Saturday, July 7, 2001  

Photo by ReutersThe Gadar between real & reel history

Mainstream films dealing with issues related to the Muslims have, time and again, invited protests from a section of the Muslim community. Noted film critic Gautam Kaul recalls films which have earned brickbats from a section of their audience but have, nonetheless, been successful.

REAL history and reel history is once again getting mixed up. A section of the Muslim community is angry at the manner in which some aspects of its religious symbols and practices are being portrayed in a Mumbai potboiler. This is the latest upswing on a continuous wave of the all too familiar scenario marking the release of any worthwhile film which attempts to show the minority community beyond the portrayal of fez-capped people and, perhaps, depict them in a more contemporary manner in flesh and blood. Sample some recent memories.

 
WINDOWS SPECIALS

A club for all seasons
 by Prerana Trehan
LAST week the Kasauli Club celebrated its 120th anniversary. Few would know that these celebrations were made possible, in no small measure, by a lack of quorum. It was the winter of 1947 and the British had finally been shown the door by the Indians. Before leaving they were determined to take what they could from a country that had been their dominion for over 200 years. 

A case for rebellion
 by Jasvinder Sharma
OUR schools, colleges and universities have become akin to robot factories. In schools, grades are given for the ability of a child to participate in group activities, for whether he is liked, or whether he enjoys the subjects taught. Today’s generation believes in conformity. It is prepared to renounce protest, forgo revolt and be passive.
 
WINDOWS COLUMNS
 
FOR CHILDREN