A Conversation with Om Puri

Re: Interview with Hanif Kureshi at Stanford

Sorry folks. I missed that venue by a good day, due to my committments elsewhere;

I actually forgot about the day altogether; In order to use a Visor effectively, one needs to sync it often, or so i hear now. :)

Sincerely,.

Asim

Zahra/Scout #127 What was wrong with the Wild West Guy? Aside from the fact that he was a robber and a killer? What I didnt like was the mystical jump into the river by the cute female lead leaving the poor chap behind. What was she trying to prove?

Scout:

Crouching Tiger....had something else in it. I didn`t like the ``wild/desert guy`` at all! Sorry. I am surprised you didn`t find any deeper meaning. At least, I left with a very light heart. Besides the effects, there was a lot more in the movie. How could you miss that? Think? Well, probably I did not expect a lot as I took my seat in the hall - and just moved with the flow - therefore had a smooth journey all along. There was a lot of serenity on the faces of few people in that movie. Think ?

Later,

Zahra #125,

I watched the Game a long time ago and was uncomfortable throughout the movie. It was good though. I think viewer anxiety was a desired effect.

As for the hidden meaning behind ``Crouching Dragon,`` I didn`t really think about it. I was so annoyed by the story line that I forgot the rest.

By the way, was it just me or did you also think that the wild guy from the West was cute?

Tahmed:

You are 101% sexist. What do you mean ``tough`` ? Hain? I cannot believe it. Have you seen ``Heat`` and ``Casino``? I think ``Traffic`` is on the same pattern. Just because I love - Beauty and the Beast[beautiful songs], Pocahontas[lovely, cute and all time favorite], The Road to El Dorado[cute], Flintstones[jokers], Mulan[lovely]...does not mean that I cannot appreciate the sweet couple Michael Douglas+ Cathy Jones` ``Traffic`` - OK!


Scout:
I saw the movie ``Crouching Dragon...`` few weeks back and I agree with your comments on the special effects, but there was a deep message there. I ended up thinking for a few minutes after the movie was over. I liked it, depite its strangeness. It was different - in a good way. If you`ve seen ``The Game`` ? It was different, in a sadistic way. In fact, it was disgusting and killingly sick! Do not watch it!

Take Care!

Zahra/Scout: Saw Traffic last night with my wife. It is tense and very disturbing: deals with drug traficking from Mexico to US, what drugs do to kids and families in US, drug gangs in Mexico and police efforts in both countries to control it. Very tough but also very well made movie (in terms of plot, acting). Recommended if you like tough but well made movies.

Zahra #122,

Thanks for the info. I`ll look into those movies.

I watched ``Crouching Tiger: Hidden Dragon`` a couple of days ago. What a big disappointment.

The only entertaining aspects of the movie were the cinematography and musical score.

Scout and Tahmed:

I saw the movie, or I should say the drama or the fiasco... and will write my comments later. It was interesting. Good? Bus Theek Thaak!

In the meantime, do look into ``Under Suspicion`` starring Gene Hackman[a munhoos, but acted very well], Morgan Freeman[My all time favorite with a sweet smile]and an Italian beauty :-)
Everyone acted very well!

Also, ``Beautiful`` with Minnie Driver as the driving force[Ms. America Mania] was an entertainment. Scout, if you liked American Beauty, you may like this movie more than anyone else. :-) It`s humorous and has a moral - Sorry no Kevin Spacy :-( In fact, hardly any guy in the movie who uttered more than one or two sentences. Good!

Zahra #118,

I couldn`t, my niece was sick :(

How was it?

Ref headshrinker #: 74

[On the other hand, I`ve never had a sister.]

Didn`t you just tell us last week on another board that when you were a kid, if any of your friends gave you trouble, your sister would run up to him and give him a few slaps?

What happened, you can`t get your lies straight?

[On my birthday, she buys me a Jag]

Yeah, at the local Toys R Us.

[I`m happily married to a beautiful woman for 20+ years.]

In your imagination.

Did you take your Prozac today?

On the other hand, since you said that Hannibal is your kind of psychiatrist, maybe it is Halcyon that you normally take.

Zahra #118 I missed it. Was it good? I think it is supposed to be a true story.

Scout and TAhmed:

Did any of you watch the Bahraini Princess` episode?

Zahra #114 Thanks for the pointers to some good movies. I saw Armisted, but not the others (The Game, Ideal Husband, A Time to Kill, Dead Poets Society). Some of these others have been on my list for some time and will one day get to them. So many movies, so little time...

Re: scout, #113

I wasn`t guessing you. I was letting you know what I am like. Good to know, though. Same wavelength, it seems.

Hope I`d be able to find ``Scent of the Green Papaya`` at the Blockbuster`s. I want it to be my next movie.

Hi folks,

Try as i might i could not get even one Pakistani TV play from the Indo-Pak store in St Louis area where i live. I went to the store armed with the list that someone had been kind enough to post here. I hope to have better luck in New Jersey where my brother lives.

Anyway, i saw this move Gaja Gamini made by M.F. Hussain (who is a famous painter and an eccentric genius from India)today. Cannot make up my mind if it is a good movie or a bad one. Guess i have to watch it one more time. All i can say that M.F. Hussain seems to have been enamoured of women in general and Madhuri Dixit in particular.

rsridhar

TAhmed:

I have seen the movie a few years back, I guess. I like Michael Douglas - his acting, voice and articulation, in particular. Having watched ``The American President`` a few times, I had a set impression, which got disturbed by seeing ``A Perfect Murder.``

If you like action movies, then look into a weird one:

*The Game [It`s captivating, but has a strange theme]starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn. I did not like it!

If you are into watching real nice ones, then look into:

- A time to kill [Great]
I think it was based on John Grisham`s novel.
[I watched this movie with a friend in Detroit few years back, without realizing that my friend and I were the only non-African Americans in the theatre. Every time the crowd cheered Samuel Jackson, my friend will tell me, `Zahra, let`s get out of here. The crowd may start becoming violent towards us.` I`d politely told her, `Koi Baat Naheen! Read Ayut-ul-Kursee in your heart and let`s be brave.` It was a jam packed hall. I was engrossed in the movie that never cared to looked around me. Every time, there was a scene where a black and white had an argument...Oooh! the audience would go crazy! You must have guessed; it is on racial issues, in Mississippi setting.]

