Recently, we have seen two revelations that have outraged people enormously, and I use that term lightly. The US cables leak and the leak that Barkha Dutt and Vir Sanghvi stretched the ethical boundaries of journalism.
What I have been most surprised by is how, we the public are outraged by this. US cables suggest that Pakistan ISI might have been helping terrorists. They also discuss the possibility of Iran going nuke. No shit Sherlock. What did you expect them to be doing? Discuss diapers and pregnancies?
The second issue is even more of a joke. PR person massages her journo contact to get something published. TV presenter crosses line in a bid to be on the news-creating side instead of merely on the news-disseminating side. Again, what did you expect these people to do?
Nobody needs to tell journos about regular boring news. So, PR people essentially give them some scoops in exchange for favourable press. This practice has been alive and kicking for years. If PR people had job descriptions, it would read something like "Keep scratching back, one day hope for return back-scratch". The media-PR-bureaucrat nonsense is nothing new. Just because it happened to people who are famous does not mean we should all act surprised and outraged.
Barkha Dutt has time and again shown that she has a weakness for being at the center of it all. Even her 26/11 coverage was filled with equal amounts of Oh-my-god-this-is-bad-for-India with Still-I-am-glad-I-am-the-one-talking-about-this. She has even tried to milk the accusations against her for TRP ratings. The lack of irony is stunning.
I am not condoning either the actions of the US foreign ministry guys or Barkha Dutt and co, am just amazed at the ability of the public to express outrage at this. The Open had a decent post on this issue as well sometime ago.
What are we going to be surprised by next - Military men kill, Santa Claus does not exist, Traders will punt on any rumour, Hedge funds spread rumours to make money. Should we not have become immune by now?
For those feigning outrage, don't bother. Your outrage will have an impact for about 6 seconds and then the parties will find better ways to do what they were doing all along. Barkha will probably do all her dealings in person rather than on the phone.
For those, who are really outraged, get over it. Get a reality check.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Enthiran - Genius
Enthiran - Now, this movie is pure genius. It is very clear that Shankar was never told about the law of diminishing marginal utility. The movie is based on "You think one Rajnikanth is good, two are better, what about this?". Shankar essentially looked at Kamalhasan's Dasavatharam and said "I see your 10 and raise you 1300". I am hoping Kamal did not blink.
Now, people would have told you how the plot is inane, that the chemistry between Aishwarya Rai and Rajnikanth more than matches India's contribution to the world of numbers - zero. But, remember, a Rajnikanth movie is not about all that, the last Rajnikanth movie with a plot was Thalapathi, and that was stolen from the dude Vyasa. And heroines are usually mere props for defining that thala is the thala of all the thalas in the whole world. Anyone who is not ok with this can go take a walk, and that is that.
Now, if only these overreacting, elitist, hyper-analyzing, jealous north-Indian film critics were not there, we would picked up an Oscar or two by now. The film critics just dont get it. They think a review is about appearing pseudo-intellectual. A film review about a Rajnikanth-starrer is straightforward - say it is the best ever and get on with it.
Now, there is just this one crib I have about the movie and the reviews. Before I get into that, let me give some background. I am bona-fide South Indian - dark, Rajni-loving, hindi-bashing, supertam with a hint of paunch to get closer to 100% certification. As is mandatory for all Tamilians, I did my tamiltriotic duty and watched the movie at the first opportunity. I also promptly did the 'totally worth a watch' and "Thala is awesome". I would have even gone on to the now obligatory 'the Hindi guys can never create quality cinema like this' in 1-2 weeks. But, this time it was different. I was brushed aside by this amazing love in in Tamil. It was like the state had been taken over by the TV channels (this is partly true) and they were organizing a wedding show co-directed by Karan Johar and Sooraj Bharjatya. There was just so much love.
And this has got me very pained. Why did I not get an invite for the love in? Who assumed that I would not have been able to trump K.Balachander's paen to Shankar? Am I any less Tam than these others? Don't I believe that Sadagopan Ramesh did not go on to play 100 tests purely because he is Tam?
I was just not in the loop. Whoever is giving out the messages, please drop me an email next time around. I would not want to miss the opportunity to participate in any attempt at creating a self-fulfilling prophecy (I wake up every morning and chant - "I am really good" 108 times). The whole country is anyway in on this one now - replace the I am good with "India is great" and you could be on the media by end of the week. I would hate to be a non-conformist. I do not want to miss out. Because as I said, I am awesome.
Now, people would have told you how the plot is inane, that the chemistry between Aishwarya Rai and Rajnikanth more than matches India's contribution to the world of numbers - zero. But, remember, a Rajnikanth movie is not about all that, the last Rajnikanth movie with a plot was Thalapathi, and that was stolen from the dude Vyasa. And heroines are usually mere props for defining that thala is the thala of all the thalas in the whole world. Anyone who is not ok with this can go take a walk, and that is that.
