Mian Musharraf, Grow up

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http://in.rediff.com/movies/2005/apr/15veer.htm

Looks like Musharraf Ji is upset about story of Veer-Zaara, cause "[p]akistan had never arrested or kept in confinement any IAF officer"!

Pakistan and Pakistanis have always been hysterical about supposedly bad projection of image of Pakistan and Pakistani Army in Indian movies. Some Indians, and specifically "top" class people in bollywood industry also talk about not making Indo-Pak hatred oriented movies for commercial gains. They claim that such movies, specially during time when relations are improving (I don't agree to that either, but let me leave that aside for now), will only hamper the peace process. Nevertheless such movies are made, and they go hit as well. But even the producers of such movies tend to play down and do not want to be quoted as making a movie based on Indo-Pak animosity. I am amused at the industry and media for this hypocrisy, and on Pakistanis for their inane objections.

Whether of not Pakistani Govt. permits formal screening of Indian movies, they are no doubt seen by one and all thanks to exploding piracy industry. Lollywood doesn't stand a chance in front of Bollywood, and even Pakistanis admit that. Now given that they see our movies and then cry foul, is something very amusing to me. Furthermore I have following reasons for opposing external ban or pressure on making of such movies - note that I do not necessarily want these kind of movies but they should not be not made because it will supposedly hamper the peace process. These are directed towards any Pakistani or Indian who supports such ban.

1. Please understand they are JUST MOVIES. Don't use too much of your brain in interpreting what good or bad they imply about Pakistan. Movies are stories, sometimes based on real life, but nevertheless, stories. They are not supposed to depict "truth" but entertain the audience. If Indian audiences enjoy seeing Indian Army win and Indian soldier do impossible stunts, movies will portray that. Don't see logic here. Without doubt, Indian movies are directed to Indian audiences, simply because of official ban in Pakistan producers hardly expect any money. If you don't like Indian movie, don't watch. Hollywood continues to make movies based on Cold War and I didn't hear Russians complaining!
   
2. Pakistan is foreign country to India and bollywood is indigenous industry. What makes Pakistanis think that we will care about what they think about our films. They, in first place, have no business forming official opinions on Indian movies - personal views, published or unpublished, are acceptable - and lesser so in conveying those opinions to India or Indians. Interestingly, since Pakistanis leagally cannot see Indian movies in Pakistan, those who comment on bollywood, indirectly admit violating the law in their country. I will leave Pakistan Govt. to handle that.
3. However warped or concocted it may be depicted in motion pictures, the fact is Pakistani attacked India THREE times and LOST all the time. That's what our movies show. Why do they even expect that we will portray tales of bravery of Pak soldiers in Indian movie so as to be "realistic". After all they are just movies, that is Indian movies. Refer Point 1.
4. Even if relation with Pakistan is improving, it doesn't change the past. Past will live with us, and must so, as history. Society has duty to make future generations (of India) be aware of this history, be it good or bad. If movies helps in partially, let them. Bitter truth must be divulged, and it doesn't mean that we want to start hatred again. Movies on British oppressions and freedom struggle are common in India, but did I hear Britain complaining? And it has not been affecting our relations with United Kingdom as well.
5. Number and intensity of Lollywood movies showing India in poor light are much more and much higher. We don't hear much about them because a) they hardly ever make to Indian cinemas - not because of ban by Indian Govt. but because of their poor quality, and b) Indians are far more tolerant than Pakistanis on such issues. Don't you believe me here? Check human rights and world rights records yourself - but based on fact and not on PTV's propaganda - and the entire world acknowledges the democratic & secular credentials of India. I wouldn't comment on their sovereign right to make movies on whatever subject they like, but shouldn't one look into his own home before criticizing others'?
6. This is last and perhaps least powerful of all points but still a valid point. Even good attempts like Veer-Zaara which portray Pakistani in very good light (compared to previous movies) are not met with goodwill from Pakistanis. Apart from unhappiness expressed by Mr. President himself, a simple look over various discussion boards involving Pakistanis discussing this movie will certify that (try Orkut or IMDB). So what is going to please Pakistanis? Are they expecting "Pakistan is Great" message from Indians? It may be, but we wound't say that, not because we have any problems with Pakistan, but because we haven't said that to any other country as well. Simple.
   

I think it is about time for Pakistanis and Indians to grow up a little. Do we expect any solution to decades old Kashmir imbroglio when Musharraf thinks that Veer-Zaara was bad because...!!

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News commentary

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Following are short commentaries on various news pieces...

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To see the extent of buying-selling of the public "trust" by BJP and Congress soon after Jharkhand state election, read this. I am not sure if this is most despicable consequence of a democracy?

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Rape is no doubt most heinous of crime on earth. Much more than murder. Its ghastliness arise from the very fact that women are the victim only by virtue of being women. Often no reason or motives are involved. And to live under omnipresent lustful male gazes all through life without nervous breakdown is an act worth deserving respect and reverence towards womankind. Even capital punishment is not apt for perpetrator of such crime. And to those, human rights activists against death penalty, I have just this to say: A rapists committs such unpardonable act that he should be killed even if it gives nothing more than mental satisfaction and a feeling of justice to victim or victim's family. Forget deterrence theory of punishment, he is not worth the life he is living. What would you say to incident of such grotesque nature? Cry your heart out for her.

Update (May 28): Apparently link is down. However, in brief, incident refers to a nurse rape and disabled 30 years ago still struggling in coma with occassional outburst of panic reactions.

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An interesting graphics of human migration across the globe from 100,000 years ago! If you can find, watch documentary titled The Real Eve.

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I have utmost respect for Supreme Court of India. Amidst currept politicians, irresponsible media, bureacratic administration and self-serving public, it stands out with its remarkable and landmark decisions time to time. Unfortunate as it may sound, Supreme Court has to intervene what should normally be in perview of government or media, as they fail to shoulder their responsibilities. However this news comes a surprise. I personally don't favour the directive to delete "Sindh" from national anthem as it would disfigure whole anthem, and start disgusting competetion among states to include/exclude their names. After all, feelings for the anthem are not associated with its literal meaning.

Update (May 28): Thank God, Supreme Court of India has discarded petition to change National Anthem and restored my faith in it! Infact, the court fined, aptly so, the petitionar for wasting court's time and termed the petition as Publicity Interest Litigation.

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Hopitality - the American way

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"Sorry Sir, we provide water to only Hilton Honors members", answered the desk worker in response to my question why there is no water in my room.

Now there was everything that I could imagine in my room at Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Calabasas, California where I stayed last weekend in course of a job interview. Apart from basics of bed, TV, table, closet and furnished toilets; it had fridge, microwave, coffee maker, free internet, iron and access to pool, spa, gym and two newspapers every morning. These amenities may be minimum any hotel would provide in U.S. but were more than sufficient for me. Nevertheless I didn't expect that a no-cost commodity like water would only be for exclusive members from such a well reputed hotel! I am still at loss to comprehend his statement!

What do I make out of it? American way of hospotality? Or that water is the costliest among all amenities?

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