You know, when I was a kid, I used to have a few favorite actors; And my brother used to have a few of his favorites. And we’d always fight about who would bash whom if they fought in a movie. For instance, I always believed that Amitabh would beat the daylights out of any actor who he fought with and my brother would insist, ‘Anyone, but Vinod Khanna’ coz. Vinod Khanna is the only one who would make pulp out of Amitabh. And we would pray that show us a movie where these two fight and that would put the argument to rest… forever.
The fact is that my brother actually had cheated. He had already watched a movie – Amar, Akbar Anthony wherein these two do actually fight and Amitabh did get a good beating from Vinod Khanna. But then, just when Amitabh was finishing him off in Khoon Pasina, Vinod Khanna played the ‘Bhaiya’ card. But that is beyond the point.
The point is that there are three things all Indians are obsessed with. Cricket, Bollywood and Pakistan (in no particular order). And just like kids love it when all the biggies get into the ring together, be it Amitabh and Vinod Khanna, or Undertaker and Yokozuna, or Naagraaj and Super Commando Dhruv, or Spiderman and Superman… this controversy couldn’t had been better. The good part is, this wasn’t even fiction. It was reality. This controversy started with Cricket and Pakistan, Bollywood played the hero and there was politics thrown in as the villain. Isn’t this how all Indians love it? We love our stars and hate our Netas (except when the Neta is a star).
It all started off when Shahrukh had an opinion. As we know, every opinion or a statement or even a tongue-in-cheek joke by any bigwig in our country is an opportunity to gain mileage. And no, please don’t think that only politicians are guilty of doing that. Every damn individual who has an audience tends to rush with his opinion, feelings and analysis ready to crucify anybody who has an opinion which might not be popular. Everybody rushes to take a bite; be it our news entertainment channels, talk show hosts, politicians or even common bloggers. We just want a statement to dissect and we can all then start giving our expert analysis on why exactly did he/she say what he/she said and how it is bad for the world. We throw common sense out of the window in order to sound interesting and present a new idea – something that nobody had thought of. Without naming him, I’ll quote from a blogger who I like for his humor but not for his views. At times, I think goes over the top in bashing popular things, be it popular movies or be it popular people…
“SRK may be God and even bigger than him. But that still does not change that he is at a crossroad in his career, given the less than sterling box office of Billu and the failure of his TV avatar and of course the joke that his cricket franchise has become. To make matters worse, Padma Bhushan Aamir Khan has just delivered one of Indian film history’s biggest hits, (the equivalent of scoring 550 in 50 overs in the first innings of an ODI) and SRK, given his fiercely competitive streak, must be feeling the pressure even more. If there is any time when he has needed the support of every fan, and that includes a sizable number of Pakistanis in Pakistan and abroad, it is now just before ‘My Name is Khan’ hits the screen.”
This is exactly why the term ‘pseudo-intellectual’ was defined. I mean, why any Indian movie maker would worry about Pakistani audience. Indian movies do not get a cinema release in Pakistan and all the millions of DVDs that sell in Pakistan are essentially pirated versions which are out a day before the movie releases in India. So the movie-makers aren’t really making any money from the fan following they have in Pakistan. And I seriously don’t think I’d watch a movie which features a Pakistani actor regardless of what he says about India unless the movie is really good. Bringing in such flimsy arguments to try and find fault with a person is pure lame.
Actually, the protest by Bal Thackrey and Company really exposes the flimsiness of these arguments. The intellectuals who thought they were writing a great article and were serving their patriotism by denouncing SRK for having an opinion now find themselves on the same side of the fence as Bal Thackrey. This is one place that they never thought they would be. This entire equation has now turned out to be really funny.
Though, I never liked SRK the actor (except maybe when I was young and was dreamy eyed) but I have continued to be impressed by SRK as a human being and his views. It was also getting more and more frustrating to watch the Sena and their relatives latch on to every word of the bollywood stars and make them apologize, over and over again. It was frustrating to watch my childhood hero Amitabh bow down to the Thackreys when his wife made a tongue in cheek joke about speaking Hindi. It was almost like a movie trailer with these lines appearing on a black screen with terminator type of music…
“What the world wanted
Was a Hero
Who could Stand up
To the Sarkar”
Whatever bloggers may again say that this was a publicity stunt, this controversy will make the movie a hit, this and that, what matters is somebody stood up. Thankfully, this time round, the police did do their job.
Yes, I know again bloggers have a topic to speak about – Police are acting as personal bodyguards of SRK, Mumbai police beats patriots and protects Kasab etc. etc. but the funny part is, all of this has already been said by a frustrated Thackrey and I’m sure, the bloggers won’t really want to be on the same side as his. This just keeps getting better and better.