Now, if only these overreacting, elitist, hyper-analyzing, jealous north-Indian film critics were not there, we would picked up an Oscar or two by now. The film critics just dont get it. They think a review is about appearing pseudo-intellectual. A film review about a Rajnikanth-starrer is straightforward - say it is the best ever and get on with it.
Now, there is just this one crib I have about the movie and the reviews. Before I get into that, let me give some background. I am bona-fide South Indian - dark, Rajni-loving, hindi-bashing, supertam with a hint of paunch to get closer to 100% certification. As is mandatory for all Tamilians, I did my tamiltriotic duty and watched the movie at the first opportunity. I also promptly did the 'totally worth a watch' and "Thala is awesome". I would have even gone on to the now obligatory 'the Hindi guys can never create quality cinema like this' in 1-2 weeks. But, this time it was different. I was brushed aside by this amazing love in in Tamil. It was like the state had been taken over by the TV channels (this is partly true) and they were organizing a wedding show co-directed by Karan Johar and Sooraj Bharjatya. There was just so much love.
And this has got me very pained. Why did I not get an invite for the love in? Who assumed that I would not have been able to trump K.Balachander's paen to Shankar? Am I any less Tam than these others? Don't I believe that Sadagopan Ramesh did not go on to play 100 tests purely because he is Tam?
I was just not in the loop. Whoever is giving out the messages, please drop me an email next time around. I would not want to miss the opportunity to participate in any attempt at creating a self-fulfilling prophecy (I wake up every morning and chant - "I am really good" 108 times). The whole country is anyway in on this one now - replace the I am good with "India is great" and you could be on the media by end of the week. I would hate to be a non-conformist. I do not want to miss out. Because as I said, I am awesome.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Open Magazine: Good magazine whose standards are beginning to fall
Over the past year, I have come to really like the Open Magazine and have recommended it to many of my friends. The magazine is surprisingly free of cliche and aims to entertain and inform. It sits right in the middle of the spectrum of Indian magazines - far from the textbook-like Frontline and equally far from the Tabloid-ish India Today.
Some of their articles are provocative, some are funny, and some are very informative. Generaly, the quality of writing is of a reasonably high standard.
However, after the bright start, the magazine has started writing articles for which I can only assume they are being paid by the protagonists. The last two issues had an article each on Shashank Manohar and John Abraham. I can only hope that the Open got paid well by these two.
Sample this on Shashank - Positively cringe-worthy
When asked what he observed in the way Manohar handled the Modi/IPL issue, Ratnakar Shetty, the Board’s chief administrative officer, says, “He was firm. He is one person who cannot be pressured.”. Hahaha - What is he? An sllrounder who has to score 12 off the last over?
On that hectic 26 April afternoon, Manohar showed that he had the smarts, the conviction and the larynx to be a worthy president of the country’s most powerful sports federation. The smarts, the conviction and the larynx?! Really?!
Even if some of his answers seemed unsatisfactory, he demonstrated a grip on facts and an ability to argue a case. (How does one do that).
He was unreadable, a walking-breathing BS Chandrasekhar delivery. This is awesome.
He is atypical because he does not seem to hanker after the trappings of power and wealth. He already has them. Manohar owns a couple of Mercedes E Class cars. He has two Merc E class, then he must not want more money
True, Shashank Manohar is not the first BCCI president who is rich. But somehow he does not show it. And he is not driven by naked ambition. So, when everyone around him is overdressed or busy looking busy and important, Manohar strolls in wearing a half-sleeved shirt. What about the Merc E class then, that too two of them?
What is Manohar’s special talent? “Administering the game in a clean, professional manner is what is important to him,” says Rajan Nair, This is a classic. Spoken like a Miss World contestant. Guys, he is an administrator. Not a rocket scientist. Reminds me of an immortal piece from Catch-22
"Flying combat missions for General Dreedle is not exactly what I had in mind," he explained indulgently with a smooth laugh. "I was thinking more in terms of replacing General Dreedle, or perhaps of something above General Dreedle where I could exercise supervision over a great many other generals too. You see, my most precious abilities are mainly administrative ones. I have a happy facility for getting different people to agree."
"He has a happy facility for getting different people to agree what a prick he is," Colonel Cargill confided invidiously to ex-PFC Wintergreen in the hope that ex-PFC Wintergreen would spread the unfavourable report along through 27th Air Force Headquarters. "If anyone deserves that combat post, I do. It was even my idea that we ask for the medal."
"You really want to go into combat?" ex-PFC Wintergreen inquired. "Combat?" Colonel Cargill was aghast. "Oh, no - you misunderstand me. Of course, I wouldn't actually mind going into combat, but my best abilities are mainly administrative ones. I too have a happy facility for getting different people to agree."
The old VCA Stadium, however, has a tragic history. In 1995, during a Test between India and New Zealand, a wall collapsed, killing nine spectators and injuring over 70. Manohar, who was very much a force in the VCA then, was criticised for the condition and handling of the ground.
Manohar also faced public condemnation after his son, Adwait, was chosen to play for Vidarbha in the 2000-01 Ranji Trophy. Vidarbha experts say that Adwait was drafted in the team even though he had not been playing much or with any consistency. Manohar has characteristically kept quiet about the issue. Characteristically kept quiet about this issue? What could he have said? I tried it, but you guys caught on.
