The Oscars have been announced and it wasn't a surprise sweep for Slumdog Millionaire. But a toll of eight out of ten was a dream run for SDM and of course, Danny Boyle. As an Indian, and more as a Malayali, I'm quite elated (no regionalism or communalism meant). But I was surprised when it was shown in IBN that Bollywood's own Angry Young Man, the Big B, lauding the SDM team and saying he was feeling really patriotic. So where did the Angry Young Man in him go to? The same guy who had criticised SDM for portraying India as a “Third World dirty underbelly developing nation”.
Bachchan wrote on his blog:
"It's just that the SM (Slumdog Millionaire) idea authored by an Indian and conceived and cinematically put together by a Westerner, gets creative Globe recognition. The other would perhaps not,"
If the movie projects “India as a third world dirty underbelly developing nation and causes pain and disgust among nationalists and patriots, let it be known that a murky underbelly exists and thrives even in the most developed nations.”
"Conditions world over are so similar. Perceptions differ, but the reality of life and existence, unchanged. Comments for the film Slumdog Millionaire and the anger by some on its contents, prompt me to say the above."
But later he was there to clarify his comments once it drew attention from other people from film industry, especially King Khan. He said: "I write a blog. But the opinions expressed in my blog were not my own. So many people write on my blog site and I was just quoting one of them. I have spoken to Anil Kapoor and Danny Boyle and cleared the misgivings. But everyone must have freedom of expression."
Well, this is not the reason why I'm writing this. The reason is that I don't like this Family Package from Bollywood. Yeah right, I'm refering to Big B and his family of actors and actresses. Big B shouldn't be having any problems making any comments and later withdrawing it cos he has Jaya Bachchan, his better half, who is getting a practical class in this area, after she entered politics.
Whatever it may be, I just luv the kiddie B, Abhi. He is quite a good actor. (Well, of course, he sucks sometimes; mostly, when it comes to dance and high end emotions.. lol.. but otherwise he is awesome.) What I cant stil forgive is his marrying Ash. Wish she would reduce to Ashes. Oops, I spelt ashes with a capital A. Now, it will be news for ToI (for the ignorant, it means Times of India, previously one of the best papers, but now, more of a tabloid) and they could go all the way and write in tomorrows paper that Ash will be present to watch Ashes this year. What doesn't her PR do? He must be an awesome guy and Ash must be paying him huge (or is it the Big B now??) for creating all these hypes about her even though she is a big flop.
Times of India reported that Aishwarya will be one of the presenters at the 77th Oscar (2005). But for all those who waited and waited to get a glimpse of the "beauty queen", I'm sorry for you. What has she done to deserve all this attention? She still is just an average actress. Besides Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, does she have any film in which she can say that she was a part of the success of the film? She handed producers flops after flops, yet she was always in the limelight. Remember the hype the media created when there were news that she had been invited to Hollywood in lead role. Well, it lasted a few months. Her PR did a great job in making her look like the lead role of a woman oriented movie. Lol. He must be some guy, right? Mrs Aishwarya Rai Bachchan might be beautiful (frankly, I don't think.. i feel like puking after seeing her movies and this isn't an exageration :-D), but she has to know that Hollywood is more thahn beauty. It requires talent too. Why is the media still hyping over the gown she wore to the premeire of Pink Panther 2. (Heard she has a small role and she puts on air like she is the lead). I'm speechless before the Fourth Estate and media. Surely, India must be shinig. Is that because I'm blind that I cant see it?
Footnote: I hope the Big B clan doesn't sue me for this article. Maybe, I can qoute him while he said "But everyone must have freedom of expression."
Toenote: How long will we have to wait until we see a movie starring the Bollywood's Family Package??? Or is momma B busy playing politics with Raj Uncle?
Nailnote: I was discussing this article with my friend today. "So what do u think of Ash?" I ask him. "Who? Ash? My Ass!", quick was the reply. So I don't stand alone here.
