The stupidity of our nation gets greatly exposed with the extreme reactions to Tarun J. Tejpal—the cult following of his journalism at one end, and the lynch mobs baying for his blood, following the outing of his sexual escapades, at the other.
Tarun comes across as a sexual predator, on the prowl, in search of his next victim. He used his power and influence over young women half his age.
However, this should not take away some of the most seminal work that the journalists of Tehelka have done over the years.
Tarun’ s story in itself is an alchemy of desire. He was like most of us: chirpy, fun-loving, naughty. However, post Tehelka, he donned the robe of a saint. He became preachy and started espousing causes that he never stood for and never could.
He was nothing that the nation started acknowledging him for.
He was a normal guy with all the flaws and weaknesses.
It was a facade he had to put on for the survival of Tehelka, which was losing money, each year. Only the power exuded by Tehelka could make it viable.
He glorified himself when not due. He “owned” the company when the money came from others. He acted the hero while he was just a team member. The existence of Tehelka is not just because of Tarun.
Tehelka exists because of: