For sheer fear that History might condemn me for not adding my voice to the chorus of hymns being sung about Slumdog Millionaire, I hereby submit my POV.
Sadanand Menon’s comment on the Slumdog-Oscar-Bollywood issue is about the most intelligent one that I have come across so far (apart from the statement made by Danny Boyle’s father about the movie being a reasonable one; and of course, the great Salman Rushdie’s similar viewpoint.)
With total pragmatism and zero dramatization, Menon calmly asks us to get real, and to understand that unless we respect ourselves and our art, we will not be taken seriously in the global arena.
We should stop getting euphoric everytime a white hand pats us on the head, stop pretending not to see the subtle condescension that colours the West’s patronization of everything Indian.
Of course, this is not to be confused with the anti-West propaganda favoured by the various Senas, Tehreeks & what-nots infesting our subcontinent. Nor is this the bitter envy of a deep-seated inferiority complex.
We need to rise above our own petty conflicts and hollow victories, recognize and accept our own talent, and set ourselves worthy goals.
It would be appropriate to mention here that Resul Pookutty’s Oscar acceptance speech was reflective of this sentiment to some extent, and for me it rates far above the textbook rhetoric mouthed by the talented Mr. Rahman.
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