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SHOBHAA'S PEOPLE
Chak de, SRK!
No item girls. No romantic angle. No big names. No special appearances. No gimmicks. Just straightforward, linear story-telling... and, of course a sincere, convincing stellar performance from 'Coach' Shah Rukh Khan. Comparisons are odious but unavoidable. Lagaan was good but Chak De is awesome, and on several levels, far superior. It isn't easy to package patriotism without appearing cheesy or manipulative. Chak De succeeds big time, largely due to SRK's powerful, virtuoso act after ages. Gone are the stale mannerisms and cute pouts that had begun to actively annoy even his most ardent supporters (ref: Don). This movie sees Shah Rukh at his histrionic best, stripped off starry (and crippling) airs, delivering his most intelligently nuanced role to date. This is vintage SRK submerging himself in a character he clearly believes in. Chak De is India's first feminist film, tackling gender issues in an entirely unexpected and inspiring way. It also tackles regional differences with humour and sensitivity (Jharkhand, Assam, Mizoram — states which are never represented in our movies). What a treat on the eve of a significant Independence Day.
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Asli hero kaun hai? Boley to, asli hero Ujjwal Nikam hai. In a forthright interview published in Mumbai Mirror, the man who had one of the worst jobs in the business (in terms of the sensitivities involved), the very special public prosecutor, acquitted himself with dignity and honour. The best line from him was the one which put the entire hysteria surrounding Bollywood's reaction to Sanjay Dutt's sentence into perfect perspective. Said Nikam sagely, "These guys should understand the difference between love and law." Truer words were never spoken. This is the dilemma that has bewildered most people who adore Munnabhai's screen persona (frequently confusing themselves in the bargain), and whose hearts bleed for the popular actor, making it still harder to draw the line between harsh reality (Dutt is a convicted criminal, charged with a very serious crime) and their fondness for this goofy, loveable offscreen man. Perfectly rational, well-informed people (women, in particular) turn into a heap of sentimental mush while referring to "bechara Sanju Baba".Where does that sympathy disappear when it comes to the others convicted by Nikam in this historic case? Experts would argue that Sanjay has got off pretty lightly in comparison to co-accused dealing with lifers and death sentences. Yes, of course Dutt's six year sentence effectively spells 'kaput' to his career. But then again… who knows??? God is great. Dutt may emerge a stronger person and an even greater actor after serving his term. Movies have changed sufficiently to accommodate senior citizens like Amitabh Bachchan, offering roles worthy of their talent. Munnabhai needn't despair. He can play a public prosecutor next! As for Nikam, one only hopes media attention on such a scale does not affect him adversely. As it is he's beginning to sound like a neta in the making ("I felt like the Prime Minister of India..."). Now with the world's longest and biggest (13 years) trial behind him, Nikam may seek greener pastures with his newly acquired fluency in English (his disarming admission that he suffered from an inferiority complex earlier due to his lack of proficiency in the language, was most appealing). One can only hope and pray that a man of his caliber does not sell out or compromise, as and when he does take the plunge.
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What does one do with the irrepressible Ms Sen and her incredible roller-coaster love life? Gasp? There's a new man on the scene (yet again!), as breathless TV anchors reported last week, and one does not know whether to laugh or cry, congratulate Sushmita or sympathise with the latest boyfriend? Given her chutzpah in matters of the heart, her Adventures in Loveland leave her fans pretty exhausted trying to keep up with the identity of her newest beau. It's a little like trying to track the season's "It" look. Fashion is notoriously fickle. Balloon skirts were 'in' last year. Like Manav Menon. Now that craze is over, and fashionistas have switched to something slinkier (handkerchief dresses). Does Shri Sajdeh make the cut?? What does Bunty, the event manager, have that the others don't… or didn't? Only Ms. Sen knows for sure.
Meanwhile, Sush in love, looks as radiant as a sunflower at noon. Gosh! Another case of neighbour's envy, owner's pride? Pyar ke liye, kuch bhi karega. Good luck, guys.
https://epaper.timesofindia.com/
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