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Magazine
SIGHTINGS
BY SUCHITRA BEHAL
His critics have been more than unkind to him in recent times. He was also derided for appearing to emulate the master whose techniques he admired the most — Hitchcock. But none of that has deterred Manoj Night Shyamalan from pursuing his dream single-handedly. And it seems almost the right time for him to receive recognition from the country of his birth, India. Awarded the Padma Shri, Shyamalan, who was in the country recently, took the opportunity to promote his forthcoming film too. Ask him why now and he replies, “It’s a double occasion for me. Receiving the award and my first film with an Indian film company. Feels like the perfect time really…” Like most tourists, he is struck by the severe contrasts that Mumbai offers but he is equally impressed by the power of India’s middle class. Talking about his hits and misses, Shyamalan said that he is frustrated when each time he is expected to stick to the tried and tested routine. “I can understand how people like George Lucas or Agatha Christie must have felt. Whenever you try something different there is a lot of reaction to it.” He adds, “For me, doing a film is like having an affair. You are involved and passionate about it and keep yourself open.” His take on Hindi films? “They are too black and white and SRK reminds me of Mel Gibson. I like the guy, he is a marvellous actor.”
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She is unabashed about her commitment to her kid and family. “Everybody knows that these are the two things that come from one to ten for me; after that the rest follow, said actor Kajol. Never one to mince words, a mellower Kajol insists that
she is far too lazy to chase roles. “So is my husband but, yes, if something good comes my way, I don’t mind.” She explains, “It’s not that I am choosier, but I look at a project in its entirety. I won’t just grab a role because it comes from a big banner. Very often, the script is better than what appears as the end product.” While she is ready to accept small but meaty roles, she is well aware that they do not exist in Indian cinema. But, at the end of the day, she is clear about her priorities. “I’d rather work with people I am comfortable with and yes the script is the main motivating factor for me.”
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It’s one of those issues that Bollywood seems to have taken a concerted stand on. And even the normally reticent and careful Censor Board chief, Sharmila Tagore, has reacted to Union Minister Ramadoss’ proposal to ban consumption of alcoh
ol on screen. Tagore said that a ban on drinking and smoking on screen was “futile” until and unless it is proved that this “affects the consumption pattern of people.” She insists that several other factors like parents, friends and family are equally responsible. Tagore said that films were a creative medium and such bans would hinder creativity. And just in case you thought these were platitudes, Tagore rounds off by adding that the Health Minister ought to be thinking about far more serious issues to tackle rather than ban showing actors consuming liquor on screen. “What about fake medicines being given? What about issues like pesticides in vegetables? This is what we need to be concentrating on,” added an agitated Tagore. Is anybody listening?
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