- Amistad [Another Excellent Movie with great actors]!!! starring Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins and Mathew McConaughey]http://www.cinema1.com/movies97/amistad/us2.html

- Dead Poet`s Society [Robin Williams]
[A Sweet One]

- An Ideal husband [Oscar Wilde`s Beautiful Wit]
http://www.cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Movies/9906/23/review.idealhusband/index.html

You may have seen few of them; if not, then enjoy!

Have a nice weekend!

Godot #112,

``Like Water For Chocolate,`` was a great film. I loved it. If you liked that one, you`ll love the Vietnamese foreign film, ``Scent of the Green Papaya.``

Thanks for the names, I`ll make sure to rent them.

ps:

how do you know I wear mostly black?

Zahra #108 Will try to remember to see it (at least for a few minutes, unless it proves good). Saw ``A Perfect Murder`` last night - nice thriller, good acting (Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow). Movie keeps you quite entertained and tense. One disappointment is an Arab guy as NY detective with whom GP has polite exchanges in Arabic (she works for the UN as interpreter you see), but who does not really do much detective work. Also the plot is a bit too thick I think. Nevertheless, I recommend it in case you have nothing better to do.

Re: scout, #106

Thanks for the recommendation. I`ll make sure I see them. You and I seem to have the same taste (p.s. I wear all black all the time).

Unfortunately, I don`t get to watch too many movies, mostly because of lack of time. Like picking a book to read, then, I`m very particular about picking a movie to watch. Besides, my taste, like my opinions, is very strong. I know what I like and dislike. I saw ``American Beauty`` in my hotel room by accident on the TV in England while I was on a project there, and I loved it. It was such a surprise and a wonderful treat. This was partly due to the fact that, at certain level, I could relate to the guy.

I remember a few movies from past years when I went to see foreign movies a lot in theatres in NY and DC. If you haven`t seen them, check these out:

1. Like Water for Chocolate (from Mexico)

2. Strictly Ballroom (from Australia)

3. Camille Claudelle (from France)

4. Lovers (from Spain)

5. Matador (from Spain)

They are not in order of preference, just random. Watch them with subtitles, it keeps the original flavor. A great deal gets lost in dubbing.

Re: tahmed321, #105

Don`t worry about it, tahmed. No offense taken. My feelings don`t get hurt. I`ve a thick skin. I do apologize, however, if I was hard on you

RE: tahmed

{``Hope you enjoyed the climax (of the movie).``}

Yessir. I enjoyed the climax of the movie (too).

Zahra #108,

Thanks for the info. I`ll try to watch it.

Scout, Godot and TAhmed:

`` It was an excellent movie exploring different facets of the American psyche. ``

I agree with Scout`s above comment. I strongly feel that it ``did`` explore the worst facets of human psyche.

On another note, enjoy watching a controversial but interesting movie that will be aired this coming Sunday. Some details are already here:


Subj: CAIR-NET: NBC to Air Film Feb. 18 About Bahraini Princess Date: 2/15/01 5:40:52 PM Eastern Standard Time


This Action Alert has been sponsored by ALAZHAR SCHOOL in Tamarac, Florida,
where the next generation of Muslim leaders is being raised.

We emphasize quality, safety and awareness. Call us at 954-722-1555 or visit our web site: http://www.alazharschool.org

CAIR alerts reach tens of thousands of Muslims in this country and worldwide via fax and e-mail. Show your support for CAIR`s vital work. To sponsor an alert, call 202-488-8787 (ext. 6052), or e-mail cair1@ix.netcom.com.

-----

NBC TO AIR FILM FEB. 18 ABOUT BAHRAINI PRINCESS
Original commercial for film used stereotypical language and images

(WASHINGTON, DC - 2/15/2001) - On Sunday, February 18 (9-11 p.m. ET), NBC will air a film called ``The Princess and the Marine`` dealing with ``young lovers from two different worlds whose forbidden romance recently made
international headlines in this two-hour original movie based on the true love story between U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Jason Johnson and Bahraini
princess, Meriam Al-Khalifa.`` (Go to: http://www.nbcmv.com. Click on
``Program Information,`` then on the film`s title.)

CAIR has been in contact with NBC since concerned Muslims complained about stereotypical content in a commercial that aired in January. CAIR convinced NBC to change the commercial and the network offered assurances that the film itself would not stereotype Islam, Muslims or Bahraini society. Despite these assurances concerns remain about the film`s content. Excerpts from just a few of the complaints CAIR received: (unedited)

Deanna from Illinois: In the commercial, they portray Muslims as harsh, oppressive, staunchly anti-American and Anti-Christian. They state that in Islam, women must be kept behind veils because ``they are weak and susceptible to temptation.`` The narrator also describes the princess as trapped by her culture, and they show an image of her (the actress portraying her) forcedly making sujood in prayer. It is an extremely horrible portrayal of Islam and Muslims, and all of this can be discerned
from a mere commercial. It is frightening to think what the entire movie will be like.

Jill from Seattle: I am not a sensitive woman, but this made me very angry,frustrated, and more offended than I have ever been in my life. A voice over is saying that women must ``wear the veil as they are weak.`` The girl replies, ``I am a strong Muslim!`` next shot is her in spandex kissing the marine.

Sara: Among the more insulting and inflammatory images and words: ``She was born into royalty`` (images of the actress in palaces, surrounded by
luxurious things) ``and enslaved by tradition.`` (image of the actress in hijab making sujud [praying])...``

NBC`s own press materials use inaccurate and stereotypical language such as: ``I did the worst thing I could do: I have married a white man, an American and a Christian. All are forbidden to me,`` says Al-Khalifa. And: ``Always strong-willed and an independent thinker in a country which defines a woman`s role in the most traditional and strict Islamic sense.`` All of this is said to be ``based on a true story.``

ACTION REQUESTED: (As always, be firm but POLITE. Hostile comments can and likely WILL be used to further stereotype Islam and Muslims.)

1. Watch the film if you are prepared to offer constructive critical analysis.

2. Make note of any concerns you have about the film`s content.

3. Contact NBC to express your concerns. (If you did not have a problem with the film`s content, you may also make note of that fact.)

CONTACT:

Mr. Jeffrey Zucker
President
NBC Entertainment
3000 W. Alameda Avenue
Burbank, CA 91523

FAX: 818-840-2559
E-MAIL: ted.cordes@nbc.com, rebecca.marks@nbc.com, shirley.powell@nbc.com
COPY TO: cair1@ix.netcom.com and 202-488-0883 (fax)

4. Also ask NBC to air the highly acclaimed films ``The Message`` and/or ``Lion
of the Desert.``


Take Care

Godot #103: Sorry to have hurt your feelings, about it. Nothing personal, so please feel free to recommend more and maybe we`ll agree on a good one.

ali1 #98: Hope you enjoyed the climax (of the movie).

