This refers to Malavika Sangghvi's column "Bollywood's secular heart" (Trending, July 13). As rightly observed, the Hindi film fraternity represents an enviable example of religious harmony. The good spirit goes back to the pre-independence days. In V Shantaram's much acclaimed movie Padosi (which was noted for highlighting the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood) the role of the Hindu neighbour was played by a Muslim and vice versa. Not that there has been no intense rivalry in Bollywood, but it never acquired religious overtones.A major reason such non-communal spirit pervades Bollywood is that the film community has, by and large, kept away from politics where one party promotes aloofness instead of integration between religions and the other resorts to exclusiveness of the majority.
Such is the influence of Hindi films that the fans too ignore religion or politics while rooting for their favourites. Shahrukh Khan has many admirers in the BJP and Shatrughan Sinha has many among the Congress. It is tempting to suggest that more actors should join politics to cleanse it, but, so far, those who tried either withdrew or have become a part of the current political culture.
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
Such is the influence of Hindi films that the fans too ignore religion or politics while rooting for their favourites. Shahrukh Khan has many admirers in the BJP and Shatrughan Sinha has many among the Congress. It is tempting to suggest that more actors should join politics to cleanse it, but, so far, those who tried either withdrew or have become a part of the current political culture.
Y G Chouksey Pune
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number