IV Wednesday 18th January, 2006 Hindi ‘masala’ movie stars glitter amidst serious cineastes

ince the International Film ents of music, dance, fights, was directed by Nagesh Bigha Zameen, Guddi and Namak charmed the audiences Kapoor. He paid a tribute to the Festival of -2005 was romance etc. served in unpalat- Kukunoor. Haram. Two musicals in Hindi- with their dances and presence. late Ismail Merchant in whose Sheld in Goa, (which is an able cocktail style). The masses Special screenings of the fol- Baiju Bawara and Tansen – enter- And some of them were TV pre- films made in English, Shashi had adjacent state of Maharashtra), it simply love these films as the lit- lowing films drew large crowds. tained many. senters in various channels all acted. Said he:” There is no magic was inevitable, therefore, that eracy rate in most parts of north- They were: Aparhan (Prakash Not to be left with this kind of over India. The excessive number formula to instant stardom; the there was a visible craze for ern India is very of journalists who road to the top is steep and deter- ‘Bollywood’ movies in the Goan low, and digest covered the festival mination, perseverance and sweat capital Panaji. It was understand- escapist enter- was from the TV & can bring you there.” able because this phenomenon is tainment to for- Video Media. The IT Other film personalities includ- spread out all over India. get their bur- has revolutionized ed directors , The movie crazy and escapist dens of life the print and elec- , actress entertainment-seeking populace enwrapped in tronic media so Sonali Kulkarani, director Adoor (largely illiterate) is mesmerized poverty. much so that instan- Gopalakrishnan, director Arun by Hindi, Thamil and Telugu In this piece I taneously all events Koapkar, actor Ajay Devgan, movies as they give relatively decidedly use are covered national- actress , actress cheap entertainment of gyrations the term ’movie’ ly and international- Rekha, actor Om Puri, director and lilting and fusion music and instead of either ly. Girish Kassaravalli, and actress thrills with totally unbelievable ‘film’ or ‘cine- One of the ever- Urmila Patondkar fights and crude form of sex ma’ to distin- green ‘stars’ as well Here are some notes on one of scenes. This is the observation by guish ‘good cin- as an actor of some the Hindi ‘films’. The film ‘Iqbal’ many critics in India and else- ema’ from pure- repute Dev Anand is a fine psychological study of where. The 10 million people in ly ‘indigestible spoke in polished handicapped youth trying to cir- the slums of Mumbai and other movies’. By English at the open- cumvent the odds against him. I large populations in Uttar ‘good cinema’, I ing ceremony which couldn’t resist remembering an Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh mean not mere- was held at the Inox American film called “The simply ‘love’ escapist Hindi ly ‘artistic films’ cinema complex Pumpkin” that portrayed differ- movies. but even a premises. Readers ent story but that was also about a At the same time some viewers pleasantly enter- might remember he handicapped youth overcoming in Japan and France too seem to taining well- A visible craze for made a film from deficiencies and scoring well like this type of Hindi, Thamil made films. But ‘Bollywood’ movies one of R.K.Narayan’s unexpectedly. In” Iqbal” too, a and Telugu box office movies as at the same in the Goan capital novels. “The Guide”. young deaf and blind boy aspires reported in the press. The obser- time, in the fes- Panaji. His new film to be to enter the Indian cricket team. vation of discerning critics in tival, the ‘Indian released shortly is The film features one of India’s India is that the Hindi movies Panorama’ included some very Jha), Blue Umbrella (Vishal dishes, the viewers were feted to “Mr.Prime Minister” great all round cricketer, Kapil (except for a few ‘films’) that fine Hindi films. Bharddwaj), Deewana Huye some more Hindi films. But they Dev Anand said: ‘film industry Dev. Other famous serious actors come out from Bollywood do not But it was the ‘Mainstream Paagal (Vikra Bhatt), Dubai were slightly better made quality professionals are the most blessed and directors also act in this film. depict reality and are basically Indian Cinema’ that attracted the Return (Aditya Bhattacharya) and films: Page 3 (Madhur ones by God as they are catalysts Naseeruddin Shah (a very fine entertaining without any depth local viewers. A few box office (Rahul Dholakia) Bhandarkar, Paheli (Amol in removing hatred and violence actor of international repute) and and combines ingredients known hits were shown in this segment. The quota of Hindi films didn’t Palekar) which were feature films. from the world and spreading the Kannada film director Grish as ‘masala’. Therefore, only excep- There was a mad rush to enter the stop with There was also message of love and affection Kassaravalli. tionally, is a serious note taken on theatres, when such films were that. As hom- Bengali/ Hindi through cinema’. We must know something Hindi ’movies’. exhibited. The general public of age to the late speaking