A Tehelka SIT report reveals how Hindu-Muslim TV debates are often scripted and staged, driven by political agendas, personal ambition, and the lure of financial gain
“A news director from a leading national news channel once called me for a TV debate and, because I’m a Muslim, asked me to support ISIS—a terrorist organization—on his show that was going live that night, just to boost weekly viewership and Television Rating Points (TRP). I refused,” said Javed-Ul Hasan Qasmi [name changed] to Tehelka’s undercover reporter.
“On another occasion, I was on a debate panel for a different top news channel. During the show, the anchor—one of the channel’s leading lights—asked me and my Hindu co-panelist to start shouting at each other for effect. We both refused,” Javed told Tehelka.
“I’ve been appearing on debate shows across almost all major national news TV channels for the past 12 years. I know exactly how these debates are managed. If we perform as per the channel’s wishes, we’re paid well,” said Shadaab Ali [name changed] to the reporter.
“Being a Muslim, I’ve had no problem attacking fellow Muslim panelists on-air if the channel asks for it. These debates are scripted,” Shadaab added.
“My friend, who is a Maulvi, has been a regular face on Hindu-Muslim debates across national news channels for years. It’s these debates that brought him all his wealth—money, two houses in Delhi, and even a government job. It was because of his TV appearances that a political party approached him during a Lok Sabha election and paid him handsomely,” said Mushtaq Khan [name changed] to Tehelka’s undercover reporter.
In recent years, there has been a sharp rise in Hindu-Muslim debates on almost all news channels—a trend that continues into the 11th year of his government. Tune in to any news channel between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and you’ll likely see religious leaders from both communities shouting at each other in TV studios. Political analysts believe this trend is aimed at reinforcing a polarizing Hindu-Muslim narrative, while news channels enjoy the boost in TRPs.
But in the process, these Hindu-Muslim TV debates have turned toxic. What were once discussions have morphed into street fights. Across India, there have been several instances where TV panelists have exchanged slaps and punches live on air. It’s no longer just religious leaders clashing on screen—even political party spokespersons have come to blows. During one debate organized by Zee News, BJP’s Gaurav Bhatia and Samajwadi Party’s Anurag Bhadoria were seen physically pushing each other.
Who can forget the tragic death of Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi in 2020? Tyagi, 52, suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after appearing on Dangal, a debate show hosted by the late Rohit Sardana on Aaj Tak. During the debate, Tyagi appeared visibly uneasy—he fidgeted and then gasped. He died within half an hour of the show. Though there is no medical evidence to link the cardiac arrest to the debate on 12th August 2020, the incident raised serious questions about the emotional toll these aggressive formats may take on the participants.
Former Parliamentarian and senior RSS leader Prof Rakesh Sinha once made headlines when he revealed that an anchor from a prominent news channel had asked him to use derogatory language against a Muslim man during a televised debate. According to Sinha, the anchor had suggested that mocking the Muslim panelist’s “darhi and topi” (beard and skullcap) would make the debate “a hit.” After that, Sinha stopped appearing on that channel.
Several panelists Tehelka spoke to described feeling stressed and humiliated by the toxic culture of TV debates. Riyasat Ali, a renowned Muslim scholar from Agra and once a regular guest on news panels, has stopped participating altogether, calling the debates toxic and degrading. Maulana Uzair Alam, also from Agra, echoed a similar sentiment.
Television channels have long been criticised for turning debates into shouting matches. Heated arguments, abusive name-calling, and even fistfights have become a normal sight on these TV shows. But are these confrontations real—or scripted for TRPs? To find out, Tehelka launched a much-anticipated and exclusive undercover investigation into a subject that has long been discussed, but never probed in this manner.
As part of our sting operation, we posed as representatives of a new TV channel. We approached several Muslim religious leaders with fake offers, claiming our friend was launching a new TV channel and we needed panelists for Hindu-Muslim debates. In the first of these conversations, we reached out to Shadaab Ali [name changed] from Agra. We told him openly that our channel would do anything for TRPs. Shadaab assured that he wouldn’t disappoint us.
In the following exchange, our reporter probes Shadaab about his experience with TV debates. The discussion uncovers how participants must often prepare intensely and sometimes engage in loud, combative discourse to make their point. Shadaab confidently asserts his readiness, emphasizing his familiarity with the format.