I don’t even want to start giving an argument to justify SRK since that would sound really childish justifying the freedom of speech in the world’s largest democracy. But to reiterate the flimsiness of all that has happened, I’d like to go back to where it all started…
“We are known to be good, we are known to invite everyone, and we should have. And if there were any issues, they should have been put out earlier so that everything could happen respectfully.” It still fails me, how can a sentiment like this be protested against?
The first time I glanced at the post, I thought you had taken an anti-SRK stand (I have no idea why I thought so). But was glad when I read the entire post. Hard to disagree with what you have written.
Infact, that is the only reason I am going to see MNIK today. I know most probably I would come out with a severe migraine in my head, but there was no other way in sight to ‘express solidarity’ with SRK. And I can’t tell you how happy I am seeing Sena dig its own grave.
me: he he… ‘express solidarity’. That is a good excuse to give when somebody catches you in a theatre watching an SRK movie, innit?
And I think you should add ‘our netas’ to your ‘things Indians are obsessed about’ list. 🙂
LOL Yes Rebel the Sena did dig it’s own grave! This and the blackening of another sena leader made this a lovely Valentine’s Day 🙂
“I don’t even want to start giving an argument to justify SRK since that would sound really childish justifying the freedom of speech in the world’s largest democracy. But to reiterate the flimsiness of all that has happened, I’d like to go back to where it all started…
“We are known to be good, we are known to invite everyone, and we should have. And if there were any issues, they should have been put out earlier so that everything could happen respectfully.” It still fails me, how can a sentiment like this be protested against?”
Exactly, exactly, EXACTLY!!!!!!!
Enough has been written abt it really….anyways even the Thackerays know that this time they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. Its a wonder how they’ve been tolerated till today. Their agenda goes against everything democracy stands for.
The country is not going to stand for it……..somethings going to give….and sooon!!!
me: Yep, it did and how. They now appear to be crying hoarse but nobody seems to be listening 🙂
I am so late here and I am going though all the comments now- agree with Nancy here, “It still fails me, how can a sentiment like this be protested against?”….anyways even the Thackerays know that this time they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. …Their agenda goes against everything democracy stands for.”
I am so glad this happened. I hope this gives courage to more people to fight back and I am sure now SS will think before demanding (!!! how can they demand anything like this???) an apology again.
Ohhh so these ppl got u bk here 😛 Welcome bk Rakesh .. wil b bk to read 😉
And the Just Seen, is it still Rashee 😉
me: No, I’ve seen a lot of movies after that but forgotten what all movies I’ve seen. They were so bad I think 🙂
Have to retract my previous statement. It is actually a pretty good movie. Really liked it (despite SRK).
me: I’ve heard so.
Simple.
“We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don’t care for.” 😉
And that includes you, me, SRK, Thackeray uncle and his cronies.
me: How does this apply to Thackrey uncle and his cronies? I don’t think they believe any other opinion exists.
My quote applies to ALL.
It also applies to you and me and SRK. As for your post, whether we speak for or against the issue, the fact is we are still talking about the issue so you writing about it much later is also like dragging the issue. But then of course you have the freedom just like those who wrote before and let their views on SRK’s comment just like he had the freedom. Our blogs are result of so many things and that also includes such ridiculous (in my view it was that but you could defer as you have) comments.
All of us in some way or the other judge others. Some judged SRK’s comments and you judged others’ comment.
I don’t think there is anything for me to discuss here as my views on this is already on my blog when it happened. I respect a different view too as I have on other blogs and twitter. kthxbai.
me: Ok, we don’t discuss this anymore… but why bai?
Hehe acronym for ‘Okay, thank you, goodbye’.
me: I know, that’s why I said, Why BYE? But you’re back so it’s ok 🙂 See I care for your opinion so you’re right about me at least 🙂
Enough and more has been said about this whole SRK- Thakereys episode. I really dont know how much of it is genuine and how much of it is not. And I dont want to know also. But what pleases me to see is the tough stance that SRK has taken to stand by his opinion.
I’ve never been a fan of his acting ever, rather its always how he’s conducted himself off screen that has fascinated me more. This time around too, thumbs up to him!
me: Exactly my point!
“what pleases me to see is the tough stance that SRK has taken to stand by his opinion.
I’ve never been a fan of his acting ever, rather its always how he’s conducted himself off screen that has fascinated me more. This time around too, thumbs up to him!”
I feel the same way Deeps.
No, I don’t like what SRK said. AT ALL.
Does he have a right to say it in the biggest democracy in the world? Sure!