Zahra #97: I think you`ll like it. Hope you`ll report back on it on chowk once you have seen it.

here`s a little unsolicited movie promotion -- ``american desi`` is being released in the states on march 16th. its a comedy about abcd`s. it was made a year or two ago but is only being distributed now. one of my friends was an extra in some of the garba/raas dances. here`s the description from the website, www.americandesimovie.com ,

```American Desi` is a fun-loving romantic comedy reminiscent of the great teen films of the eighties like ``16 Candles`` and ``Pretty in Pink,`` mixed with the fresh hip-hop style of ``House Party`` with a uniquely Indian flavor. From Kris, an All-American boy from India, to Ajay, an Afro-Centric Hindu homeboy, to Farah, a devoutly religious but modern Muslim girl, `American Desi` tells the story of a unique set of characters and their culture from a decidedly hip and youthful point of view. Like the masala films of India, ``American Desi`` is so full of music and dancing that it might very well do to Bhangra and Garba what ``Saturday Night Fever`` did to Disco!``

Godot,

I absolutely agree with you that ``American Beauty`` deserved the awards it got. It was an excellent movie exploring different facets of the American psyche. No frills, no glamour, just sheer acting strengths and story line.

Kevin Spacey is a brilliant actor. Have you seen his movies ``Swimming with Sharks,`` ``The Usual Suspects,`` and ``Seven?``

Vineet:#100 & 102

Thank you very much indeed.I`ll check that out again.Is the audio of the Bhajan Available?

Is this Bhajan a rendering of Gathairee Mantir?

I must acknowledge here that the music that has really impressed me most is from South India.I`ve been told about the complexities of the ragaas which can just only be a dream for others.

I honestly can say that this is because of its aboriginal roots and almost 100% uncorrupted haunt of the from the depths of Time & Place.

__________________________________________________wassalaam

Mohajir:

I was refering to the film with the english title:

``Shelter of the wings`` which is in BENGALI language.

Shyam Benegal,Iknow,is not Bengali.Thanks gor mentioning it though.Many think that he is so,because of his name.

__________________________________________________

tahmed321, #96

American Beauty was my very strong recommendation. And this is what you have to say about it.

``American Beauty: I though[t] it was disgusting. The middle aged guy with a robot for a wife fantasizes about his daughter`s friend and we are supposed to sympathize with him. I dont know why they gave it so many prizes.``

You`d never know! When I saw it I was unaware that it got any awards. Well, it did, and it deserves all of them and more.

Someone told me a long time ago that it is not the reader that judges a book; it`s the book that judges the reader. Same is true of the movies.

The Morning sun prayer in Ardh Satya is ``Ghanashyam Sundara Shridhara Arunodaya Zhala .....`` . It is sung by Lata Mangeshkar from Marathi film ``Amar Bhoopali`` (Bhoopali is sund in the morning) music by Vasant Desai. This is a Marathi film made in 1952 by V. Shantaram. Starring Sandhya, Panditrao Nagarkar and Lalita Pawar, Amar Bhoopali (English Title Le chant immortel) was shown in Cannes Film Festival and was named for Best Sound Recording from the Centre National de La Cinematographic at the Cannes Film Festival in 1952.

http://www.webcom.com/raag/mar.html

Check for RMM-17

http://members.rediff.com/lata/albums.html

Lokpriya Bhavgeete: Lata Mangeshkar

Ghyansyam Sundara Shridhara ...........

http://www.indian-express.com/ie/daily/20001210/ien10037.html

On Film Amar Bhoopali

http://www.festival-cannes.fr/filmbase/va/films/4/4007.html

Shyam Benegal is not a Bengali as mentioned by Firangi Kush. He is Marathi-Konkani from Northern Karnataka and is related to another Marathi-Konkani Guru Dutt (Padukone). Many folks thinl Guru Dutt Bengali

Farangi_Kush:

The movie you are referring with the Bhajan is `Ardh Satya` based on a Marathi book `Surya` by S.D. Panwalkar. Made by Govind Nihalani . The background bhajan is a Marathi Bhajan by noted Classical singer Kishori Amonkar. (``Shyamsundar Rajasa .......`` Most of the background songs are Marathi given the Maharshtrian background of the movie.

Kishori Amonkar is a very famous Hindustani classical singer from the Jaipur Gharana (daughter of famous classical singer Smt. Mogubai Kurdikar who passed away Feb. 10 at age 96.

URL on Late Mogubai Kurdikar

http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/feb/14spec2.htm

URL for info on Kishori Amonkar

http://news.india-today.com/ntoday/extra/it25/artist10.html

Farangi-Kush #95,

good movies!

Spike Lee`s ``Do the Right Thing,`` was also excellent.

The music from ``The Postman`` was beautiful.

RE # 78

{How about American movies? Anybody seen some good ones lately?}

Part II of Debbie does Dallas is pretty good though nothing comapred to the original. Mobster`s Wife is OK.

hehehehe....

Tahmed:

I could not agree with you more on American Beauty. Annette Bening`s acting was pretty disappointing. Interestingly, both she and Michael Douglas did a great job in The American President. It is an old movie now, but it`s shown very regularly on cable... Pata Naheen Kyoun? whatever...it is an excellent movie.

I have heard great reviews of ``Sound of Music`` play. Haven`t watched the movie yet, I guess I will do that. Thanks for bringing it up.

Take Care

Scout, Godot, Shankar, Rsaxena: So the pick is Hannibal: Agreed. good movie, and the opening battle scene (Romans fighting barbarians in Germany) is very powerful.

Rugrats in Paris: I hear it is good, but had the misfortune of watching a bit of them on TV once and would rather stay away from these diaper clad, spit-spilling little thugs.

Crouching Tiger, Leaping Lizards (or something like that): The landscape is incredibly beautiful - like a Chinese painting, but better and also camera images of real scenes. Maybe instead of Kashmir we should fight for some parts of China (joke) or better yet visit them someday. A Chinese friend assures me that there are tourist spots like that in China. I didnt mind the sub-titles, and think the Chinese language is beautiful (depends on the person who is speaking, I guess).

American Beauty: I though it was disgusting. The middle aged guy with a robot for a wife fantasizes about his daughter`s friend and we are supposed to sympathize with him. I dont know why they gave it so many prizes.

Here is one I recommend that no one has watched in a hundred years: Sound of Music. We bought the DVD, and I am glad I had forgotten all about the movie. The DVD also has something on the real Von Trapp family and it turns out the basic story is quite true. The real family ended up living in Vermont.

OK, back to business (and maybe later I`ll check what mischief my friends on the blasphemy thread up to - I am ready to throw up my hands by now, though.)