Shashank Manohar is a filthy rich lawyer from Nagpur who presided over one of the worst tragedies in Indian cricket, who tried to get his son into the domestic circuit by underhand means. He has accomplished nothing of note as cricketer or administrator but presides over the most powerful cricket body in the world. The way Open magazine has spun this story to paint him as being second only to Moses is brilliant. I thought the Open Magazine was above this kind of random trash. Looks like they are falling away.
The John Abraham article is even more cringe-worthy. I am seriously considering stopping my subscription.
All of us know Indian media is bit of a joke. I just thought there was a purple patch somewhere. Looks like another false dawn.
It is on occasions like these that I like to revisit this Ram Jethmalani tirade. I have become a big fan of this guy purely because of this. Anyone who can bury a journalist like that deserves a fan club.
Some of their articles are provocative, some are funny, and some are very informative. Generaly, the quality of writing is of a reasonably high standard.
However, after the bright start, the magazine has started writing articles for which I can only assume they are being paid by the protagonists. The last two issues had an article each on Shashank Manohar and John Abraham. I can only hope that the Open got paid well by these two.
Sample this on Shashank - Positively cringe-worthy
When asked what he observed in the way Manohar handled the Modi/IPL issue, Ratnakar Shetty, the Board’s chief administrative officer, says, “He was firm. He is one person who cannot be pressured.”. Hahaha - What is he? An sllrounder who has to score 12 off the last over?
On that hectic 26 April afternoon, Manohar showed that he had the smarts, the conviction and the larynx to be a worthy president of the country’s most powerful sports federation. The smarts, the conviction and the larynx?! Really?!
Even if some of his answers seemed unsatisfactory, he demonstrated a grip on facts and an ability to argue a case. (How does one do that).
He was unreadable, a walking-breathing BS Chandrasekhar delivery. This is awesome.
He is atypical because he does not seem to hanker after the trappings of power and wealth. He already has them. Manohar owns a couple of Mercedes E Class cars. He has two Merc E class, then he must not want more money
True, Shashank Manohar is not the first BCCI president who is rich. But somehow he does not show it. And he is not driven by naked ambition. So, when everyone around him is overdressed or busy looking busy and important, Manohar strolls in wearing a half-sleeved shirt. What about the Merc E class then, that too two of them?
What is Manohar’s special talent? “Administering the game in a clean, professional manner is what is important to him,” says Rajan Nair, This is a classic. Spoken like a Miss World contestant. Guys, he is an administrator. Not a rocket scientist. Reminds me of an immortal piece from Catch-22
"Flying combat missions for General Dreedle is not exactly what I had in mind," he explained indulgently with a smooth laugh. "I was thinking more in terms of replacing General Dreedle, or perhaps of something above General Dreedle where I could exercise supervision over a great many other generals too. You see, my most precious abilities are mainly administrative ones. I have a happy facility for getting different people to agree."
"He has a happy facility for getting different people to agree what a prick he is," Colonel Cargill confided invidiously to ex-PFC Wintergreen in the hope that ex-PFC Wintergreen would spread the unfavourable report along through 27th Air Force Headquarters. "If anyone deserves that combat post, I do. It was even my idea that we ask for the medal."
"You really want to go into combat?" ex-PFC Wintergreen inquired. "Combat?" Colonel Cargill was aghast. "Oh, no - you misunderstand me. Of course, I wouldn't actually mind going into combat, but my best abilities are mainly administrative ones. I too have a happy facility for getting different people to agree."
The old VCA Stadium, however, has a tragic history. In 1995, during a Test between India and New Zealand, a wall collapsed, killing nine spectators and injuring over 70. Manohar, who was very much a force in the VCA then, was criticised for the condition and handling of the ground.
Manohar also faced public condemnation after his son, Adwait, was chosen to play for Vidarbha in the 2000-01 Ranji Trophy. Vidarbha experts say that Adwait was drafted in the team even though he had not been playing much or with any consistency. Manohar has characteristically kept quiet about the issue. Characteristically kept quiet about this issue? What could he have said? I tried it, but you guys caught on.
Shashank Manohar is a filthy rich lawyer from Nagpur who presided over one of the worst tragedies in Indian cricket, who tried to get his son into the domestic circuit by underhand means. He has accomplished nothing of note as cricketer or administrator but presides over the most powerful cricket body in the world. The way Open magazine has spun this story to paint him as being second only to Moses is brilliant. I thought the Open Magazine was above this kind of random trash. Looks like they are falling away.
The John Abraham article is even more cringe-worthy. I am seriously considering stopping my subscription.
All of us know Indian media is bit of a joke. I just thought there was a purple patch somewhere. Looks like another false dawn.
It is on occasions like these that I like to revisit this Ram Jethmalani tirade. I have become a big fan of this guy purely because of this. Anyone who can bury a journalist like that deserves a fan club.
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