Way back in 1993-94, we had a heated debate among college friends on the famous song from ‘Khalnayak’ movie, ‘ Choli Ke Peeche Kya hai’. No wonder only two of us (girls) were against the song and the rest thoroughly liked and enjoyed it. There argument was, ‘its just naughty’ or ‘when you see the artistic picturisation, you don’t feel bad about the lyrics’. How artistic!! (Incidentaly the only artistes (involved with theatre & paintings) in the group were the two of us who were against the lyrics of the song). Even the director, producer and lyricist of the song said, ‘listen to the second line of the song. It is actually talking about the ‘dil’!’. Glad to know our filmmakers are so pure and innocent!!!!
My friend argued then, that, because of our acceptance of such objectionable songs and words in movies by giving naive, superficial arguments, the society will slowly and certainly get sucked in the swamp of immoral culture. That is what is really happening. Item numbers have become a norm and craze among people. They are made in the most suggestive, raunchy way for cheap publicity. ‘Munni badnam’ and ‘Sheila’ are being played everywhere and kids come home and complain – ‘ Ma’am scolds us if we sing these songs’. Is the teacher wrong? Of course not! But the child is confused! Do we want our kids, particularly boys, to consider the opposite sex only as an object of carnal desires? Or do we want them to consider the two sexes as intelligent, equal partners who help and compliment each other in life? If the second is true, then why do we accept and applaud these songs?
And now our philosophical, bitten by reality bug, filmmakers have begun the trend of using cuss words in songs and
more glaringly in movie titles, with the argument of portraying the real world through art. The latest is ‘ Yeh _____ Zindagi’. I simply cannot bring myself to utter that word. But our esteemed director of the movie says everyone uses that word. (Our kids will certainly get used to it soon!). His reaction to the censor board’s objection to the word is that, ‘saali is not gaali!’ Funny!! Mr. Director, try saying it to someone on the streets. You certainly will be the next road rage victim!
Art is very much a part of society and it is responsible and answerable to the society. Ancient Indian culture was one which had strong moral values without being impractical. ‘Kamasutra’ was written because it is a basic need of life, to be practiced within the limits of Grihasta dharma. There wasn’t anything ‘bold’ about it, as the world sees it today. That was the period when women were respected for their abilities and beauty was admired in a respectful manner. The way women are portrayed in today’s Indian movies, is very derogatory. The filmmakers and actors should feel the responsibility towards the average women in cities, towns and villages. The image of women created by these movies has made it difficult for women to step out of the house without the fear of being stalked, teased, or raped. She is not safe even at home. Cases of rape by male relatives, of girls as young as 3 year old and as old as 75 years, are becoming frequent.
Dharmendra is fondly remembered for his ‘Kutte-kaminey’ dialogue. Is this something to be applauded, in the name of art? Where have our standards gone? Why do film makers make such hue and cry when the censor board objects to something objectionable?! They are least bothered about the society and degradation of our cultural ethos. Rapes have become everyday affairs and a single cuss word uttered leads to murder! But who cares! Monetary return is the only important factor for film makers, which will certainly dwindle if their movie gets an A-Certificate!
February 4, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Supply is there only when there is demand..
.We make this kind of movie hit by watchin and thn filmmaker feels this is what audience want…so instead of blamin other, we shld stop watchin…how many of us watch doordarshan nowsadays….why dont we promote to watch doordarshan and we can do that only whn we switch to it, instead of watchin some stupid serials and nonsense newschannel…
February 4, 2011 at 8:15 pm
January 27, 2011 at 1:09 am
January 24, 2011 at 5:23 pm
I also have an objection with the ways advertisements about certain products are made nowadays. My son asked me one day to buy a certain product that was better protecting from rains than the umbrella as it was shown in that shape and soaking all the water in. Do they think that only women watch ads that are projected for them? By calling themselves broadminded people are easily crossing the line between dececy and indecency..
January 27, 2011 at 10:34 am
January 24, 2011 at 10:09 am
Reg. the songs, there were such songs in the earlier era also, like ‘Aanchal Mein Kya Ji’, and it’s difficult to argue for or against the aesthetics. I hear some persons in Lucknow intend to file a case against the ‘Munni’ and ‘Sheila’ songs. Kudos to them.
The overall social effect is apparent, as detailed by you. And while not all the blame can perhaps be laid at the door of movies, they ARE an important instigator (as well as an indicator) of social norms, and as such should bear their social responsibility.
Thanks to Srikanta for sharing a new perspective. Hope all HR practices adhere to such robustness, which should to a long way towards toning down unhealthy aggression at least in the workplace.
January 24, 2011 at 10:11 am
January 27, 2011 at 10:39 am
January 22, 2011 at 6:36 pm
January 22, 2011 at 9:30 pm
January 22, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Srikant
January 22, 2011 at 9:38 pm