D I have the right to not see his movie coz I am pissed off by his statement. Yep!
would echo Sol’s words.
me: Sure Indy, you do have a right to be pissed off and that is a debate for another day since so much has already been around on the net on this issue that it would be futile starting a new argument here all over again. Actually if you ask me, I was happy that PAK players were not selected for playing. I would’ve however liked it if they were not allowed in the first place as a policy instead of it appearing as a boycott by a few businessmen. But then, there are many people who think that they should’ve been picked up and many who think that this snub is so good. You and I may or may not agree. But that is the beauty of this country that we do not deal a hard hand to those who have a different opinion or view. Some may think that we are weak for doing so and that is why the enemy walks all over us again and again. I may think that we have progressed as a democracy because of this trait. All said and done, we are different people and are bound to have different ideas. So you keep yours and I’ll keep mine. If at times they differ, we’ll try to argue and see whether any of us is missing a point here and there. Isn’t this wonderful?
So yes, I did like the fact that PAK players were not selected but I did not really mind if someone thought they should’ve been. I actually liked the fact that there were a lot of different voices coming out on this issue. But definitely what I do not like is when people try and over analyse over why he said so. There are quite a few people who think they should’ve been selected. Does that mean all of them should be kicked out of their jobs by their companies, or boycotted in society or shunned in trade? Again, if you think yes, then sure – that’s your view and a lot of others will think, No.
But regardless of all of this, there still is reason to applaude the man because of the stance he has taken by not bowing down to the Thackreys. I think that alone is commendable if not anything else. Again, you may think otherwise…
itna lamba reply? 😯
okay since all that I would like to say has already been said by QI I will simply give the link though I am sure you have read it too…
I agree with his whole post but where I agree the most is this
The principle of “my enemy’s enemy must be my friend” is a practical one. But it doesn’t mean that my enemy’s enemy is always right. I believe SRK had every right to express his views. But I also feel that his motives were neither unselfish nor neighbourly, but purely commercial. Nothing wrong with that, but we should be aware of the many ways we can be used – by politicians and actors.
Infact it was you who long back had raised doubts about certain incidents and SRK’s attempt at publicity
But regardless of all of this, there still is reason to applaud the man because of the stance he has taken by not bowing down to the Thackreys
I frankly think SRK is a drama queen these days as far as this ‘stand ‘ of his is concerned. As has been said at so many places dont be surprised when you see SRK and Bal T’s pics splashed at private party together:)
So you keep yours and I’ll keep mine. If at times they differ, we’ll try to argue and see whether any of us is missing a point here and there. Isn’t this wonderful?
DO you see me disagreeing with you anywhere?:)
like I said its a democracy so yeah the dude has a right to say what he wants!
I just dont happen to like it!
Can I do squat about it? Heck no! coz its a democracy!
Once again I repeat SRK”s comments regarding Pakistan were unwarranted and offensive and extremely offensive at that, to me as an Indian.
I agree with your right to disagree. As you agree to mine.
So lets just agree to disagree.
PS:- Did I say that its good to see you back! 🙂
me: I like the PS 🙂 The only disagreement that I have is that I do not believe his motives were commercial. I believe, he was just being honestly nice. That comment of mine was just a thought. But I seriously do not think this was a publicity stunt for his movie. I ‘think’ he would’ve said the same thing even if his movie was not being released.
My comment is in moderation coz of links 😦
“I frankly think SRK is a drama queen these days as far as this ’stand ‘ of his is concerned.”
Drama queen is the apt word for SRK here.
PS coz it IS good to see you back in action:)
Bout SRK? topic closed from my side, too much said at too many places..said what I wanted to..and got to know your opinion as well:)
Opinions are just that ..opinions..who knows what the facts are?Only SRK I guess.
Finally a post from you. That’s enough reason to celebrate. Screw everything else.
me: he he… but who gets to screw everything else? 😆
What a lot of hype and controversy!!
I do agree with what you say though.. hard to disagree!
The movie, so far has been declared a hit! 😀
me: Yep, lets see whether it is a Taran Adarsh kind of hit or an actually nice movie 🙂
I agree. You summed up how I feel. I had been wanting to write another post to ‘dissect’ the accusations of cheap publicity against, no, not Bal Thackeray, but against SRK. 🙄
I feel some people think that anything said without bristling with hatred against Pakistan was a sign of deshdroh! 😦
I even hoped well known marathi-manoos, like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Sunil Gavaskar, Madhuri Dixit would join the common man and SRK, and let the fanatics, the moral police, the apology seekers and the publicity mongers be seen for what they are.
