Slumdog Millionaire won 8 oscars today. A historic day for Indian Film industry as 3 of their very deserving and talented professionals - A R Rehman, Gulzar and Resul Pookutty brought Oscars to India. Most Indians I am sure are happy about it. But a number of them are equally unhappy. Their argument: The movie doesn't project the progressive and resurgent image of India to the world audience.
I am surprised and shocked by this reaction. This is ultimate hypocrisy. First of all, none of us can deny that despite our progress and prosperity, poverty, hunger, filth exists in India. And one doesn't have to go far. 5 minues walk from the head offices of India's large financial institutions - National Stock Exchange, ICICI Bank, Bank Of India, Bank of Baroda - located in Bandra Kurla Complex, one can find slums, and even worse, one can find people defecating roads. And what do we do? We turn our heads away like an ostrich burying its head in sand denying the truth!
When we come across a westerner, who presents an believable story of a slumboy who not only overcomes his povery but also gets back love of his life, we hate him. It is so sad!
Probably we are embarrassed! Probably we are dishonest! Probably we are in deep sleep and we do not want to wake-up to the reality and the mess around us! We are too selfish! And when a Danny Boyle comes and shows reality around us, we hate him. We ignore the spirit of optimism of Mumbai that he showcases through his movie.
As A R Rehman, while accepting the Oscar said, we can make a choice between Hate and Love. We can hate Danny Boyle for the movie he has made or to love Mumbai for the Mumbai as it exists today. If, we opt for the later, I am sure, we can make Mumbai better. Wake up Mumbai, wake up!
