RELIGIN AND SOCIETY

RELIGION AND SOCIETY


The President of the French Republic Mr Sarkojy made a very bold and undiplomatic comment about a month ago on wearing of burkha by muslim women by stating that it reflected backwardness. It seemed a comment loaded with ideology for goodness as perceived by the President.However,I was amazed by such a statement from a politician of our times. One noted that even though as head of State the leader should be sensitive to the culture of minority he chose to speak his mind and therefore was a serious propagator of social reforms even if it meant displeasing many. However his recent reported remarks on ‘ religious ostentatations’ reflected his shortsightedness wherin he stated that he will oppose those who challenge the ‘christian roots and republic’ of France. Such a strong statement do not behove a President of a State which has set standards in modern society and therefore made him a commoner . Like any citizen he too was protective of his religious roots and therefore was opposed to the social symbols of other religions. For a moment I saw no difference between him and our rightist politicians who talk of safeguarding of Hindu religion. .And one wonders as to what is superior ‘Religion’ or ‘Republic’. Does republic stands on religious foundation or on Secular principles? And the foundation of French Republic is based on the slogan of French Revolution – ‘Equality-Liberty- Fraternity’.
It is indeed ironical that it was the same France which gave political asylum to Ayatullaha Khomeni who set up an Islamic regime in Iran. But; then France had tradition to support people’s resistant movement all over the world. We forget! That Lenin the Russian Revolutionary was in France planning his Great October Revolution after the failed attempt in 1905. The leaders of the Chinese revolution –zhow en lie was also given shelter in France.

CASTING AND CREATIVITY IN --- CINEMA

          CASTING AND CREATIVITY IN - CINEMA

Though the Director is the ultimate decision maker in cinema; the casting director plays a vital role in realization of what is conceived in screenplay. Correct casting is an important key to the creation of one’s conception. It brings alive the structure and puts it in flesh and blood on screen .It is difficult to say as to what would have been the result if instead of Marlon Brando some one else was cast in the role of the legendary ‘Godfather’ because the role was so perfectly portrayed. The very presence of Brando uplifted the film . Similarly, Topol was so well cast in ‘Fiddler on the Roof ‘ that despite many characters the movie is identified with him. On the contrary there are imminent Directors who work with a set of actors in most movies; because they have tremendous faith in their script and they too feel comfortable amongst friends and protégé. Satyajit Ray cast Soumitra Chatterji in most of his films. Martin Scorsese had Robert De Niro as his protagonist. Though; some consider actors and even stars as mere props to execute the Director’s vision. Roberto Rossellini cast non actors to drive home his point . Historical charaters pose a different challenge to Directors as public image of the person is prevalent in the minds of the audience; the challenge is to balance one’s creativity with the popular appeal. George C scott achieved the vision in ‘ The Patton ‘ essentially with the brilliant screenplay of Francis Cappola . In Hindi cinema the role of Akbar played by Prithvi Raj Kapoor established the image of the famous emperor in the consciousness of the Indian people – a case of perfect balance and casting.

Though many Directors in Hindi films merely succumb to the stereotypes, moreso when dealing with minor characters. So we see the lean and tough Iftikhar playing the role of commissioner of police whilst Jagdish Raj had to satisfy with the role of an Inspector. Characters of Doctor, Pandit and similar such roles are assigned to a set of actors permanently—good old bald headed David performed as Doctor in numerous films. Reduced now; owing to the surge of ‘Saas- Bahu’( daughter -in -law v/s mother -in-law) soaps on TV;  ‘Mothers’ played an important role enacted by a set motherly actors. Lalita Pawar, Nirupa Roy and Sulochana excelling in their flow of emotions.

Minor characters act as a link to the major action or to the confluence of action. They are distinct landmarks to the destination and therefore should be well crafted. ‘ Sholay’ the most popular and successful Hindi film of the last millennium is remembered for its ‘characters’- ‘ Ramu Kaka’, ‘Mausi’ and ‘Sambha’ and of  course  'Gabbar', 'Viru' and ' Basanti' . Films which have entertained generations after generations are those which give regard to the minor characters. Those who treat minor characters as mere fillers have short shelf life and lack in totality. Inadequacy in characters and characterization  leads to deficiency in story and screenplay, thus hampering the appeal  and thereby success of the film.


Among the many abilities of Raj Kapoor as a great film maker was his casting sense. Though commercial considerations play a dominant role in hindi cinema Raj looked for the suitability and of course ability. Two of his films suffice at what I intend to convey. ‘Mera Naam Joker’ failed commercially but the casting of Dharmendra as the Boss of the Circus was apt and was proved on screen with his refined announcements, attractive built to match the Russian Artists and the overall sophistication in command . The portrayal of David's character  by Manoj Kumar,the fiancé of Raj’s beloved teacher was a pleasant surprise; easy going, subtle and understanding the emotions of his rival !. Few would have suggested his name at the writing stage. Only Raj could fathom the ability of the available talent. And there could be examples and examples. Simi ; as the class teacher is discussed to this day . The casting of ‘Bobby’ is a lesson in the Department of Casting. Premnath as a loud large hearted rum loving Konkan fisherman. Prem Chopra as a mean villain was redesigned by Raj and remains unforgettable for his tiny role but terrorizing presence.Pran as matter of factly father, ‘Sonia Sahni’ as a glamorous and glossy mother, Durga Khote as loving and loyal Nanny contributed in equal measure for the success of this landmark love Saga which liberated the Indian Youth.

Finally; the hallmark of a casting Director and in our case the Director himself is his sharp creative insight in assessing and sizing up his actors. Greatness of a Director is executing the conception in Screenplay with the ability of the Actors so that they rise above the script.