non-fea- Similarly, Rahul Dholakia who about the director of the film too. Readers might already know Goa enjoyed seeing these films as actor, Sunil As I Like It ture film titled made a fine film called “Parzania He is Nagesh Kukunoor. He is an that ‘Bollywood’ is a term coined they were relatively new releases. Dutt, Mujhe Ekhane Amar depicting a communal violence experienced filmmaker having by Indian journalists themselves What I would do here is to Jeene Do, fea- by K. S. SIVAKUMARAN Nocturne that took place in Ghodra in India studied acting in the U.S. He has to indicate that the then Bombay mention the names of both the turing him But the abhorred violence. He said: “My produced a few films that attract- (now Mumbai} is the citadel of ‘Hindi films’ (quality ones) and was shown. ’Masala’ box film does not preach violence or ed the attention of critics. purely ‘entertaining’ movie pro- also the ‘Hindi movies’ (box office Also screened was Mirza Ghalib office Hindi films included hatred…. The message that I set Basically, he is a chemical engi- duction on the lines of masalas), for your information: (1954) directed by Sohrab Modi. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Black, out to drive through my film is neer He hails from the state of Hollywood. The ‘H’ in Hollywood Although a Hindi ‘film’ Seven Hindi films made by Waqt-The Race Against Time, that violence in any form whatso- Andhra Pradesh. is replaced with ‘B’ and there you entered for the competition veteran director Hrishikesh Veer Zara and Hulchul. ever does not kill just one person get ‘Bollywood’. among Asian, African and Latin Mukerjee also found their place in At the festival some popular but the whole family” Contact: Hindi movies are churned out American films, it failed to get the this festival. They were: Anand, and glamorous stars of the tinsel Another celebrity who was [email protected] with their ‘Masala’ (stock ingredi- best film award. The film “Iqbal” Anari, Anupama, Anuradha, Do world in India, particularly from present at the festival was Shashi /2587617

Education and... Therefore tuition mania should be complete- which abuse the younger generation in petition to screen the best out of best. But team-mates and be humble and patient in Selection should be done based on their ment and should strictly follow a steady and ly discouraged. The human and other physi- terms of drugs, sex and gambling. Imposing has it turned out to be for the country’s sake? victory as well as in defeat. academic merits, other track records and fair recruitment scheme to absorb the out- cal resources that have been already devel- rules to ban lifetime, cancel permits and On the other hand, the competitive exams In the proposed curriculum revisions, own choice. put. Otherwise, whatever the proposed oped for this sake can be utilized to improve make huge fines/ imprisonment and together are not there to identify all the talents. They participation in at least one sports event and They would have to follow few educational reforms, they will not contribute the formal education as appropriate. For with impartial handling of the cases of viola- are a measure of the memory capacity, social activity must be made compulsory for selected and compulsory courses to keep up to the economy and social problems such example, development of extra learning aids tions would purify the society against such quantitative ability or the hard work. Would it all the students. with the moral obligations and social attach- as youth unrest will continue to increase. It utilizing the above resources may be a alter- bad influences and elements. help screening the population for other tal- Higher education and ments during first 2 years in degree pro- will also clear the path to all the evil forces native approach to aid the regional differ- 8. Curriculum revisions ents and interests? No. This is why doctors professional training grams and the first year of the diploma pro- (against the new reforms) to come forward ences in educational standards. In addition, Primary school curriculum must be com- make films today. Mathematicians have The students for higher education and grams. The subject range might be expand- and topple the fresh hopes soon. the timeslots released from the students’ posed of languages, history, geography, cul- become philosophers. Buddhist monks leave vocational training should be selected ed to other Sri Lankan languages, national Social justice through revising schedules would be available for further tural studies, mathematics and arts. Mind the monastery or go to politics after gradua- preferably at the Ordinary Level based on literature, international studies and selected income generation development of their personalities or knowl- development should be the main objective. A tion. Media persons have become hench- their talents, capabilities and desires. arts. There is very important matter regarding edge bases through sports and other extra- practical oriented subject must be developed men of the corrupted politicians. And there Categorization should be as follows; Category 2: Trained