Reporter -Abhi tak aapne kis subject par debate kiya hua hai?
Shadaab- Maine bataya na koi bhi subject ho.
Reporter – Hamare ek dost ka naya TV channel aa raha hai. Wo mujhse keh rahe they ki aise log batao jo TV debate mein aa sakte hain. TV debate mein aapko maloom hi hai kya hota hai cheekha chillai.
Shadaab- Wo sab hame maloom hai. Aapki dua se in sab cheezon ke aadi ho chuke hain, bakki kabhi kabhi aisi isthithi aati hai ki TV debate k channel wale bolte hain aapko bada forcefully baat karni hai, matlab apni baat ko poori taiyari se rakhna hai.. chahe wo virodh mein ho ya paksh mein. Kafi tajurba hai in baaton ka.
Reporter -Matlab cheekha chillai kar lenge aap TV debate mein?
Shadaab- Aji sahib, bilkul..sirf cheekhna chillana nahi tark par hoti hai baat..jis subject par debate ho rahi hai to poori taiyari k saath bethete hain.
[We learn that although televised debates may seem like mere shouting matches, a fair amount of preparation goes in before participants take the stage. Shadaab’s candid remarks reflect a seasoned realism about media theatrics.]
In this revealing exchange, our reporter puts forth a questionable request—asking Shadaab to criticize political parties like BJP or Congress on command, based on a channel’s agenda. Shadaab responds with calm confidence, citing his long-standing experience in handling such editorial pressures. He implies that he’s aware of how media narratives are shaped and agrees to go along with the expectations.
Reporter- Kai baar channel bolta hai hamare hisab se cheezein ho.
Shadaab- Haan mein wahi baat keh raha hoon.. channel wale ki jo policy hoti hai usko bhi manage kiya jata hai.
Reporter -Jaise ke TV channel wale kehte hain ki Musalmaan aadmi aaye aur BJP ko gali de?
Shadaab- To haan ye sab possibility hai.. ya Congress ko gali de.
Shadaab (continues)- Dekhiye aisa hai aapki dua se kareeb 10-12 saal ka ye experience hai.. aur koi aisa channel nahi hai News 18 ho ya Zee TV ho ya phir ABP…in sab par meine live aur recording dono tareekey se kaam kiya hai.
[Some TV debates, as we see, are steered more by the demands of channels than by the pursuit of truth. Shadaab’s response reveals how media insiders often adapt to this controlled environment.]
In this frank exchange, Shadaab openly admits that his appearances on TV debates are shaped by what the channels expect from him. He explains how payments are tied to performance, not principles, and even shares details of a heated moment with BJP MP Sambit Patra in a TV debate What emerges is a picture of a media space where shouting matches are staged, and loyalty often shifts with the script.
Reporter – Kabhi jhadak padak hui hai aapki?
Shadaab- Khoob hui hai.. Sambit Patra se hi hui hai Taj Mahal wali debate mein, aap kahenge to mein aapko bhej dunga (the debate’s clip).
Reporter- Ye paise bhi dete hai ya nahi?
Shadaab- Ek do ne diya.. baki ne nahi.
Reporter -Kitna diya aapko?
Shadaab- Kisi ne 3000 kisi ne 2000..aap kya karwayenge hamare liye..sabse badi baat hoti hai jo performance par depend karti hai..bhai channel ke hisab se hum performance denge to usi hisab se payment hota hai..bahut baar isthithi aisi aati hai ki channel wale gadi bhej kar bula lete hain Noida etc mein…Agra mein kai debates mein hamara bhi naam tha.
[We see how TV debates can be more about ‘performance’ than truth. What we learn here is how news platforms sometimes reward drama over honest discussion, turning debates into paid acts.]
In this revealing interaction, Shadaab lays bare how a number of TV debates are pre-arranged. TV Channels decide in advance who should be targeted, and panelists are paid based on how well they ‘perform’ and meet those expectations. What should be open discussion turns into a managed act, where news often takes a back seat to scripted drama.
Reporter- Ye sab business ka chakker hota hai TV debate bhi?
