Big B better but feels a sting

Early on Saturday India’s sab se tez channel had a teaser: “Big B se mila Aaj Tak”. A woman reporter phoned in a report on the ‘operation’ the channel had conducted on the superstar. The reporter hoodwinked security and walked straight into the intensive care unit, where Amitabh Bachchan was recuperating.   

Since Monday night, when Bachchan was admitted to the hospital, the entrance and main lobby have been converted into a fortress. Yet, the reporter sneaked in.

The first hurdle was the four elevators that carry patients/visitors to specific floors and wings of the hospital. Nobody is permitted to enter an elevator without a duly stamped visitor pass. Relatives can visit patients only during visiting hours.

But the reporter, who arrived at the hospital between midnight and 3am, claimed to be a patient seeking admission; the unsuspecting guards allowed her to enter. On the sixth floor, she told guards that she was a relative of Bachchan. Again she was allowed to proceed. Worse, she was allowed to enter the highly sensitive ICU with her shoes on. Even family members are only allowed to meet Bachchan once a day in keeping with the strict norms for patients in the ICU.

Once inside, she reportedly introduced herself as an Aaj Tak reporter, enquired after the actor’s health, and left. The clip was aired in the morning, much to the chagrin of the hospital and Bachchan’s family and friends.

Following the shocking breach of security, two guards have been suspended for negligence and vigilance at the hospital has been increased.

Hospital authorities have also threatened to take action against journalists if such an incident is repeated.

India Today group editor Prabhu Chawla was seen leaving the hospital premises. Aaj Tak officials said he had gone to meet Bachchan. But it was seen as a step to pacify the family.

By then the channel had changed its stand. “We have done no sting operation nor taken any shots in the hospital. All this talk is baseless,” said Qamar Nawab Naqvi, Aaj Tak’s news director.

Reaching the star

1. The reporter approaches the receptionist in the main lobby claiming to be a patient

2. She takes a lift to the sixth floor. Here she claims to be Bachchan's relative

3. In the ICU, she introduces herself to the superstar and asks after his health

4. She gives a piece-to-camera, aired at 7am. But later, the story is killed