workers the sustainability of the new reforms. curricular activities. to introduce law, order and traditions in day- are many more examples of this nature. Category 1: Students suitable for univer- Those who will be recommended to Although it is expected to achieve a revo- 6. Increasing the share of religious today life and to train children for harmo- Therefore exams in school edu- sity and diploma level education. leave the school education after O/Ls will lutionary change in the attitudes of new education nious living with friends and family members. cation must be rescheduled to identify vari- This category must have a student num- be selected for 1-2 year training programs generation, the majority of the old genera- The religious education must be limited The need of bearing responsibilities ety of known and unknown talents and ber 5-10 times of the total intake capacity of at technical grades to fulfil the trained tion would spoil them if it will be launched to selected priests and trained religious and sharing work during day-today life, desires of students and keep them motivat- the universities. They may follow a five sub- human resource requirements. The con- without revising of the monetary and other school teachers. Main objectives of all the importance of our history and culture for ed. This rating should be the basis of allo- ject course in the advance level classes. The ventional training programs handled by the physical benefits. Therefore, revision in the religious studies must be the same. The les- future endeavours, importance of keeping up cating them into various different fields in sub categorization into science, commerce State and private sector has to be restruc- salaries and fringe benefits should be a part sons related to common doctrines such as with ethics, social norms and basic rules and higher education, vocational training and and arts may be done as similar to the pres- tured by improving the curricular and the and parcel of the proposed reforms. In this kindness for all, paying respect for others, traditions in the society, value of natural envi- employment. ent system but with a thorough screening of learning environments for this purpose. For effort, high qualifications and quality work willingness to share the available resources/ ronment for the sustainable human exis- 10. Restructuring other educational students, based on their track records and example, training of electricians, mechan- should be upheld by maintaining significant opportunities, collaborative approaches, tence, need of social harmony for communi- activities through sports, society work current performances. ics, electronic technicians, hospital atten- gaps between adjacent grades within a pro- harmlessness in life and common sins must ty life (within racial and religious inequalities) and out-reach activities etc. Two common subjects are suggested for dants, supervisors, police officers, agricul- fession. be included in the primary syllabi. More con- and inspiration of national heroes and other Students deviating from the tradition of everybody, English and Sri Lankan Studies. turists etc. are included in this. For instance, there should be a con- tradictory points, which are not much impor- legendary personalities for reformation of our tuition classes will have ample time left after English provides them the ammunition to Furthermore, at least one year training siderable gap in salaries, which could be tant for harmonious living must be included lives are some of the qualities that can be school. After-school session can be utilized face the challenges in the 21st century. should be designed for various job require- reached by the next lower grade within 6-10 in the secondary curriculum. Furthermore, developed gradually during this period. Basic for sports, extra arts work, social activities However, only the pass marks of English will ments which are done informally at work years by maintaining good work records. dialogue at higher levels of different religious screening of talents and weaknesses can be and some of the practical lessons in the cur- be considered in calculating the overall places right now. For example, bus drivers, The period of waiting for the access for lim- institutions are suggested to negotiate with initiated during primary education. riculum. It can be done according to a roster grade-point for university admission. Sri conductors, taxi drivers, shop keepers, lab ited resources such as quarters or housing inter-religion contradictions and resolve bor- Secondary education must contain developed for both teachers and students in Lankan studies should be a blend of subjects assistants, barbers, farmers, and other loans etc. should also has a similar differ- derline cases within the multi-ethnic and most of the above subjects together with each grade, making 2-3 days of after-school that the students have been following during skilled labourer grades. This will formalize ence between different grades. Meanwhile, multi-religious situation in Sri Lanka. selected arts and science studies, targeting work per week. It would