Journalism of Courage
Subash Ghai on why both media and movie makers need to spruce up their act
He chose to speak on the subjects like education system in India versus movies and pollution of media but made it very clear that he was not trying to set dos and donts for policy-makers to follow. In the city to be a part of the ongoing Pune International Film Festival,showman Subhash Ghai,came with a motive that was beyond the script of his forthcoming film.
We have no rights to complain that star-kids get opportunities and outsiders struggle and fade away,because,ultimately work speaks and there are many examples. One should understand that star kids are exposed to the industry norms and environ right from their childhood unlike the outsiders,who either come and learn it here or learn it in any acting school before coming to the industry. I dont mind giving a break to a new comer provided I get to see that zeal and willingness to work hard,but most of the time I am disappointed to see that the glamour-struck youth wants to make it big overnight and in the end blames the industry for being partial and hostile, says Ghai.
Holding media responsible for the tainted image of the film industry,Ghai says that going by what sells,media has crossed all limits of commercialization. The example is tele-serials plots,film commercials and live-telecast of wedding of cine stars shown on news channels. There seems to be no check on content. If I want my child to view cartoons only I cannot be assured that he or she will not be exposed to film commercials or any other non-relevant programmes,” he says.He further admited,Even we succumb to the going economic pressures and are forced to adopt those marketing policies,however,in last three meetings of the producers association,we have been mulling over the idea of boycotting the trend. Instead of showing those gossip shows,news channel may as well run a good documentary on some topic of importance.
Ghai pointed out that even today,despite the fact that cinema industry has found an important place in lives of people,middle-class people still hesitate to send their sons or daughters to join the industry because they get to see more of gossip and scandals than life history or the struggle sage of some renowned actor like Pankaj Kapoor or Shabana Azmi.
This is vicious circle and breaking it needs effort from all three sides government,media and people, he says.
Ghai concluded with the announcement that first batch of his film school Whistling Woods will go on floor with a new movie Paschim Express,in which everything from acting to direction will be done by the students.