ALL:

Some of the best movies of recent times.

Il Postino

Indo-chine

cinema paradiso

china town(& sequel by another name)

same time next year

X(story of malcolm X)

Most of spike lee `joints`[meaning movies made by spike lee)

Lorenzo`s oil

__________________________________________________

Could someone PAHleeeese help me.What was the name of the movie in which both Amrish and Om acted.Om playing Amrish`s son.In that movie there is a Bhajan being played in the background & only a few lines are heard before it kind of fades away.

I really really NEED that Bhajan on audio.Now if the movie was Pursh,then of course the entire Bhajan is not on Audio-tape.

This Bhajan was also in another movie,again being played on the radio.I think this is an aarthi bhajan or the morning-sun prayer(beginning with G) and is a regular in the south.Samita patil was in this second movie where she is about to be hanged.

__________________________________________________

Anand Math,although with sectarian overtones,and had RSS/Shiv Sena roots is still one of the really great movies made by India.Most of the Film Dev. Corp movies are excellent.``Rudaali`` in my opinion THE Best as yet.

__________________________________________________

I can suggest many more,but I think this would suffice for now.If someone desires I would love to point out some of the finer angles/metaphoric unde-currents which are a hallmark of some of our genius directors.[and the european,latin & oriental ones too].

__________________________________________________

Last week saw ``shelter of the wings`` by Shayam Benegal.Really a treat.Bengalis are really really good at artistic expression with simplicity & elegance.

__________________________________________________

wassalaam

Mohajir,

Is that the one in which OP plays a police officer and Naseeruddin plays an ex police officer going around asking for money? There were some brilliant performances in that movie.

http://www.filmindia.com/films/garland/jaanebhi.html

JAANE BHI DO YAARO (Who Pays the Piper...) colour, 130 minutes, Hindi, 1983 would be one of the best films by Om Puri. [ On a slightly sad note the heroine of this film Bhakti Barve, an extremely talented stage artist was killed in an road accident near Bombay]

Production: National Film Development Corporation/ Direction: Kundan Shah/ Story and screenplay: Kundan Shah, Sudhir Mishra/ Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Bhakti Barve Inamdar, Satish Shah, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapoor, Satish Kaushik, Neena Gupta, Depak Quazir, Rajesh Puri, Zafar Sanjari.

if we are still on the topic of movies ...

this one is a must see unless you`ve already seen it - came out a few months ago - Meet the Parents - side spliiting stuff!!

amongst the more recent ones - 13 days - was surprisingly good; traffic; hannibal - i was dying to see this movie but now i wish i hadnt : (

and ofcourse the latest one from Wang Kar Wai - in the mood for love - which i have yet to see but going by the rest of his movies am positive will be fantastic!!!

Re: scout #83

Thanks for the list. Even if i were to watch 1 play a week,it will keep me occupied for months. I had heard about Dhoop Kinarey but could never get hold of it.

I recently saw Sidney Poitier`s To Sir with love on T.V. It brought back memories. Our English teacher in my schooldays took the whole class to see this movie(that was many years ago).Next time when i visited Blockbuster i got myself a Sidney Poitier movie that goes by the name `In the heat of the night`. A very old movie. Sidney Poitier is a detective who is arrested on suspicion of murder because he happens to be the only black man in a white,racial part of Missisippi. Soon the police find out he is not just a detective but a homicide expery and solicit his help. Slow at times but gripping.

sridhar

rsridhar #80:

I`d like to add a few to scout`s list....

``Karb``; ``Hawwa Ki Beti``; ``Zay Zabar Paish``; ``Shehzori``; ``Afshan``....

Some long plays...

``Abh Tum Ja Saktay Ho``; ``Fanooni Latifay``; ``Half Plate``; there`s another long play I really like but can`t remember the name - Naveed Shehzad and Qavi (a photographer) play this old couple living all alone - I think it was from the ``Drama `83`` series or something - wonderful performances by both.

Also try and get a hold of some of the plays from the old AND recent version of ``Aik Muhabbat, Sau Afsanay``. It`s a series of single/double episode plays. Most are very well acted and directed.

And one of my all time favourites - I know scout`s already mentioned it - ``Angan Terah``.

Enjoy! :)

Re: scout

``I liked those special effects that I saw in the trailers.``

The special effects are really well done...it`s worth watching just for that.

``cacophonous?``

Yeah, the movie is in Chinese with English subtitles...many desi people, including me, can`t stand to hear that language...not to be racist or anything, but it just sounds really harsh and grating...it`s just not a pleasant-to-the-ear language like hindi/urdu or even italian.

scout # 84

{``Rugrats in Paris`` was an excellent movie. Great dialogue, great story, great characters.

Best of all, it`s rated G for Good.}

hmmm.....your favorite TV show would be ``Power Puff Girls``?

The content is a bit mature so the rating might not be G

yours

MoJo JoJo

saxena #86,

I liked those special effects that I saw in the trailers. If the whole movie is like that, I`m in for it.

cacophonous?

Re: scout

{Anyone watch ``Crouching Tiger: Hidden Dragon?``}

It`s good if you like the Bruce Lee action genre. The dialogue (in Chinese) is cacophonous to desi ears.

tahmed321, #78

American Beauty. I guess it is not a new one anymore, but I saw it recently. Loved it. I very strongly recommend it.

tahmed,

``Rugrats in Paris`` was an excellent movie. Great dialogue, great story, great characters.

Best of all, it`s rated G for Good.

Anyone watch ``Crouching Tiger: Hidden Dragon?``

rsridhar #80,

Some excellent ones are Waaris (great story, award winner), Unkahi (my personal favorite), Tanhaiyan (awesome female power drama), Dhoop Kinaray (you`ll enjoy this one if you`re a doc), Dasht (ethnic), Sunehray Din (army cadet humor), Parosi, Anarkali, Tansen (if you like classical story lines), Babar(great historical drama), Angan Tera (funny as hell), Khuda ki Basti (based on the novel, if can find it), Uroosa, Nangay Paon (twisted story line), Aanch (family drama), Ahat (family troubles),

there are many more, cant` remember them just now...

I`m sure other people can add to my list here.

Saxena,

{{Safaai pesh karne ki zaroorat nahi...tum jaano aur tumhara kaam jaane}}

Et tu, my everlasting friend?! O lord this hindi/urdu kick is catching more & more.

OK let me tell you something,guys. Even 20something years ago I could barely carry on a fluent conversation in hindi. You goddamned Northies & Pakistanis think you own the whole frikking subcontinent:)

