There’s a very sound reason why television news should not make heroes out of villains who are heroes in their projected screen lives. It makes the wrong look right.

Sanjay Dutt is the man in a white or blue shirt and jeans security-checked by guards as fans and media surround him. His sisters’ grief, his sad, sad eyes as he waves to well-wishers have us praying — God, please don’t let him be punished for his crimes. Emerging from jail, he hugs the police, waves to fans as TV flashes the image across the nation — a conquering hero rather than convicted felon.

In his white T-shirt, muscle bulges, dark glasses, Salman Khan on Saturday walked towards TV cameras straight out of one of his films. Channels (re)played poignant scenes at his home where Helen, his sister and mother stood forlorn when he left in a car. Live coverage of his progress from Mumbai to Jodhpur, Jodhpur airport to Jodhpur courts, then Jodhpur jail, had Salman playing hero and villain, both equally captivating. You forgot he had been found guilty of killing a defenceless animal.

Monica Bedi is our laadli, the butter and buttermilk damsel from the green, green fields of Punjab, a victim of Abu Salem’s charms. A willing companion to the don, she is picturised as the innocent girl who wants her old life back. Inexcusable telecasts of footage of her in the jail bathroom enhance her image as hounded starlet. Meanwhile, Abu Salem is a lovelorn suitor. Footage of his narco questioning, helpless and incoherent, touches you. His sins are momentarily forgotten — even forgiven?

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