There are very few constants in life—death, taxes, and Goswami. The man who single-handedly elevated shouting to a national pastime and made every primetime show feel like a high-stakes courtroom drama. He doesn’t just report the news; he is the news, especially when it comes to Bollywood’s fixation on him.
Over the years, the infamous “Nation wants to know” has become more than a catchphrase—it’s a punchline, a meme, and, let’s be honest, almost a pop-culture staple.
The Chakraborty Episode: A soap opera masquerading as news
The year 2020 was marked by many things: a pandemic, lockdowns, and Goswami’s unrelenting crusade against actress Chakraborty. Following the tragic death of the celebrated actor, Goswami led a media trial that resembled allegedly less journalism and more of a public witch hunt. With Chakraborty as the villain in his televised drama, he went full throttle, whipping the nation into a frenzy. The anchor’s voice became a war drum, pounding incessantly with allegations, insinuations, and, of course, outrage. Who could forget his wild-eyed proclamations, his demand for “justice,” or his almost Shakespearean fall to melodrama?
For weeks, it seemed like Goswami was the director, writer, and lead actor in the greatest Bollywood film never made. Social media timelines were flooded with clips of Goswami dramatically accusing Chakraborty of every sin under the sun, creating an entire media circus that refused to leave town.
The public, Bollywood insiders, and fans alike were drawn into his vortex of shouting matches, leaving the entertainment industry reeling under the pressure.
Brazen but not brave, one side of netizens termed the act very “Vulture-like.”
Bollywood’s eternal nemesis? Is it too of a “strong word” to use?
It’s not surprising that Bollywood can’t seem to let go of certain Mr Goswami. His larger-than-life persona, his ability to command attention with every decibel-raising argument, and his unrelenting scrutiny of the industry make him both a target and a muse. He is mimicked, mocked, and, to some extent, even admired for his audacity.
We mean, who else could turn a primetime news show into an episode of Bigg Boss on steroids?
But beyond the theatrics lies the uncomfortable truth—Bollywood itself contributed to its unhealthy fascination with the man. His sensationalist coverage of the industry has birthed a whole new wave of fear, anxiety, and fascination. Can the industry ignore him? Probably not. As much as he is ridiculed, he’s also too powerful to be dismissed.
The ‘Nation Wants To Know’ Effect: Love, Hate, Repeat
Perhaps the real question is why Bollywood continues to indulge in Goswami’s antics.
Is it simply because of his unyielding popularity?
Or is there a deeper, more complicated relationship at play?
The thing about Goswami is that he’s divisive—people either love him or hate him, but he never leaves you indifferent. The man knows how to work a crowd, and in an industry that thrives on attention, even negative attention can be invaluable.
The phrase “The Nation Wants to Know” has become symbolic of this dynamic.
Bollywood can’t stop parodying it, as it encapsulates the relentless, almost obsessive way Goswami tackles his subjects. It’s so deeply ingrained in pop culture that even filmmakers can’t resist poking fun at it, much like they can’t resist the allure of Goswami himself. Think of it as a guilty pleasure; you hate it, but you just can’t look away.
Time to move on?
So, why can’t Bollywood go above and beyond Goswami? Let’s be clear—there are plenty of other anchors out there, all equally worthy of attention. Some do it with grace, others with grit, and then there’s Goswami, who does it with a hurricane of verbal jabs. Surely, Bollywood could set its sights on more meaningful narratives rather than playing into the hands of the man who turned news into a theatrical experience. But as long as Goswami remains a constant mainstay in the public’s eye, it seems like Bollywood will continue to be hooked on him like a bad habit.
There’s also something quite ironic about the whole affair. Bollywood, the industry that thrives on drama, larger-than-life characters, and endless spectacle, is consistently overshadowed by a man who embodies all of these things in the guise of a journalist. It’s almost poetic—if Goswami didn’t exist, Bollywood might have had to create him.
Goswami, the unshakable!
At the end of the day, Goswami is more than just a news anchor. He’s an idea, an attitude, a force. Love him or hate him, he’s here to stay, and Bollywood can’t seem to shake him off. No matter how much satire they throw his way, how many clever one-liners they write about him, or how many parodies they create, the man remains untouchable. At a time when many would beeline to get a selfie with the stars, Goswami chose to throw punches at the red carpet brigade, much to the chagrin of the bling coterie.
Pick any series or movie, there is always a Arnab or a Goswami, symbolising newsrooms in Indian journalism. The current Prime Series Call Me Bae is no different. Brain drain or easy relatable pickings?
Maybe it’s time Bollywood moved on and found another reference for its wit and ire. But will they? Probably not.
Because, as it turns out, the man isn’t just a thorn in their side—he’s the spectacle they can’t resist.
And as the man himself would ask: does the nation really want to know why?
(With inputs from Siddhartha Laik)
