Column

The Spectator

Why do so many ‘Golden,’ made for each other couples go Splitsville? The recent news of Shekhar-Suchitra heading for a divorce brought some measure of sadness. Talented, creative and dynamic, as a couple and individually, they seemed to be the one celebrity golden couple to have its act together. In my eyes they were the exception to the rule. Their imminent (and alleged) filing for divorce is another nail in the golden couple’s coffin.

But what is more poignant is that even while both parties denied the divorce rumours — the media chose to make it front page news. Are we missing something here? Since when does the extremely private and painful relationship between a man and his wife become public property? And if the couple chooses to deny the fact that they are heading for a divorce — what business is it of any one else’s?

To the best of my knowledge, scooping the divorce proceedings of a director and his singer wife in no way adds to public life or improves the lives of readers. Whether Shekhar and Suchitra choose to split or have a rapprochement — in no way concerns any one but their closest family. So the argument that it is news and the public has a right to know in no way applies. Let’s face it, the fact that they are splitting, serves solely as entertainment for a bored public, hungry for titillation.

But titillation at what cost? These are two people who are probably going through pain and turmoil, with a child involved. Are we that greedy for titillation that we forget the human beings involved?

A few weeks ago, a city supplement ran a story about a couple known to me for many years heading for a divorce. Again I was saddened, not only by the news — but also that it had found its way in to the public domain. I promised myself to call and commiserate.

But guess what? Two nights ago I ran in to them both — together and looking every inch the couple they always were. I was mortified and embarrassed, but hardly as much as they must have been facing a crowd of their friends and peers.How much nicer to have had the opportunity to work out whatever on their own in private — than have to face the ignominy of questioning stares.

Call me a softy — but I truly believe that some news is no news until it comes from the two beleaguered parties themselves.As for Shekhar and Suchitra, I wish them many more years as a couple — and if not that —I wish them at least the dignity of privacy.

s_malavika@dnaindia.net