here. X can do it. Y can do it. and Z can do it too. Look – read – investigate – think – reflect.

    [Reply]

  • Sunder

    First, I don’t understand what fun some people get out of high jacking a discussion on a serious issue like the one raised here by Vir. These guys seem more like automated devices than thinking individuals, wired to utter filthy words at anyone their sensors identify as “ secular”, or “a believer in “sinful” ideas like harmony between Hindus and Muslims / lessening of tensions between India and Pakistan”. Perhaps there is a central organization controlling these guys that deploys them to various “ secular” internet forums – much the same way as the Talibani commanders assign their suicide bombers – to cause maximum disruption on the targets.
    2. Secondly, several of the comments in the posts above are plainly insulting to either of the two communities ( Hindus or Muslims ) and have generated unwarranted heat , abuse and ill-feeling. In the real world, utterances like these could potentially foment communal troubles. Similarly, a few comments above are either Pak-phobic or Indo-phobic, making one wonder what good can come out of all this. Therefore, I suggest that the blog manager ( if that’s the right word for it) should consider pre -censoring all posts and deleting all comments that demean and defame other communities or nations.. We cannot possibly allow such gratuitous vilification of one another as we’ve seen above, in the name of intellectual discussion or freedom of expression. At least, it’s not civilized behaviour.
    3.Finally, in his post of April 8, 3.10 PM, above, while countering an obviously offensive comment in a previous post, Supriya Shravan Kumar repeatedly “advised” the other party — as well as “all hate- monger Hidutava perverts “– to kindly read ( i quote) “Jad Adams’ new book ‘Naked Ambition’ ” , adding mysteriously that “ It’s about an Indian and his moral character”. He doesn’t however tell us who that Indian is.
    Let me now clarify that the title of the book in question, by the aforesaid Jad Adams, is “MAHATMA GANDHI : The Naked Ambition” , and not just “ The Naked Ambition “ as mentioned in Supriya’s post; and also that MAHATMA GANDHI indeed is the man about whom and whose “moral character” this book is about.
    However , in fact this book is what in literary circles is called a “ hatchet job” on Mahatma Gandhi; it trashes the great legacy of the Mahatma, portraying him as a man with weird ideas and unnatural urgings, as one who was thoroughly incompetent and unsuccessful in his personal life as well as on the political stage, one who only brought misery and disaster upon his country rather than save it. As such, Supriya Shravan Kumar would have us believe that the man who is regarded by most Indians regard as the Father of the Nation and by much of the world ( barring ,of course, the said Mr Jad Adams and others of his ilk) as one of the greatest men of the last century , one who showed the war-weary world the Path of Non- violence, was in fact a man of very poor “moral character “, to complete the phrase used by Supriya Shravan Kumar ! !
    4.The above is yet another example of how people are prone to making most insensitive and atrocious comments on blogs, though in this case this seems to have been accomplished by carefully hiding the fact that the comment , and the book it was allegedly based upon, was about MAHATMA GANDHI.

    [Reply]

  • Sunder

    I wish to correct a small error in my post of yesterday, April 12 (2.35 PM). The title of Jad Adams’ book on Mahatma Gandhi referred to in paragraph 3 of my post is, actually : ” GANDHI NAKED AMBITION”.

    [Reply]

  • faizan

    just a bit of objection from u mr./ms chanderkanta. its not good to call someone dishonest blindly without knowing actual facts ,so far as we can see in pics they both seem to be very much in love. only thing we can assume is that u can say that he got more what he would have thought of. :)

    [Reply]

  • NAAM

    On the issue of the coverage problem, I believe that the curiosity of the viewer himself is the reason why the TRP’s are rising and for the viewer has started thriving on the cynicism that layers celebrity weddings. And so only a handful of us are allowed to complaint about the coverage, the others who have been enjoying it as dining table conversations cannot complain if the media is doing the same.

    [Reply]

  • http://www.catpr.com/food-pr/ Food PR

    There is a large indian community in Hong Kong which I went to last year. Chungking mansions has some pretty good curry houses sounds similar. Well written post had me hooked from the first couple of lines.

    [Reply]

  • Bidyut

    Hi Kesav, its been ages we are chanting good Lord’s name, but in practical we kept on falling in our morals, shouldn’t we try out a little different path now. Practical meditation seems thoughtful, modern and logical spirituality.

    [Reply]

  • hphany

    nics pic ,, i dont believe that amitab in dauud

    [Reply]

    hphany Reply:

    this hphany images looks different

    [Reply]