RIP Sachin Tendulkar, says TOI: Why 2014 is not a good year for The Times of India

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The News Minute| Updated: November 28, 2014| 19.15 pm IST Looks like in the past few months, not all has been well for the times of India, especially on the social media. Since September, the newspaper has taken quite a few beatings both from domestic and international media. Yet, it seems the media house is persevering in its mission to draw all attention, even if it meant making a mockery of itself. Letâ€™s look at four instances where TOI was clearly ridiculous: a. November 28, 2014: RPI Sachin Tendulkar While Sachin Tendulkar is still basking in the glory of his recently released autobiography, the Times of India decided to kill the legend. In a gross publication error, the newspaper while carrying a series of tweets of famous cricketers who expressed condolences over the sad demise of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, Times of India also published a tweet by the master-blaster. While Sachin tweeted, "Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket. Deepest condolences to family, friends and well wishers. RIP #PhilipHughes"; TOI published, "Shocked to hear about Phil. Sad day for cricket. Deepest condolences to family, friends and well wishers. RIP Sachin Tendulkar - Sachin Tendulkar" Now why would Sachin Tendulkar tweet about his own death and write an obituary? b. September 14, 2014: OMG: Deepika Padukone's cleavage show This one article kick-started the bad days that TOI is currently undergoing. They had reduced the worth of an established individual to mere curves and figure. Deepikaâ€™s hard-hitting comeback and subsequent response by media house gave the TOI nightmares. As if one stupidity wasnâ€™t enough, they went a step further and even published a half a page piece explaining their stand, attacking her retort critically. What they got in return was more booing. Apology was not even on the cards; they called her a hypocrite instead! While they often report on â€˜oops momentâ€™ of actresses, this was a major â€˜OOPSâ€™ life-long memory for the newspaper. Read more: Do we zoom into a man's crotch? Deepika Padukone fires new salvo on cleavage debate Times of India takes the fight with Deepika Padukone to a new level, accuses actress of hypocrisy in its reply c. September 25th, 2014: Hot babes with ugly legs While the world pounced on them for their unruly and unabashed reportage, Times of India kicked up another storm by critiquing the body forms of women of significant achievement like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parkar. While pointing â€˜Deepikaâ€™s hypocrisyâ€™, the newspaper should have looked at its own self first. Sorry Times of India, articles about women empowerment and feminism and in contrast, body imagery can be published only by you. Read: The Times of India takes down 'Hot babes with ugly legs' story after international criticism d. November 24, 2014: Is Arjun Rampal to blame for the Mehr-Sussanne friendship taking a severe beating? The extent of yellow journalism breached another barrier as TOI carried a â€˜maliciousâ€™ article on Sussanne and Arjunâ€™s relationship. The latter and Sussanne Roshan took to social media to express their ire and in his support came all his friends and well-wishers. As Sussanne looks forward to move-on in her life, the newspaper is only pulling her further down with their spiteful article. Read: Is Arjun Rampal to blame for the Mehr-Sussanne friendship taking a severe beating? e. The Lit Fest Drama If all the above were not enough, Times of India Lit Fest invited former Tehelka Editor and rape accused Tarun Tejpal to be part of one session as speaker, and another one as moderator. The outrage on social media and other participants like Arnab Goswami, Swapan Dasgupta pulling out of the event, forced TOI to take back the invite. But here too a lame excuse was given saying they don't want extraneous forces to disturb the event! Read: Have we forgotten: Tarun Tejpal to re-emerge through a lit fest

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