New York Times story was just the beginning.
In late April, I was contacted by a documentary filmmaker shooting a short about the 119-year-old (bogus) sprinter in India,
Dharam Singh. I gave my thoughts to a film crew for three hours at the San Diego State University track. Tonight (Monday), their efforts will be shown on the
“Explorer” series of National Geographic Channel. It’s likely 10 p.m. on the East and West coasts, and 9 p.m. Central. I’m not sure whether I’m in the final cut. (And another version will be posted on Vimeo eventually, I’m told.) But this should be interesting. It builds on
the work by
Jere Longman of The New York Times, who exposed the age fraud. My guess is the documentary will focus on how Dharam doesn’t give a damn about the Times’ report. He’s just soaking up the adulation of his Indian village, which also doesn’t give a hoot about MSM. They just love having a “star” in their midst. “It’ll be available to watch on TV and online,” said
Mor Albalak of
MEL Films. “We’re really excited about the piece and hope that you’ll enjoy it! Following [NatGeo’s] release, we’ll be releasing our longer and more in-depth version of the film on melfilms.com.”
10 Responses
I don’t think publicity will do us any good with this fraudster being shown. It’ll raise questions in peoples minds as to whether any else has legitimate times for their specific age.
Tonight’s episode looks to be an interview with the Rev Jesse Jackson. Is the piece about Dharam Singh another segment of the show?
Yeah, I’m hoping the Singh piece is part of tonight’s show. I’ll reconnect with my source.
Checking on-line at
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/explorer/videos/the-secrets-of-the-worlds-oldest-runner/
there is a video about Singh. Unfortunately, I get no picture (just sound) here with Verizon in Washington, D.C. so I can’t be sure this is the “entire” Singh clip. However, the clip “is” identified as S10 E17 (season 10, episode 17), same as the Jesse Jackson interview.
The Singh clip on line is quite short, but then, so is the Jackson interview (both under two minutes), so it appears what’s on line isn’t the entire show.
Here in Washington, it airs 10 PM tonight, June 26. I’ll be taping!
The documentary folks write me:
He’ll definitely be on tonight! there’s a few things playing in the segment. Here’s their little share about it: https://www.facebook.com/natgeotvUS/videos/10155191145401005/
I’m in the episode for several minutes, mainly summarizing key points of The New York Times story. Also performing a fadeout.
Thank you Ken, for the “heads-up” and follow-ups regarding the show. I’m very skeptical now of Mr. Singh’s actual age. Put him at the very legitimate estimate of 78 or 79, and he is still amazing! Why fabricate 119?
There was also an interesting segment about soccer concussions leading to CTE. NatGeo isn’t usually a channel I watch, but I may have to keep it in the rotation now. Thanks again!
Great job Ken with presenting the facts in a dignified, positive way!
Just watched my recorded version. I hung on every word! The National Geographic photographers got both India, and your ‘best’ profile, spot-on, as well. Thanks for the heads up and for putting Masters track at the forefront (where we all belong!)
My star turn begins about 5:40 into 10-minute segment.
Gotta watch 30-second commercial first.
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/explorer/videos/going-the-distance/
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