Shadaab- Haan mujhe maloom hai, mein bhi jaanta hoon, aur bakayda acha payment karte hain… bas aap unke maanko par khare utre.
Reporter- To ‘match fixing’ karte hain ye TV debate wale?
Shadaab- Bilkul! Bata dete hain tumhe ispar attack karna hai ye hai.. Mein apne mooh se apni badai karun to acha nahi rahega..ab aapke dost jo news channel khol rahe hai aur agar wo humko mauka dete hain to hamari performance par depend karega.
[We learn that some TV debates are more like stage shows, where roles are assigned and payments follow performance. It’s a reminder of how easily truth can be moulded for the TV screen.]
In this striking exchange, Shadaab is asked if he would insult a fellow Muslim on air if a channel demanded it. Without hesitation, he agrees, explaining that such clashes are now routine on TV. According to him, channels prefer to show Muslims attacking each other—it creates a narrative without needing outside voices. What he describes is less debate and more a scripted spectacle.
Reporter- Accha agar koi Musalman ko Musalman se ladwaye gali galooch karwaye to kar loge?
Shadaab- Arey aap usse itminaan rakhiye…kehne se koi fayda nahi hai…ek to aisa hota hai ki current mein jo situation mil rahi hai usko handle karna hai aapko…kyunki wahan koi sawal khada kar diya to hazir jawabi itni honi chahiye aapke pass ki usko aap jawab de sake.
Reporter – Lekin koi kahe ki Musalmaan ko gali dena hai to kya de doge?
Shadaab- Arey to channels par dete nahi hai gali? Bhai Musalman Musalman ko gali de uske peeche bhi logic hota hai na kuch..bhai mein agar usko criticise karta hoon to mere pass hona bhi to chahiye kuch masala..bhai TV channel par yahi to chal raha hai… Musalman ko Musalman se bhidwa do aur keh do Musalman hi Musalman ki kaat kar raha hai..ye bhi to hai na…kisi gair Muslim ko karne ki zaroorat nahi hai..ye bhi ek tareeka hai media ka..
[We learn how some media setups push communities to turn against their own, just for drama and to build a false narrative. Shadaab’s easy acceptance shows how deeply performance has replaced principle on these media platforms.]
Next, Tehelka reached out to Javed-ul Hasan Qasmi [name changed], a familiar face in Hindu-Muslim TV debates for many years. Javed shared an incident where a famous TV anchor asked him and a Hindu co-panelist to stage a loud, dramatic fight during a live show. Both refused, saying such behavior had no place in serious discussion. But, surprisingly, even after saying no, he was still called back for many more shows on the same channel.
Javed- XXXX keh raha tha mujhse aur XXXXX se.. ki debate aise karna is baar ki debate karte karte khade ho jana.
Reporter – Subject kya tha debate ka?
Javed- Hindu-Muslim hi hoga… purani baat hai. Keh raha tha ek doosre k uper khade ho jana…live programme tha.
Reporter – Aapne kya kaha?
Javed- Kyun khada honga, mana kar diya..kabhi bhi aise thodi kar sakte hain.
Reporter- XXXX ne bhi mana kiya?
Javed- Mana kya.. hamne gaur hi nahi kiya uski baaton ko.
Reporter- Uske baad aapko bulaya bhi nahi hoga TV debate mein?
Javed- Arey 50 baar bulaya hai.. kya baat keh rahe ho!
Reporter- Uske baad bhi!?
Javed- 50 baar…aise kyun unko debate karne wale nahi mil rahe.
[We learn that some anchors try to turn debates into shouting matches just for effect. Javed’s refusal shows that not everyone plays along—but the drama is still in demand.]
In this part, Javed shares a shocking moment with Tehelka’s undercover reporter. He says a senior person from a well-known news channel asked if he would support ISIS during a TV debate to stir controversy, to which Javed replied in negative. He explained that the real aim behind such a request was to boost TRPs, not to inform or discuss honestly.
Reporter- XXXX ne bhi to aapko bola tha kuch XXXXX mein ?
Javed- XXXXX to 3-4 baar phone kiya tha..uska jo coordinator hai usne bola tha ki aap jo ISIS ka fatwa wala aaya tha Assam ka, haan to favour mein bolne ke liye, favour karenge ISIS ka..? Maine kaha tha favour kyun karunga…jo baat sach hogi wo karunga.