I feel SS had been hoping for some such situation, they tried with Mukesh Ambani and Sachin Tendulkar and finally hit jackpot with SRK.
me: You know, in Pakistan, any talk that shows goodwill towards India is seen as ‘Sleeping with India’ and that is why at times, policy makers and the government have to do what they do. Musharaf after taking over, did not adhere to public opinion and went strongly against the fanatics which was initially applauded but later, he had to pay the price in a way. I am glad that it is not the case with India. I had myself been perplexed coz. I couldn’t really decide whether it was good or bad when Pakistani cricketers had not been selected and somewhere I was more glad. But I also hoped that different voices should come out of India or if everybody unanimously supported this move, we would have appeared to be a bunch of … Nazis (pardon the strong word but that was just to get the point across). If nothing else, I am at least glad that we have different opinions which is also visible from these different comments all across the web.
IHM wrote: “I even hoped well known marathi-manoos, like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Sunil Gavaskar, Madhuri Dixit would join the common man and SRK, and let the fanatics, the moral police…..”
Why should Marathi Manoos speak up? How many times SRK initiated some talks to support them or other incidents? May be they didn’t like his comment just like me. I know there are many who didn’t like his comments.
I think it is wrong the same way when we say that all Muslims should speak against terrorists responsible for 26/11 because of the religion.
Personally, I salute Marathis who had to read accusations and gloating every single day because someone who speaks their language is a despot. I was sick of seeing Marathi-Manoos throw left and right. Even though Marathi Manoos literally means people of Maharashtra, the term in this context is mocking.
me: Sol, I think that if something wrong comes out of my community and people start painting the whole community with the same brush, If I’m a celebrity, I would rather speak up as a moral responsibility. What I think IHM meant was that, it feels better when a Javed Akhtar speaks out against Muslim fanaticism rather than a… say Om Puri. But the thing is everybody was scared or didn’t want to instigate the Sena. Thankfully SRK wasn’t. Drama or no drama, it still takes guts to stand up against vandals.
Solilo you say, Why should Marathi Manoos speak up? … May be they didn’t like his comment just like me. I know there are many who didn’t like his comments.
Do you think those who did not like his comment supported Shiv Sena’s demand for apology?
Not liking SRK’s comment was any Indian citizens’s right. Protesting was also perfectly fine.
But why would we involve a violent sena to speak on our behalf?
@IHM: I can’t speak for all of them. I can speak for myself. I didn’t like SRK talking about fraandship with his neighbor. I didn’t like him giving benefit of doubt to Sohail Tanveer. Who did SRK even side with Sohail Tanveer’s volatile remarks?
Sohail Tanveer even went on to say that “hinduon ke jehniyaat hi aisi hai,dikha di ab kya kar sakte hai”
He had no problem with Hindus when he played for Rajasthan (?)–my Cricket knowledge at present is very poor.
Anyways, moving on..
We? As in? Do you mean to say that we as in Hindus allow Shiv Sena to speak on our behalf? NO! I don’t, I’m sure other Hindus don’t either and that is why you see almost everyone against them despots.
I’m sure that you know my views on Shiv Sena as that was the reason why you started following my blog in the first place. http://mesoliloquy.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/paper-tiger-roars-again/
What you and I can do is to VOTE. We voted (okay I didn’t but remember I’m an NRI 😀 ) and elected a “secular” govt. What happened? Is Thackeray behind bars? NO. Why should they arrest him or tackle this problem so soon when this is their vote bank. SS is going down every day. No one is going to vote them to power ever again at least not in the long run. Congress is going to win for a long time at center an MH. Sab khush I guess. But where is justice you ask? I don’t know. Really I don’t know.
———————————-
@Rakesh: Personally, I don’t think it should happen that way. I don’t think I should speak up because another Malayali idiot said something (I know I am no celebrity phir bhi ). I said it once before too when 26/11 happened that why should Muslims be asked to show their patriotism by asking them to speak at such times? Why must they give proof of their patriotism because some loony idiots from “neighborhood” bombed us.
I don’t support that notion.
———————————–
My view on people talking about Aman and uski Asha : http://twitter.com/solitalks/status/9200586400
http://twitter.com/solitalks/status/9200730480
I’m sure everyone knows what a big fan of SRK I am but I’m so disappointed with his statements. No! not against SS but the statements that I mentioned above.
I’m done with the topic. I said whatever I had to already.
me: Yeah, ok let us finish with our own perceptions of why he said what he said!
————————————–
(Rakesh, this one is not for you.)
I’m sick of people gloating. I mean I am all for good discussion but I’m bored to death reading oh! Thackeray ye woh..Oh! hindu sanskriti badnaam ho gai..oh! dekho dekho Hindu fanatics..oh! blah blah
Talk about Congress and their ineptness and people have nothing to add. Please spare me this one sided ignorance.