Please understand that people who live from Bombay downwards to S India study hindi only because you bums from the north are a majority & want to force your language down our throats. OK OK may that language is the greatest in the world for poetry & metaphors or crap like that. Hey, I cant speak it well & I`m proud of it! So sue me!.

Besides I`m proud to proclaim that the GREATEST poem ever written in the history of human civilisation is BABA BLACKSHEEP!!-yeeaah, way to go, baba! The F_K`s of this world can take a hike, for all I care.

In conclusion, O best friend of mine, at least write a bloody translation.

tahmed,

{{How about American movies? Anybody seen some good ones lately?}}

Just came back from seeing Hannibal. Heheh, my kind of psychiatrist.

Hi guys,

I have a question mainly from Pakistani friends on this forum.A few years ago when I was in New York, my good friend from Karachi who did residencey training with me (and with whom i have seen many movies,including some Hindi movies)recommended some Pakistani plays. One such play i saw was a comedy and goes by the name of ``Bakra kishton mein``. It had Umar Shareif and some other famous actors in it. I thought it was funny but not classy. May be someone here can post a list of really classy plays. I would not like to miss them if your pakistani plays are half as good as some people in this forum seem to think.

rsridhar

Considering this conversation is starting to go slide into a ditch, I guess it is OK to change the topic a bit: How about American movies? Anybody seen some good ones lately?

Omar Phenix #

It is PTV for us.

For RSaxena it is Pee T.V. That`s where he goes after seeing it.

Sometimes he wets even the carpet of his living room.

That is why you can smell his house from Brooklyn bridge.

And from that time he uses the word in such form.

His other ``Hawaij Zarooria`` needs horror movies and he calls them sh-it movies.

So don`t worry about blabbering of the Londeys.

shankar bhai #74,

:))

i hope this means free psychotherapy.

Re: Stupid #70

``P stands for Pakistani.``

Oh really, genius?

Re: shankar #74

Thanks for sharing your life story with us...very touching. Safaai pesh karne ki zaroorat nahi...tum jaano aur tumhara kaam jaane.

shammi #44 Just saw your description of Aakrosh. Thanks for taking the trouble to describe it. It is sad that Indian (and Pakistani) movies and plays so often depict the judicial system in a negative way. What is much much worse of course is that this is reality. Hopefully, things will improve with the rise of the middle class and other trends, since there is no reason why things should be like this.

I hope to see the movie too some day...

Saxena,

{{``Cute jalapeno?`` What a pervert.}}

Sigh..does`nt your small mind live anywhere but the gutter?! Ok ,if you insist, these are my psychodynamics re scout (& why, unlike you, I have nothing but the most honorable designs on her).

I`m happily married to a beautiful woman for 20+ years. She`s not only my wife, my lover, my best friend, but also my Office Manager. I take care of the clinical part of the practise & she manages the administrative part. We are the perfect team. I also tell her that ``at least at work I get to be your boss``.

She tells me ``you just treat your patients & I`ll collect the money``. Now, doesnt she have the right to spend most of it?! On my birthday, she buys me a Jag, but she insists on driving it 99% of the time because ``she looks better in it than I do!``. God bless her.

On the other hand, I`ve never had a sister. Always wanted one, esp to tease. Scout fits the profile to a t. She`s young, short, cute & full of tikha spirit like a little jalapeno mirchi. At the same time she has a great sense of humor. She can take on a bum like you blindfolded with her hands tied behind her back. Mess with her & all you`ll be doing is waving white flags, pal.

Lastly, EVERY brother hopes to God that his sister is a prude. Otherwise who knows what that cute little thing would be up to in sincity NY?

Shammi #64

Waisey Tumhein Apne Bhaiyya Champu Mian scout to spout or stupid Kehte Nazar Nahin Aaye.

Apni Aankh Ka shehteer Hai Kaise Nazar Aaye Ga.

Shammi #64

The reason I asked was because of simple reason.

If you don`t see massacre and rape of human with human eyes in Kashmir. You must be an Indian probably a Hindu.

What is wrong. If you don`t want to answer you are not forced to do so.

And leave this enlightened BS for enlightened.

Your Enlightenment is already fully evident from your interactions.

You can fool yourself all your life. But your thoughts as evidenced by your interactions are not able to fool others.

Dear Saxena,

Ha ha, God, you are predictable. I knew you were going to post that particular message at which I would say...stupid...P stands for Pakistani.

Durrgh!!!

Re: Rsaxena!

``But I wondered even more about Pee-TV....it can`t be that bad, can it?``

Touche`. Great neutraliser.

Sincerely,

Asim

shankar bhai,

Thanks, but look what you made suxena say :)

lassie #60,

Listen, I am flattered that you obsess over my words so much (since I do not see you interact other than to me), BUTTTTTTTTTT I`m straight ;)

Re: Mullah Omar

I also wondered about Zee-TV`s name. But I wondered even more about Pee-TV....it can`t be that bad, can it?

RE: shankar

``Cute jalapeno?`` What a pervert.

Re: krashid #59

``Waisey Aap Ki Zaat Paat Kia Hai``

``What is your caste/creed?``

That is about as insensitive and rude a question as I have ever come across on this board. It reflects on the narrow-mindset of the questioner, who is so anchored to his primitive worldview that he constantly needs to hark back to another person`s origins to regain an understanding of his world. Changed, complex cirmumstances seem to put the questioner in a state of confusion and bewilderment.

Latif Chappu, it would be best if you desist from answering such impolite and rude questioning.

Dear F_K and everyone else

I’d just like to expand on Farangi_Kush’s post. With the passing of all time greats as Sabri, Noor Jehan, Mian Aziz and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the great (and I mean it in two manners) Qawaal nawaz, there remains a hole in the Pakistani musical cultural scene and guess what it is being rapidly being filled by…the burger culture. Yes boys and girls, Pakistani ‘tinky winky’ and ‘dipsy’ boy bands are sprouting out like weeds, squeezed tightly in their denims, so much so that if you shoved a piece of coal up their ass, they would produce a diamond within a week. And even the Ammah Ji’s and the gals from diamond market are getting in the act. What do you need, a crappy voice, a need for some extra cash, two or three cushions, a camera and a microphone and voila…a musical genius is born.

No music; more importantly, no lyrics. Man, Pakistan is losing out on its economy and infrastructure, let’s not lose out on the positive aspects of our culture too.