Reporter—-XXXXX ne kahi thi ye baat?
Javed- XXXXX ne kaha tha wo to mere pass us waqt record nahi tha..kuch nahi unko bas debate ko hit karana hai, apne number ko aage badhana hai, bas aur koi maksad nahi.
[We learn how far some media outlets might go just to grab more eyeballs, even using sensitive and dangerous topics. Javed’s refusal shows that sometimes some panelists do muster courage to say no to these offers.]
During the investigation, Tehelka met Suhail Siddiq [name changed] in Noida, someone who has never appeared on a TV debate but is interested in joining our “soon-to-be-launched” news channel. He says he enjoys speaking and is open to discussing both religious and social topics. Though he knows that debates can get noisy, he’s still curious to experience one himself.
Reporter- Ek cheez bataiye.. debate ka shauq hai aapko?
Siddiq- Shauk to hai. Bolne ka andaz, baat sahi honi chahiye na..bas baat ye hai, abhi hum beithe nahi hain kahin gaye nahi hain.
Reporter- To shauq hai kabhi na kabhi to pehli baar hoga?
Siddiq- Ghar se bhi ho jayegi baat phone pe?
Reporter- Haan ghar se bhi ho jayegi.
Reporter (continues) – Aap Siddiq ab ek baat batao ki kis topic par aap aaram se baat kar saktey ho.. usi mein bulaye phir aapko?
Siddiq- Baat ye hai ki abhi tak to ham gaye nahi hain…baat deen ki bhi hogi, duniya ki bhi hoti hai usmein. Khilaf bhi bolna padta hai, ho halla bhi hota hai… isliye abhi gaye hi nahi hai.. jab jayenge tab pata chalege.
[It becomes clear that even those outside the media world are drawn to the noise of TV debates. It shows how public speaking and visibility now often matter more than real dialogue.]
In this part, Suhail Siddiq is told that the channel will inform him in advance what to say during a TV debate. He agrees to this arrangement and adds that he would prepare accordingly.
Reporter- Nahi, mauzoo [topic] aapko pehle hi bata diye jayega.
Siddiq- Accha.
Reporter- Jaise mein aapko example de raha hoon Sambhal ki Jama Masjid hai…iska koi survey ka mamla chal raha hai, court ka koi direction aaya…usper debate hui, aapko hamare yahan se call aayega, channel wala aapko bata dega ki aapko ye bolna hai.. wo fix kar dega ki aapko ye bolna hai, ispar aap bataiye.
Siddiq- Haan mutala [research] karna padega Masjid ka.
[Though new to debates, Siddiq seems ready to follow a scripted line if given time to study the topic. It shows how planned and controlled these shows can be, leaving little room for honest opinions.]
Tehelka’s investigation now moved to another level and met Mushtaq Khan [name changed] in Delhi. This time, it wasn’t about TV channels fixing debates—it was about a Maulvi who gained wealth through these debates. Mushtaq revealed that his friend, who has been appearing in Hindu-Muslim TV debates for decades, was approached by a political party during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. According to Mushtaq, while his friend used the money he received from the party to purchase two houses in Delhi, he himself was kept in the dark about the transaction the entire time. Despite staying in the same room and being close, Mushtaq says he found out only later about the transaction
Reporter- Jo unhone ghar banaya Lok Sabha k election mein bana liya..2009 ke election mein XXXXXX zinda they. Unhone paise diye inhone bana liya..usmein aap bhi to saath they aapko kyun nahi diye paise?
Mushtaq- Mujhe lekar gaye hi nahi..ab wo to wahi jaane.
Reporter- Bilkul nahi diye?
Mushtaq- Bilkul nahi janab.
Reporter- Aap mujhse to itni baar naraaz ho jaatey ho.. unse narazgi nahi hui aapko?
Mushtaq- Nahi.. mein pehle kabhi naraz hua honga aapse..jo reason hue honge…wo mujhe bataya hi nahi inhone ki inki saudebaazi ho rahi hai.
Reporter- Aap to inke saath hi rehte they… ek hi kamre mein?