——————————–
me: he he… Agree Sol but I think we should let people decide what they want to speak rather than tell them that if you speak about this, you should also speak about that. But yes, when the media does this one sided thing, it is indeed disgusting coz. they have a responsibility to be balanced. Am with you on this one.
Uh ho! because of links it went to moderation.
Chalo tab tak..
My name is Khan and majhya tumchya julta tara madhur suranchya barasti dhara.
🙂
His statement in the video is ……. no words for it.
I am also ‘people’. This is what we do. We analyze, judge situations and others esp. our icons because at some level I think they have a bigger responsibility because of their status.
This is why I don’t have a problem if a normal dark girl applies a fairness cream but I judge Priyanka Chopra when she endorses such a product because she influences people, the normal dark girl doesn’t. This was just an example. (PC did stop endorsing that Ponds product after criticism.)
Icons enjoy adulation but when questioned they suddenly become this ‘normal people’ and say oh! leave us alone. It is our view. They very well know how much influence they have on people esp. the fangirls and fanboys who goes Sharuuuuuukkkk O me gosh! O me gosh! he looked at me. He waved at me.
Point me to one blog where a blogger isn’t judging or analyzing a celebrity or someone from their real or virtual world.
I judge people and situations and probably will do till I die. People who preach that they don’t judge anymore and have attained nirvana are the ones I stay away from because I am a mere mortal with all the quirks unlike them nirvanafieds.
me: Arre madam, my reply was for your last paragraph. Not about people judging people. Of course, that is all we do, that is all bloggers survive on. Btw, I always thought ‘Nirvana’ is such a nice name for a girl 😛
“Point me to one blog where a blogger isn’t judging or analyzing a celebrity or someone from their real or virtual world.”
Solilo I point u the way to my blog I demand that u retract this statement immediately and issue a public apology to me.
😀 😀 😀
May be some jingoists would have loved it if he was on of them – a psuedo-patriot 🙄
I’m glad that he isn’t. Those who think that it was a publicity stunt can try to think beyond it.
me: I seriously do not think this was a publicity stunt. There are so many conspiracy theorists out there. If we start believing all of that, then 9/11 was America’s plan, 26/11 was India’s doing and so on…
Sorry for the typo. It’s ‘one of them’.
I agree Haresh.
I dont agree with shahrukh’s statement that Pakistan is a great neighbour,..but the way Thackerey’s protest against everything they dislike is so undemocratic and barbarism of a kind….
democracy gives us freedom of speech, but our celebrity status puts a responsibility on us to think before speaking…..
the only good thing that came out of this is that thackreys were shown their place:)..I just hope they learned their lesson.
me: But Renu, does that mean celebrities should hide their true self and speak what people expect them to speak? Isn’t it good when everybody speaks what he actually thinks which actually gives you a measure of the person and his thoughts. (as long as the speech is not inflammable).
Man… I gave you the movie dialogue tag.. and you went into the same argument… !
i say f#ck the sena, f#ck MNIK, f#ck SRK.. seriously…
The sena is always wrong to oppose… they think they are karta dharta of everyone… I seriously would applaud someone if they go right in their house and shoot this family off.. seriously… no other solution to them.. !
I hate KJO & SRK Movies….
SRK said something he never meant… or else why didnt he bid for players from Pak.. ?? and tongue in cheek was he thinks they are the best T-20 players in the world… !! hogwash… !
now that i have said my bit… lol… I m off… india need 8 wickets to win with an innings… against SAF … amen !
me: Amen 🙂 We finally did it after a few scares!
Good analysis. As you correctly pointed out the allegation that SRK’s statement was deliberate to get publicity for his film is preposterous. Actualy it was a risk taken knowingly or unknowingly by SRK. SRK might have been displeased with IPL Modi’s politics which was in turn to rebuff the Congress for defeating him in RCA elections. That risk actually got him bad publicity as evidenced by the hate and cynicism it generated in minds of even liberal bloggers . From now on SRK’s credential as a patriot will always be under a saffron scanner operated by ‘pseudo patriots’.
me: Yeah, actually you are right. Now every statement of his would be examined with a microscope to see whether it has any molecule of anti-nationalism in it.
Rakesh,
I happen to be one who had criticized SRK quite vocally. In fact, I have one whole blog post where I have analyzed why SRK’s words and actions were mutually inconsistent.
me: I honestly did not read that post. I went back now and still can’t find that post on your blog. But yes, I did read your comments and responses on Roop’s blog. I think that SRK’s words were just his personal opinion and I don’t think there was any inconsistency involved other than the inconsistency that would appear in any normal person’s words.