partly release the primary and O/L classes. It will help them the recruitment procedures of above jobs some of the basic needs such as transport Similar kind of approach can be sug- basic knowledge improvement and final pressure in parents on making transport continue with their attachment to family, and improve the quality of work conse- facilities, health insurance, school admis- gested to sort out contradictory issues relat- screening of individual talents. Subjects such arrangements for their children. neighbourhood, nation, religions and culture. quently. The resources available in good sion for children, transfer schemes for ed to cultural events and historical incidents as mathematics and science must be either It will also aid their decision making power in quality tutories, which go out of business spouses etc, should be given equal status too. Meanwhile, inclusion of Pali, Arabic and less emphasized or limited to talented stu- At present school level sports and conflict situations, stress the importance of with the invention of new education for all the classes and grades irrespective Latin or any other relevant language as dents during the final part of the secondary social activities are used to build up individ- collective effort in winning common goals reforms, might be utilized for this purpose of the grade or status. In this way, social optional languages in the secondary curricu- education. Identification of talents must be ual student profiles (for future uses). Or it is and update them with challenges at national by converting to training centres. justice would be established as a strong lum would benefit religious education completed during the secondary education. an exercise to improve the image and status and global levels. Teaching methodologies Hence well qualified well trained work protection wall around the proposed immensely. Meanwhile classroom lesions and extra cur- of the school. Everybody has forgotten the have to be upgraded using modern develop- force will be available to cater the demand reforms in the education, training and 7. Limitations on media and recre- ricular activities, which help develop person- fact that these are inevitable components in ments in IT to overcome the extra tuition in the employment sector of the country as employment structures. ational utilities alities and identify national and global chal- personality development. That’s why not all needs created due to regional inequalities in well as in foreign employment sector. For Strict limitations are needed to enforce lenges must be continued with adequate the students are encouraged to take part in teaching facilities and the learning environ- proper designing of the training modules The outcome on television and radio (FM stations) pro- emphasis. They must be well trained to bear these events and the winners use the certifi- ment. and for a timely upgrading of those, a com- The revised education, training and grams that are specially rated against the responsibilities and be ready to be co-opera- cates just as added qualifications to find Students will be selected to different plete feedback from the potential employers recruitment system with necessary modifi- expected mind development in growing chil- tive with fellow students to accomplish a employment. streams of university education based on the will be highly encouraged. cations within the socio-economic structure dren, youth and partly the adult population. given assignment. Competing in inter-school or intra- merits of an island-wide exam, which will be The employers groups and professional would hopefully generate well-trained work Similar control measures would be needed 9. Changing evaluation procedures school team sports events may be an oppor- held in two splits. The rest will be available bodies, which fall under state, private and force with positive minds towards work. And to ban the low quality music in public vehi- There might be a counter argument say- tunity to fill the gaps created in the curricular for 2-3 year diploma courses that are already NGO sectors have a very strong obligation they will respect and preserve the socio-cul- cles and places. These can be made option- ing competition motivates people to do the studies by down scaling the competition. available for training of teachers, nurses, lab with regard to proper functioning of the tural values within the generations to come. al or specific for the interested parties in the best of their ability. Accordingly, without com- This would train students how to work hard technicians, marketing personnel, factory above education and training scheme. They adult population. Strict regulations are petition, the talents will be hidden. It is partly for winning a common goal. It would also and field technical grades, extension work- must fully accept the above scheme as the For responses: required to prohibit all sort of illegal business, true. However, so far we have let the com- make grounds to share opportunities among ers, artists and various other similar grades. sole source of human resources develop- [email protected]