Ranjini Haridas, a prominent figure in Malayalam television, has transformed the landscape of anchoring by infusing it with authenticity, originality, and a distinct identity. Her impact is so profound that many who followed in her footsteps have regarded her as a source of inspiration. Despite numerous attempts by others to replicate her success over the years, Ranjini continues to stand out. She initially gained popularity as the host of the music reality show Star Singer, where her bold presentation style, engaging interaction, and a blend of polished English with anglicized Malayalam won her a special place in the hearts of the Malayalee audience.
While Ranjini attracted a substantial fan base, her unconventional approach to hosting did not sit well with everyone, particularly those adhering to traditional patriarchal norms. A notable incident occurred when actor Jagathy Sreekumar publicly criticized her hosting style during a live performance. Although his remarks incited laughter at the time, they have since been deemed disrespectful and inappropriate.
Recently, actor and filmmaker Alleppey Ashraf reflected on this moment, revealing how Ranjini maintained her composure during the incident but later broke down backstage due to the emotional toll it took on her. “What she experienced was a profound sense of heartbreak and humiliation,” Ashraf stated in a video on his YouTube channel. He described how Jagathy’s actions were unprecedented, marking the first instance in Kerala where an anchor faced such public derision from a guest. “It seemed as though he had a personal vendetta against her,” he remarked.
According to Ashraf, Jagathy criticized Ranjini for her perceived role as a judge, mocking her by saying, “Alright, it is a very beautiful performance, let us give full marks, judges,” which drew laughter from the audience. Despite her embarrassment, Ranjini managed to laugh along, concealing her distress. Jagathy then went further, suggesting she observe Nazriya Nazim, who was also present, to learn how to host without passing judgments. Ironically, at that time, Nazriya looked up to Ranjini as a mentor and emulated her style.
In the aftermath of the incident, Ashraf noted that Ranjini was deeply affected, yet she chose to respond with grace. She stated, “It’s not that I didn’t know how to give a retort; I was simply trying not to insult a guest.” Throughout her career, Ranjini has refrained from speaking ill of others, focusing instead on responding to direct criticisms.
In a conversation with Dhanya Varma, Ranjini elaborated on her decision-making process during the incident. She acknowledged that she had time to contemplate her response and could have chosen to react angrily or leave the stage. However, her commitment to her role and the show’s integrity prevailed. “I chose to finish the show because my focus should have been on the contestants, not on controversy,” she explained.
Jagathy Sreekumar, often referred to as the “King of Comedy” in Malayalam cinema, has had a prolific career with over 1,500 films spanning more than forty years. However, since a serious accident in 2012, he has faced challenges in returning to full-length roles in films.
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