Take care

Omar Phoenix.

Dear all,

Om puri is a brilliant actor. Eklavya said that he was ugly…even better because when I see him act, I actually think that he’s a real character as opposed to a Hollywood, Lollywood, Mollywood (Bombay was changed to Mumbai in Jan 1996 by Shiv Sena-when are you guys gonna change the name of your film industry) actor in a film.

Strange thing about My son, the fanatic, as to the responses generated by people. Whilst many of my English mates felt sorry for Om Puri and disliked the son, many of my Desi mates had mixed feelings towards both. I personally could not see what was wrong with the lad (with a few minor exceptions) but did feel that Om Puri was a downright loser.

Yes Scout, Pakistani dramas are Theee best in the world. Full stop. Can’t say much for the cinemas which cater for the needs of the mazdoors. I was quiet annoyed when a UK programme called Network East (anyone heard of it) showed how they make Pakistani dramas by pretty much ‘extracting the urine’ out of the subject and taking the Michael. I did send them a letter of disapproval but never received a reply.

PS, I wonder why they called it Zee TV…probably ‘cos it makes everyone go to sleep.

scout,

way to go beti! Saxena is waving the white flag.

NOBODY messes with the cute little jalapeno & gets away with it!

....thinking out loud

reply 55

``

``millions and millions`` of Pakistani men are getting a rise out of watching half naked women strut their stuff around meaninglessly in front of the camera.

``

reply 39

``

Om Puri`s talented, and he`s asked to do (and accepts) token stereotypical desi roles, which to me represents the desi bad habit of chamchagiri towards the West

``

so if Om Puri is acting/presenting an extension to the actual life of (quite a many of those) millions and millions of men that is a token stereotypical desi roles?

huh??

Latif Chappu #47

Bhai Kia stupid Lafz Aap Ne Bohat Suna Hai. Lagta To Aisa Hi Hai.

Waisey Aap Ki Zaat Paat Kia Hai.

Kuch Pata Chaley. Chappu Chalane Wale Mahiya.

Champu Bhaiya #48

Condolence accepted.

Chappu Chalaiey Chappu. Itne Dimagh Ka Kam Aap Ke Bus Ka Nahin.

Champu Re Champu.

Re: scout #55

ok ok, calm down. I don`t care about this stuff enough to argue anymore. It`s all meaningless crap anyway.

Re: scout

``I know you have something against me...``

Oh come on, I thought we had an understanding. We can be as mean as we like as long as we are willing to take it in return. I think we have lived up to the deal fairly well.

Rsuxena #50, ``Millions and millions of Pakistanis are pirating Indian movies and songs. ``

OH PULLEASEEEEEEEEE don`t even get me started on how many Indian movies and songs are direct copies of Pakistani dramas and songs. Mehdi Hassan`s songs have been blatantly copied. Nusrat Fateh Ali`s songs were copied extensively, till his popularity in the West forced the Indian entertainment industry to bow down to him.

Noor Jehan`s songs have been copied. Even a pop group such as Vital Sign`s songs have been copied.

I recently had the displeasure of watching a new

Indian movie in which a whole scene with dialogue was copied from a Pakistani drama called Unkahi.

These are a few examples. I can name more but won`t.

And yes, Pakistani films DO copy Indian movies, and copies of crappy movies are even crappier, such as the ones made in Lahore.

``Millions and millions of Pakistanis are turning away from

Pee-TV to Zee-TV....``

Anhaan, and that`s because ``millions and millions`` of Pakistani men are getting a rise out of watching half naked women strut their stuff around meaninglessly in front of the camera.

By the way, did you just learn a new word today: millions?



``Yup, it`s quite clear what type of quality cinema and drama Pakistanis are capable of.``

So does your taste revolves around the cheap cinema and crappy dramas produced in India nowadays?

I agree with you on the poor quality of Pakistani cinema (quality is nonexistent in new Pakistani movies), but when it comes to dramas/serials, Pakistan has THE BEST writers and actors. There is no comparison. You can say whatever you want to say.

Sadna:

Yeah, the role in Tamas was more up his alley. That was an awesome show too. I was kinda young then and didn`t realize the ramifications of how the show implicated RSS. I remember that initiation scene with the chicken vividly. You know who was great in that show? Veeru Saxena as the sardarji!

Om Puri & Satyajit Ray are certainly very great names of the Indian movie industry.Some more can also be mentioned if one goes back in time.

What is the commonality among them?----they are NOT Ba Ba Blacksheep.They are firmly rooted and steeped in their religion & culture.

They all walk,talk,and behave Indian and not like those stupid Follywood bhaands and kanjars who fancy themselves as actors because they know english antics(With due apologies to real bhaands and kanjars who never get the recognition which they truly deserve simply because they cannot ACT OUT the Follywood role in real life)

These `Midnight Children` have never seen the freedom light(if at all it shone).Their cultural cousins live in Pakistan too,who pride themselves in not being able to speak,read or write their own language.They ALWAYS write `literature`(poetry & fiction)because it is the easiest form of exposition which can get away because of its ambiguity & `mystique`.It is very difficult for them to write essays,anything to do with brains & thinking is not for them....here they stand a chance of geting exposed.

Scout,

I can`t understand why everyone here has gotten after you. May be it is because Om Puri is a quite popular with lots of people (including me!). I too have a real soft corner for the guy (imagine what he could have done if he didn`t have those ugly looks). Beyond that, just grit your teeth, and dodge all the bricks flying your way :). I agree with you about Pakistani serials, though. Most of them have very good storylines and their acting is just superb.

RSaxena,

Why are you always so mean to Scout?!

Latif Chappu #49

I also seem to remember Om Puri played a key role as a `chamaar` in the beginning of the TV movie `Tamas` based on a novel? by Bhishm Sahni about Partition. Not a comedy role at all.

scout #46
Base your criticism on something more relevant to Om Puri as an actor than your moral outrage at his acceptance of a couple of roles which you happen to find negative stereotypes.

Sadhana

Re: Sadna,

His best ever serial was Mr. Yogi where he plays the `sutradhaar`. Remember that scene where he turns himself into superman but cant fly? So he has to get an auto! So there he is in the `ricksha` chasing after Y.I. Patel all across Ahmedabad in his ill-fitting superman costume with his chest hair sticking out from under it? That was so funny!

Latif