I found the analysis, especially, the insecurity generated by sequential success of Ghajini and 3 idiots, of the blogger you pointed quite accurate, except for the last part where he has speculated SRK did all this primarily to gain an audience in Pakistan. No! He did it to gain popularity in India!
me: Now see, immediately you and this blogger have a different interpretation. Who is to say who is more right. Just like this blogger was wrong in assuming he did it for Pakistani publicity, couldn’t you be wrong in assuming he did it for publicity in India?
Imagine, the number of people in these comments itself who ended up watching his movie only as a matter of principle (to promote democracy and freedom of speech); in fact, one of the bloggers had commented that she would watch the movie twice only as a means to promote democracy! And not to forget the fence sitters who would watch the movie out of curiosity sheerly because of the controversy surrounding it. Somewhere I had read that Mumbai alone contributes around 30% of any big movie’s revenue! This is because of both the huge amount of population and the high margins of profit considering that most movies are watched in multiplexes.
me: Ketan, you seriously think someone would watch a movie to support a star! The above comment was clearly a joke and I’m sure Reb would confirm it for you. There is nobody who would watch a movie to support democracy of any kind. Heck, people do not even vote to support democracy. Those who want to watch the movie will watch it anyways. In fact, because of his statement, there are people who clearly will NOT watch this movie. I think this comment has done the movie more harm than good. I don’t think, your theory of motive really holds.
And now looking at the good reviews the movie is getting, there are people who think the movie worked because of the controversy. Puhlease, if a movie is crap, it won’t work, no matter how much controversy you create around it.
And I have one more speculation as a reason for all that that SRK did, though it sounds far-fetched now. He is going to contest for elections in next 4 to 5 years!
me: See one more assumption that you made behind his intentions already looks unreasonable. Isn’t it possible that the other assumptions you made also are not right.
I really feel no shame in my views on SRK’s statements ending up on same side as Shiv Sena. To assume that all their views (not actions) are wrong, according to me is bigoted. I try my best that my support/opposition be for issues and arguments, and not who they are coming from. For instance, if Shiv Sena tomorrow states that girls’ education ought to be promoted, then I will not oppose it merely because it would come from the SS. Likewise, though I do not like the UPA government on the whole, I sincerely feel what Kapil Sibal is trying with education system is laudable. Likewise, if being an atheist I state that all religious teachings are wrong, then it would be bigoted.
me: Ketan, as an auditor, we have a theory of professional skepticism which I seriously apply in my life as well. It says that do not take anything at face value. However, do not even discredit whatever management or the person involved tells you UNLESS YOU HAVE ANY REASON TO DOUBT THE INTEGRITY OF THE MANAGEMENT OR THE PERSON INVOLVED. In the above example, if SS promotes girls education, I am more likely to think of it as an election stunt but knowing SRK’s views on different issues earlier and his history of being sensible when it comes to worldly issues, I am more inclined to believe what he says in absence of any other information. I think this is my way of arriving at decisions and I think it is a reasonable method.
As to the most disgusting part of SRK’s statement, for me it was this:
“Can we just circumvent all that is said about India and Pakistan by the politicians, by anybody else and say ‘it’s a great neighbour to have, we’re great neighbours, they’re great neigbours, so lets just love each other’.” (click)
me: Yes, this part of his statement if looked alone is indeed ridiculous but as I said again, in absence of any reason to doubt his movie, I gave him the benefit of doubt, especially considering his entire statement as a whole which include what he said of being good to people and being nice to everyone. So I thought maybe, he just went with the flow and went over the top at the end. As you can see, all these assumptions that you are making and the ones that I am making are all subjective and there is no point arguing about the actual intentions about what he said and that was my whole point.
What makes Pakistan a “great” neighbor to have? What are the criteria to consider a nation as great v/s not great? The worst thing is he has implied Pakistan and India to be equally great. And no, there is no conflict of interest (you had read and commented on my post called communalism, where I have questioned the validity of sentiment of nationalism itself) when I say India is a greater nation than Pakistan. Because by most of the commonly employed criteria, including the much talked of freedom of speech, per capita income, average life span, infant mortality rate, human development index, etc., India far surpasses Pakistan! I think these are very valid logical questions! You could find related arguments here:
http://roopscoop.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/srk-shiv-sena/#comment-7315
Also, I do not think SRK did something of great bravery. He had clear financial (and other) benefits in sticking to his stance. As it is, his movie is being watched. Amitabh Bachchan also had vested interests in apologizing (not necessarily fear). It would not be pragmatic to think that Amitach Bachchan is actually afraid of Bal Thackeray. Because Thackeray himself knows that he can only greatly lose popularty if he harms Bachchan in any way.
me: Ketan, We now know that whatever Thackrey says are hollow threats but before this, everyone used to be actually concerned about Thackery’s threats. Of course SRK had vested interests and he could’ve just played the game like all other celebrities before him did and say ‘Sorry’. Why didn’t he do that? Did he know that people would brave the threats and come out and see his film. When I said fear, I also meant the fear of not being able to release the film and hence financial loss.
