8 EASTERN EYE March 13, 2009 www.easterneye.eu

comment peace among men The difficult ability to forgive is being lost in a bollywood must show vision world where violence is predominant, but it is IT appears as though everyone was riding that Slumdog Millionaire feel-good wave. But almost suddenly Bollywood finds itself needed now more than ever before, argues the staring into the abyss, relatively speaking, of course. Shah Rukh Khan or Kareena Kapoor are unlikely to find themselves destitute, even if pro- ducers want them to slash their fees. But the suc- author of a new book, No Enemy To Conquer cess that is Bollywood seems to have come to an abrupt halt, like a lot of other things in India right now. What’s different is that for the first time, Bol- lywood studios in the UK are having to make cut backs. Their business model has been one of al- michael henderson most uninterrupted growth, with many paying in- journalist and author creasing attention to the market outside India, when once upon a time it was no more than an indulgent afterthought. There is a danger that they will retreat now in- FOR an author to find that the events wards and focus exclusively on the home market. making the subject matter of his book That would be a mistake. The UK needs Bollywood, are even more relevant should be a even if Bollywood is cooler about the West. It is a source of satisfaction. creative, financial, dynamic, practical relationship For me, in many ways, it is not. The wan- that the success of Slumdog has thrown a brilliant ton violence in Lahore and Mumbai (pic- spotlight on. There is no reason why Indian film- tured) will surely make forgiveness more makers can’t produce the sort of film that could needed than ever before, but it will also work for a global audience in the way that Slum- make it more difficult, and the demonising dog does. Of course, it demands a certain risk – and blame will be more widespread. just as director Danny Boyle took when he made a It has been my good fortune, over the film in a country he did not know and with a years, to report on humankind at its best, largely foreign crew (to him). not its worst, and since my younger days in Slashing budgets, cutting jobs, and limiting re- South Asia, I have been able to tell the world leases does not encourage risk-taking. But that’s some of Asia’s reconciling initiatives. Indeed, the point. Faced with these challenges in India it- my first article, in 1952, was for self, Bollywood film producers should not give up a Calcutta (now Kolkata) news- on the UK market. Western audiences often de- paper, and my first book, in 1972, mand more in the way of plot and characterisation was From India With Hope. and when Bollywood has delivered, it has often The title of my new book is turned the film into a global blockbuster. No Enemy To Conquer, which The message from the cinema seat is don’t be Hindus will know recalls the scared, don’t be cowed, don’t retreat unnecessari- moment when Rama, the di- ly. People need entertainment and escapism – vine prince, reminds us of the Slumdog Millionaire has shown that. Invest in chariot which will lead to victo- emerging talent (it’s often cheaper), develop new ry: valour and fortitude are its forms of story-telling that are different and com- wheels; truthfulness and virtu- pelling and for all the gimmicks and glitz, solid ous conduct are its banner; home. After the 2002 riots, before she was assassinated, shared her own characters, powerful performances and stylish strength, discretion, self-restraint he emailed me that if the journey of forgiveness following the deaths production will always attract audiences. and benevolence are its four passion for revenge can be of her father and brothers. ‘The need to for- horses, harnessed with the cords turned into reconciliation give both at a personal and political level is of forgiveness, compassion and and brotherhood, the world will have as great as it ever was. Today our focus of at- reaching for the stars equanimity. ‘Whoever has this righteous cha­ gained a great deal. tention is on the wars in Afghanistan and In many areas, Asian educational achievement in riot, has no enemy to conquer anywhere.’ Another is about a Hindu friend, Sushob- Iraq, where there will be more widows, more the UK ranks among the best, and increasingly, One aim of my writing has been to bridge ha Barve, from Mumbai. Her work for recon- fathers and mothers grieving for the loss of even traditionally disadvantaged groups are mak- the divide between people of different faiths. ciliation in Kashmir and with Pakistan began their loved ones; they, too, will be seeking ing great strides. But space exploration remains This desire goes back to the experience of with facing up to the ‘invisible wall’ she had the strength to learn to forgive,’ she said. the last frontier. There are increasing numbers of my mother. In 1922 at the time of Irish inde- allowed to grow between herself and a Mus- Such stories exemplify the chariot-like scientists and engineers but few of them see a role pendence my family was chucked out of lim fellow student. ‘Since that day, prejudice qualities we need, whether it is in South Asia in space research, which is a huge shame. It’s great Ireland. We were from a Protestant family towards Muslims has never entered my or Sudan, Congo or Chechnya. In a foreword there are groups out there now pushing young- and my grandfather was told ‘Leave Ireland heart. I realised that if understanding was to to my book, the Dalai Lama writes, “When sters and urging them to reach beyond the stars. by the end of the week or be shot.’ Many come between communities, I must try to something terrible happens, instead of find- years later at a centre of reconciliation at understand history from their viewpoint.’ ing some individual or group to blame, fos- Caux, Switzerland, she made an apology to a In an essay, Rajmohan Gandhi warns against tering hatred and a desire for revenge, we Catholic senator for the indifference we had believing that Muslims are uniquely predis- should try to take a broader view and con- shown to Catholics over the years. This led posed to violence and terrorism: ‘Forgive- sider the longer term. Much more construc- Tell us what you think her and us into the world of peacemaking. ness is an issue that Hindus should frontally tive than stoking feelings of resentment and Want to say something about the news or sport in One of the first stories I wrote for No Ene- face. We have harmed fellow Hindus as well revenge is to forgive and transform the nega- Eastern Eye or simply got a viewpoint you think my To Conquer was about a Muslim friend in as non-Hindus. Often such harming was tive event and its consequences into a source should be heard? Gujarat, Juzar Bandukwala. Despite just es- avoidable. Hence we need to be forgiven. of inner strength.” We want to hear from you. caping with his life, he continues to stand up Often, we have been harmed, too. So we You can write to us and we will consider for his community without a trace of bitter- need also the difficult ability to forgive. Luck- No Enemy to Conquer, Michael Henderson, publishing your response, if it is topical. ness. He even refused to name the policemen ily, Hindu tradition upholds forgiveness.’ Baylor University Press/Alban Books, Please email [email protected] who had joined a mob in burning down his I am grateful that Benazir Bhutto, shortly £10.99, out this month.

review UKAMAs: A night to remember for Jay Sean of the week SLUMDOG Millionaire fever by Aditi Khanna The annual event, hosted by sing- caught up with the Asian music er-actress Karen David and B4U VJ WINNERS’ CORNER scene when AR Rahman added yet awards for Best Male Act, Best Al- Salil, was packed with music fans, another trophy to his collection. bum and Best Urban Act. with organisers claiming the credit Best Producer – Rishi Rich Best Club Dj – Dj Vix The double Oscar-winning music It was the award for his album, My crunch had not affected ticket sales. Own Way, that got the 27-year-old Best Female Act – M.I.A maestro was honoured with an Out- “In times of economic turmoil, Best Male Act – Jay Sean standing Achievement Award by B4U r’n’b star most excited. “This one creativity flourishes as people become Best Act – H Dhami Music at the UK Asian Music Awards means the most as it comes after a far more selective in what they re- Best International Act – Miss Pooja (UKAMAs) last Thursday (5). gap of three years. I produced it un- lease as record labels, and what they Best International Album – Gurdas Mann Rahman was not present to collect der my own label and got a record buy as customers,” said popular Ra- Best Alternative Act – Nitin Sawhney his award but his message of Jai Ho deal with a big label like Cash Money dio 1 presenter Nihal Arthanayake. Best Newcomer – Jaz Dhami rang out at the Royal Festival Hall in on the back of it,” he said. Co-presenter Bobby Friction, who Best Video – Jazzy B London amid performances by some Music producer Rishi Rich, who won the award for his BBC Asian Best Album – Jay Sean of the biggest Asian acts from Britain bagged the Commitment to the Scene Network radio show, summed up the Best Urban Act – Jay Sean and the US, including Juggy D, H- award, presented an impressive line- awards: “Just because there is no Best Radio Show – Bobby Friction Dhami and Nisha Kataria. up of singers under his Rishi Rich bhangra in the Top 10 charts, it does Commitment To The Scene – Rishi Rich But ultimately it was Jay Sean’s Productions banner, such as Mumzy, not mean British Asian music is dead. Outstanding Achievement – AR Rahman JOY: Jay Sean with his awards night, who walked away with three Tasha Tah, Veronica and H-Dhami. In fact, it is more alive than ever.”