Mushtaq- Wo baat to pehle ho chuki hogi.. hame kahan bataya…
Reporter- Aapko kab pata chala ki XXXX ko payment ho gayi?
Mushtaq- Jab aapne bataya.
Reporter- Mujhe to aapne bataya?
Mushtaq- To mujhe phir baad mein bataya hoga jab ghar le liya.
[We learn that deals over TV debates during elections are often kept secret, even from close friends. Mushtaq’s calm reaction shows how silence and personal gain can quietly shape relationships behind the scenes.]
In this part, Mushtaq Khan reveals that his friend received Rs 15 lakh from a political party during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections and how he used that money to buy a house. He also believes that others in the group received much more—possibly around Rs 1 crore in total. Mushtaq says he had no idea at the time and only learned about it later. However, he added that he had no hard feelings toward anyone.”
Reporter- Kitna payment hua hoga XXXX saheb ko?
Mushtaq-Ye teen log they..inke peeche jo aur log they unko bhi mila hai. Mujhe lag raha hai 4 log they. Inko shayad kam mila ho par jo aage wale they unko shayad zyada mila ho. Mujhe maloom hai ki inke back par kuch log they aur jinhone inko aage badhaya tha.
Reporter- XXXX saheb ko?
Mushtaq- Ji.
Reporter- Paisa kitna mila tha total?
Mushtaq- 15 lakh mila tha.
Reporter- Akele inko.. XXXX saheb ko?
Mushtaq- Ji.
Reporter- Auron ko?
Mushtaq- Unko zyada mila hoga.. mujhe lagta hai ki 1 crore liya hoga, XXXX ne diya hoga.. 4-5 mein distribute hua hoga.
Reporter- XXXXXX matlab XXXX party se mila hoga inko.. to kam mila phir?
Mushtaq- Jo mila hoga le liya hoga.
Reporter- Magar inhone 15 mein ghar to kharid liya?
Mushtaq- Bilkul.
Reporter- 2009 mein 15 ki keemat bahut zyada thi?
Mushtaq- Bahut zyada.
Reporter- Aapko bhanak bhi nahi lagi?
Mushtaq- Mein bakhuda bata raha hoon.
Reporter- Aapko jab bataya to bura nahi laga.
Mushtaq- Kar kya saktey hain.
[We learn how money can quietly change hands during elections, often hidden even from close associates. Mushtaq’s calm acceptance shows how common and quietly accepted such dealings may be.]
In this part, Mushtaq Khan admits that his friend not only made money through TV debates but also secured a government job using the connections built along the way. Though Mushtaq was close to him, he chose not to question the gains, fearing it might spoil their relationship.
Reporter- Inhone TV debate mein aakar.. XXXX saheb ne pehle to apna ghar banaya.
Mushtaq- Apni salaihiyat [qualities] hai.
Reporter- Nahi aapki inse itni gehri dosti hai aap inse baat kar saktey hain…to aapko poochna chaiye tha ki jab 15 lakh mile to hamara bhi fayda karate?
Mushtaq- Ussey kya hota..tallukaat [relations] hi kharab ho jaate.
Reporter- Bhai kuch bhi ho..XXXX saheb ne gazab fayda uthaya.
Mushtaq- Ye to hai.. aur ye naukri bhi inko isi buniyaad par mili hai. Oonchey taluk bana kar bhi insaan sochta hai kahin na kahin fayda hoga…
[As Mushtaq acknowledges that his friend played smart and took full advantage of the system, we see how some people turn public debates on TV into personal gain—earning money, building contacts, and even securing jobs.]
Over the years, TV debates, especially the Hindu-Muslim ones, have earned a bad name for themselves. Some say they take a toll on participants’ mental health; anyone who appears regularly on these debates is bound to feel stressed, although different people react differently to that stress. Some have even distanced themselves from most TV debates. According to those Tehelka spoke with during this investigation, TV debates often seem like fixed matches where guests use abusive language, fight, or have heated arguments. This Tehelka investigation into Hindu-Muslim TV debates, which had never been done before, showed that guests are often asked to take specific positions. It also exposed small-time Muslim clerics who have gained fame and wealth through these staged debates. Ultimately, the findings raise serious questions about the ethics and authenticity of such televised discussions.