Also Rakesh, I understand you do not watch any movies out of sentiments attachment to a star, but then majority are not that objective!!
And there is one more thing that really concerns me. Why are original statements of SRK taken only in context of whether SS opposed it or not? Is it not degrading of intellect of those who are capable of analyzing SRK’s statements and intentions entirely independent of what SS thinks or says about them? When I felt disgusted reading what SRK had said, I wasn’t even knowing how SS was to react to it. This, I believe, is what systematic propaganda through the media has been able to achieve. We, as a nation, are not able to think of SRK independent of how SS reacted to it! You must have read my response on Quirky Indian’s post. How am I to think that “‘Will we have to leave India?’, asks Shahrukh’s daughter”, which was the headlines on prime time-NDTV, was not systematic media propaganda? Does India really not have more important issues to deal with?
me: Isn’t the gundagiri of a right wing party not an important issue to deal with? The media does what it does best – Sensationalise issues but I am happy when the media uses it clout, though you may argue, unfairly, against parties like the SS. I am also not happy when the media overlooks the UPA’s shortcomings but that is a different issue and this time I was happy.
My take on the whole thing is simple. Freedom of speech is a fundamental right. But it is natural to judge people on the basis of what they do with that freedom. And to express the opinion thus formed is also my freedom of speech. You would find a very Telling example of misuse of freedom of speech in my post called Is Man-Boy Love a Beautiful Thing? (click), where I would anyway love to have your comment.
me: Yes I started reading your post but the statements and arguments by Tellis were so downright disgusting that I didn’t feel that rejecting these statements needed any argument. Going by plain commonsense they appeared to be wrong and so I just left it at that.
Shiv Sena was right in pointing out the hypocrisy of SRK, but only till the point they did it legally and within constitutional framework. The moment they turned to violence or threat they were wrong. Of course, SS itself is hypocritical in many of the things it does. So, it does not allow them to criticize SRK from a higher moral ground, but that does not make SRK’s original statement justified in any way! There are two ways of looking at it; one, pot calling the kettle black; but the other of an active smoker criticizing someone else’s decision to take to smoking pointing out how the decision is wrong because it increases risk of lung cancer.
me: Of course, SS criticizing SRK does not make SRK’s original statement justified but I just found the equation ironical and funny since SS by flexing their muscles made a mess of the issue on hand.
Also, the kind of freedom of speech SRK exercised was mere tokenism. I’m not sure I would be provided the same sanctuary if I were to air my views on religions, the religious leaders and Prophets. Freedom of speech was flung out the window in cases of Salman Rushdie and Tasleema Nasreen. And I am sure, it still would be, if someone says something similar.
me: Of course, people are highly sensitive about religious issues, even more so than real issues. And I think that applies to both religions. SRK would’ve had no public support if his statement would’ve been derogatory about Hindu religion or its Gods or Goddesses just like Salman and Tasleema had no public support. Also consider the fact that SRK is a far bigger star in India compared to these two.
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me: NOT AT ALL RELATED TO THE POST BUT SINCE WE ARE ON THIS POINT.
And while we are on this point, I think we have to grow out of this whole argument that says – If we speak negatively against Islam, all hell breaks loose but people can openly speak negatively about Hinduism. Yes I agree this happens but I don’t think it is a bad thing. Would you rather have people reacting as violently in favor of Hinduism as well. I think, Thank God, we are better than that. I think Hinduism worldwide is not an as hated religion in Non-Hindus as Islam is in Non-Muslims. And that is a good thing. Why do we want to ape them and turn violent against Hindu defamation when we have seen first hand of how such a religion is perceived worldwide. People think Hindus are being cowards by not defending Hinduism. Just consider, do we need another radical religion on the world?
btw i missed commenting on the first para… !!! man your growin up is so similar to mine…
lol… me and my two brothers… one had his fav in Crush, one loved Macho Man and I loved Undertaker… lol… !!!!!!!
me: Same pinch! I loved the Undertaker as well and I thought he could take on anybody single handedly. Remember the time he was put in the coffin by 5 other wrestlers together and even his agent went bad. I think I lost interest just at that time seeing the unfairness of it all. 😆
absolutely about that fighting…. although we all three loved Amitabh equally… we had different fav batsmen.. like Sachin, Azhar & Dravid… and how we used to tease my bro when Dravid would score slow !!!