P.S: But wait... that role shamelessly exploited the negative stereotype of a `sutradhar`. Thank god no `real sutradhar` accepted that role! Shame on Om Puri for taking that role!

Re: Krashid,

Bhai Krashid MiaN. Is your condition congenital or was there an accident?

Regardless, my condolences.

Re: Spout

You said: Well arent` you a bagful of contradictions. You just said in the same post that there is no better actor in the Pakistani pool, and now you`re taking it back?

And I say again, ``There is no better actor than Om puri in the Pakistani talent pool``. Of course this is my subjective analysis. This - by the way - is also the subjective analysis of people who know far more about acting than you and I. And that includes Kureishi.

The fact that you take a statement of mine proposing that Om puri is the best actor in India and Pakistan combined; as `Paki-bashing` does not surprise me at all. It`s very predictable!

And don`t make presuppositions about how `limited` my world is. I have seen plenty of Pakistani TV serials in my time. And no... I haven`t seen anybody better in those than Om Puri.

Now... in order to better understand how stupid you sound, consider the following scenario:

Say a few years ago a Pakistani interactor makes the following statement:

``Jansher Khan is the best squash player in the sub-continent. I am not suggesting that Pakistanis are athletically superior to Indians.... just that Jansher`s the best squash player of the lot.``

Well, if an Indian interactor responds by accusing the Pakistani interactor of `being a bagful of contradictions` and a `India-basher`; he would sound really stupid, right?

Well, that`s how stupid you sound!

Latif `Not as dumbo as you` Chappu.

P.S: Interestingly enough, from a position of total dominance barely a decade ago; Pakistani squash has declined so much that the only Paki in the top 20 is Amjad Khan at no. 13. But oops! I guess I just indulged in some `Paki-bashing`! Maybe I should add one more bit of trivia. NO INDIAN HAS EVER BEEN IN THE TOP 20! There.... after counter-balancing my Pakistani bashing with Indian bashing of equal of greater measure, I have now qualified myself to be considered `objective & unbiased`. Pathetic!

Pakistani film and drama?? You`ve got to get your head out of your....

Millions and millions of Pakistanis are pirating Indian movies and songs. Millions and millions of Pakistanis are turning away from Pee-TV to Zee-TV....

Yup, it`s quite clear what type of quality cinema and drama Pakistanis are capable of.

It seems to me that I`ve ruffled quite a few Indians` ``patriotic`` feathers by criticizing a couple of roles (NOT the acting) of an Indian actor.

Paranoia runs deeply East of the border.

Your entertainment artistes are not perfect you know. They are like every other in this world.

There is no harm in admitting imperfections, I know this is hard for many Indians, but try it someday.

Rsuxena #41,

I know you have something against me, but is generalizing all my posts really necessary whenever I interact? I don`t really mind, because I can deal with negativity, but it`s getting old.

``- Anyone who doesn`t agree with your twisted definitions of morality is trying to be white``

Obviously you have ignored the posts where I have said positive things about Western culture. And you fail to read the context in which I say things.

``- Any woman who doesn`t prescribe to your dress code is a hootchie``

Where did this come from? When did I say anything about dress code or lack there of in my posts here? ARe you just trying to be derogatory for the sake of being derogatory?

``- Any form of entertainment that others enjoy but you don`t is morally wrong.``

I AM ENTITLED TO MY MORALS, and I will express my opinion about them. I dont` know how your statement fits here though. By the way, what kind of entertainment are you referring to? Drinking and screwing around? If that`s the case, then you have a very limited span of entertainment.

Re: Tahmed321 #25

Here is a description of one of Om Puri`s first films, Aakrosh (note: not to be confused with a newer movie with the same name starring Sunil Shetty). It was truly a touching movie (warning: no songs or dances!):

Aakrosh (Cry of the Wounded) colour, 144 minutes, Hindi, 1980

Production: Krishna Movies Enterprises/ Direction and Camera: Govind Nihalani/ Story and Screenplay: Vijay Tendulkar/ Music: Ajit Verman/ Art Direction: C.S. Bhatti/ Editing: Keshav Naidu Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Om Puri, Arvind Deshpande, Mohan Agashe, Achut Potdar, Nana Palsikar, Bhagyasree Kotnis, Mahesh Elkunchwar

Lahanya Bhiku, an illiterate tribal, is accused of killing his wife. For his defence, the court appoints a young upper-caste lawyer, Bhaskar Kulkarni. This is Kulkarni`s first major independent case, and he is anxious to win it. But Lahanya refuses to cooperate. He refuses to speak. Exasperated and intrigued by Lahanya`s seemingly stupid and stubborn silence, Kulkarni decides to investigate on his own the truth behind the case. He soon discovers that there are hidden complexities that cannot be resolved easily. He is threatened by strangers, but helped by a young leftist social worker who takes him to the tribal village. But here too, Kulkarni meets with obstinate silence, mingled with a long history of fear and distrust. Probing further, Kulkarni learns that Lahanya has been falsely accused. His wife was raped and murdered on a night of obscene revelry by a combine of local officials, politicians and businessmen. They form the power elite beyond the reach of the law. The police protect them, not their victims. Kulkarni`s involvement with the case gradually changes from a professional to a social commitment. It brings him in conflict with his mentor, Dussane, who himself comes from tribal stock but has had the privilege of a middle-class education. Dussane values his hard-earned social and professional status, and though aware of the truth, chooses to keep silent, reacting with mixed feelings to the late night telephone calls that regularly aim at him a stream of invective and threats. But all Kulkarni`s determination cannot save Lahanya. His only supporter, the social worker, disappears suddenly, presumably eliminated by the forces he fought against. At his father`s funeral which the shackled Lananya is allowed to attend, the young tribal breaks his bonds and hacks down his helpless sister. As long as his father was alive, Lahanya`s silence could perhaps protect the family from persecution. Now alone in the world, his young sister too would be an inevitable prey to the same exploitative system. Lahanya breaks his long silence with a last cry of anguishÑhis final protest. Bewildered by the turn of events, Kulkarni attempts to come to terms with his own helplessness in a society where the corrupt are protected and justice is a pawn in the hands of the powerful.

Re: Tahmed321 #25

