There is a ‘silent majority’ that does not indulge in social media pontification, enjoy self-flagellation, take ethical stands on everything big or small, rue over the days of yore and keep saying "had I been there..!" This ‘silent majority’ watches news on TV, every day and religiously so. After a day's work, in a desperate attempt to prevent death by boredom, they switch on the television set in the hope for drama, action, and juice (yes, in that order) – three elements probably missing from their Groundhog Day life. The technical term may be TRP, but in essence, this critical mass actually constitutes the bread-and-butter of the electronic media.

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Strangely, the television coverage of Sridevi's death has now become a story bigger than the actor's tragic demise. Doomsday predictions about journalism, description of background graphics, bathtub holograms and tone/tenor of TV anchors may get a helluva lot of RTs, but does not address a fundamental issue: That 'silent majority' which yearns for loud television - what about them?

It is inevitable that sensationalism will explode when a superstar, the only woman superstar of Bollywood, is found dead in a bathtub on foreign soil. Questions will be asked, conspiracy theories will rise, past will be dug up – that's the price of being a super-celebrity, alive or dead. This applies to any country in this world, especially the ones we so love to ape - America and England. Fingers were pointed at the then US president and his brother following Marilyn Monroe’s death. Fingers were pointed at… well, everyone… post-Princess Diana’s car crash in Paris.

Admittedly, certain insinuations in the coverage of Sridevi’s death have been way off the line, certain visuals could have been avoided – but that does not mean that a story like this should get bland treatment. No business enterprise can afford not to pay heed to customers’ needs and preferences (to those cringing at the description of media outlets as "business enterprise" – one can only offer a handful of coffee beans). In the end, like it or not, supply will match demand.

Here’s a piece of advice for the faint-hearted: Nowadays, you don’t even have to get off that sofa to change a channel or switch off your TV set. There’s a device called Remote Control – use it if you feel disgusted. The show, however, will go on – for that ‘silent majority’ which wants drama, action, and juice. Yes, in that order.

(The author is Editor-in-Chief of DNA)