me: he he, same pinch again. My brother used to be a fan of Dravid as well and even today, I tell my brother that the biggest torture is to watch Rahul Dravid score a 200 in a test match. And the PJ I torture my brother with is – Why hasn’t Dravid scored a triple Hundred? Because test matches last only 5 days 😆 (Btw, this was created by me :)) The irony is, even he gets frustrated watching Dravid bat these days.
that was the best section of the post btw… !!!!
me: Chalo, to each his own 😀
lol at that peejay on dravid… !! 😛 😛
but he has been a great and contributed greatly.. I admire him but never in front of my bro..
and i remember that match definitely when they put him in the coffin… !
i used to love watching Kamala run when the stadium would go dark and BONG !!!!!
Ketan posted a comment on my blog and I replied there http://mesoliloquy.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/start-the-walk-enough-talk/#comment-9139
Chalo over.
On a funny note..don’t miss this.
#FTW http://www.thevigilidiot.com/2010/02/16/my-name-is-khan/ Hahaha
SRK was ahem a bit miffed: http://twitter.com/iamsrk/status/9271970503
But he was better than KJo
KJo’s response to Sagarika Ghose on her negative review about MNIK: http://twitter.com/kjohar25/status/9105590401
(probably this comment will go to spam because of the links.)
Mr Karan Johar is Damn lucky man … I am almost starting to believe that he paid Mr. Thackray for helping him in publicity of movie … lol …
Mr Thackray …. Things aint working for U … It is high time u start talking about humanity and forget about dirty regional politics … Leave celebrities alone ..
SRK … U might not be that talented and u get lucky yaar .. During Billu barber , nobody questions you about ur name being KHAN but as soon as ur movie is about to release the whole world bothers u regarding ur last name…. ….
me: I thought you knew just one KHAN! 😛
Rakesh, Am very very late here. Nothing much that I can add to the very interesting comments here 🙂
Shiv Sena is a big bully and their bullying needs to be stopped – no two ways about that. But is SRK as big a ‘national hero’ that he is being made out to be? I have my reservations for that. He has a right to say what he feels and we have the right to discuss it 🙂
me: Yup, but I just like the way this has turned out 🙂
I’m not sure what you’re trying to say, but the Undertaker would surely kick Amitabh Bachchan’s ass!
(Wait, that wasn’t the point? You know how slow I am!)
I don’t like SRK too, but I don’t see how this can be a ‘publicity stunt organized by his crappy movies’ crappy marketing dept like people have been going on about. I love conspiracy theories as much as the next person, but this one ain’t plausible.
If Yokozuna was alive, he would totally sit on Bal T.
Also!
me: he he, hOOlarious. And what’s with you? You’ve started dropping comments on blogs? I sometimes feel you should write and speak a lot less or else you’d empty your bowl of humour but you just keep getting better and better… And you noticed the Also… @#$%$# Even my boss thinks Indians use Also a lot 😀
[…] : Rakesh What : Cricket, Bollywood, Intellectuals and a lot of things! Spicy : This week, we have the second post talking about the MNIK and the controversy it generated. […]
Sorry to say but I differ on this. I am not against the freedom of speech but I cannot for a second ignore the timing of all this. Long ago when he was made to suffer at an airport, then only I had told ‘f**k what a gimmick and promotion of MNIK’ in comment section of Quirky’s article. And now I say the same.
This is all sham. And will always be sham. Bala-Uddhav-SRK ruckus was faked and all blown up for no apparent reason.
Oh and btw, do not these stars pay these channels hefty amount already? Don’t get me started on that. We all know.
You said…Every damn individual who has an audience tends to rush with his opinion……..for mileage??? Hmmm… *sakshi checking her pros and cons* Whatever comment I put am sure bloggers don’t take me seriously 😥 so I better keep my mouth shut when it comes to intelligent arguements
Ps: SRK is one of the most remarkable businessman in his profession 😀
Hehe ur comments are longer the post itself. I bet u didnt spend so much time writing the post the amt u spent on the comments:-D
[…] Cricket, Bollywood, Intellectuals as well as a lot of things! « Located … […]
My first time on ur blog….they all make comments for their selfish gains……the idiosyncratic vision of BT is becoming excessively painful..as for SRK…..his comments didnot in anyway compensate for his lack of talent in the movie [in my view]…..BT or SRK..their views and expressions are not for political nicety, but for economic competitveness
Cricket, Bollywood and Pakistan (in no particular order). ………
I think this Pakistan is a recent entry (17 years to be precise)
me: 17 years?