New Delhi: A Times Now news report from the war-torn streets of Beirut has gone viral on social media, but not for the reasons one might expect. The video, intended to capture the raw realities of life in a conflict zone, has sparked a wave of controversy after the reporter was seen asking a local citizen about their favorite Bollywood song—and then, in a surprising turn, began dancing.
The video, widely circulated on social media including ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) shows the reporter diverting from traditional war zone reporting. Instead of discussing the ongoing strife, destruction, or humanitarian issues, the reporter engages with a local in a lighthearted conversation about Indian cinema, eventually prompting them to share their favorite Bollywood song. The moment that has caught most people off guard? The reporter breaks into a brief dance on the war-stricken streets.
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While the video has certainly captured attention, it has also ignited a fiery debate on social media. The unconventional reportage style led to many users questioning the appropriateness of the antics given the serious nature of the conflict in Beirut.
One Twitter user wrote, “Shame on them….its an embarrasement for us as a country. RIP TV News channels (SIC)” Others echoed the sentiment, calling the approach “tone-deaf” and accusing the network of trivializing the gravity of the situation.
War zone reporting is typically marked by somber and serious coverage, focusing on the harrowing impact of conflict, the resilience of the people affected, and the complex political situations at play. This latest video from Times Now, however, represents a stark departure from the norm.