Here is a description of one of Om Puri`s first films, Aakrosh (note: not to be confused with a newer movie with the same name starring Sunil Shetty). It was truly a touching movie (warning: no songs or dances):

Aakrosh (Cry of the Wounded) colour, 144 minutes, Hindi, 1980

Production: Krishna Movies Enterprises/ Direction and Camera: Govind Nihalani/ Story and Screenplay: Vijay Tendulkar/ Music: Ajit Verman/ Art Direction: C.S. Bhatti/ Editing: Keshav Naidu Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Om Puri, Arvind Deshpande, Mohan Agashe, Achut Potdar, Nana Palsikar, Bhagyasree Kotnis, Mahesh Elkunchwar

Lahanya Bhiku, an illiterate tribal, is accused of killing his wife. For his defence, the court appoints a young upper-caste lawyer, Bhaskar Kulkarni. This is Kulkarni`s first major independent case, and he is anxious to win it. But Lahanya refuses to cooperate. He refuses to speak. Exasperated and intrigued by Lahanya`s seemingly stupid and stubborn silence, Kulkarni decides to investigate on his own the truth behind the case. He soon discovers that there are hidden complexities that cannot be resolved easily. He is threatened by strangers, but helped by a young leftist social worker who takes him to the tribal village. But here too, Kulkarni meets with obstinate silence, mingled with a long history of fear and distrust. Probing further, Kulkarni learns that Lahanya has been falsely accused. His wife was raped and murdered on a night of obscene revelry by a combine of local officials, politicians and businessmen. They form the power elite beyond the reach of the law. The police protect them, not their victims. Kulkarni`s involvement with the case gradually changes from a professional to a social commitment. It brings him in conflict with his mentor, Dussane, who himself comes from tribal stock but has had the privilege of a middle-class education. Dussane values his hard-earned social and professional status, and though aware of the truth, chooses to keep silent, reacting with mixed feelings to the late night telephone calls that regularly aim at him a stream of invective and threats. But all Kulkarni`s determination cannot save Lahanya. His only supporter, the social worker, disappears suddenly, presumably eliminated by the forces he fought against. At his father`s funeral which the shackled Lananya is allowed to attend, the young tribal breaks his bonds and hacks down his helpless sister. As long as his father was alive, Lahanya`s silence could perhaps protect the family from persecution. Now alone in the world, his young sister too would be an inevitable prey to the same exploitative system. Lahanya breaks his long silence with a last cry of anguishÑhis final protest. Bewildered by the turn of events, Kulkarni attempts to come to terms with his own helplessness in a society where the corrupt are protected and justice is a pawn in the hands of the powerful.

Now if Om Puri had played the part of a half naked Indian girl or even himself(a typical chamcha-of-the-West Indian actor), now THAT would have been an acceptable stereotype...

Alas, the first is beyond his talents and the second is awaiting a financier, I`m guessing. He did get away with playing a stereotypical Urdu teacher sharing the last days in stereotypical penury of a stereotypically debauched Urdu poet in `Muhafiz`, though.

IMO, he is able to carry comedy without resorting to buffoonry. In `Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro`n` I found him and his accent extremely funny, bless him. He has done some interesting roles in a few TV serials,too, `Kakkaji kahin`? and `Raag Durbari`, I remember from a few years ago. The `Bharat Ek Khoj` series, too maybe?

Sadhana

Re: scout

You are so full of ..... well, let`s just say you are so painfully predictable. The only dimensions your mind works along are:

- Anyone who doesn`t agree with your twisted definitions of morality is trying to be white

- Any woman who doesn`t prescribe to your dress code is a hootchie

- Any form of entertainment that others enjoy but you don`t is morally wrong

Champu #37

Are Chappu Chalao Mahia. Ye Pakistan Se Wapsi Ki Baat Hai.

Champu Re Champu.

Latif Dumbo #36,

It wasn`t the ``nailing a white whore`` that I was referring to. I think you missed a major part of the movie. Watch it again.

``The fact that Om Puri gets `asked` to do these roles means that he is regarded to be better than anything that the Pakistani talent pool has to offer.``

If you looked outside your of your limited world, you`ll discover a world of Pakistani serials with actors of a much higher calibre than most of the new generation Indian movie dorks out there.

True acting shines when it doesn`t have to rely upon half naked girls running around dancing to stolen beats and stolen story lines. I suggest you rent some Pakistani serials and see for yourself.

Yeah Om Puri`s talented, and he`s asked to do (and accepts) token stereotypical desi roles, which to me represents the desi bad habit of chamchagiri towards the West more than expressing talent.

But hey, money talks.

`` I am not suggesting that Indian actors are better than Pakistani, just that Om Puri is the best of the whole lot.``

Well arent` you a bagful of contradictions. You just said in the same post that there is no better actor in the Pakistani pool, and now you`re taking it back?

Funny how all your posts are full of such contradictions. One minute, you`re bashing Pakistanis, the next minute you`re warning the reader not to make the issue into a mudslinging match.

Please refrain from posting ambivalent messages.

Re: Harish

``since both of these movies were written by pakistanis, i think the attacks posted by some on chowk have more to do with pakistani insecurities then legitimate criticisms of om puri as an actor``

I like the way you kept such a staright face while passing such summary judgement about Pakistani insecurities. For your kind information, Mr Kureishi is not a Pakistani, He is a British national, striped sports jackets, public school, ragging, cricket and all. He can hardly speak Urdu, and talks about India where he migrated from. See the irony!

Asim

Re: t

``Probably the same treatment as meted out to some Indian cricketers upon returning back to India after a loss to Pakistan a few years back. Some players received life threatening letters and one`s house was set fire or damaged.``

People are stupid!

In the 87 world cup penultimate group match versus Zimbabwe, India chasing 190 achieved the target with 7 wickets and 8 overs to spare. A very comfortable victory by any stretch of the imagination! Only, the people thought that Gavaskar slowed down when he neared his fifty and booed him!

So the next game Gavaskar hit the fastest (his only) hundred in world cup history (75 balls) against New Zealand. The crowd went delirious! All anybody could talk of was how he was the greatest ever.

The game after that (semis against England), Gavaskar gets cleaned bowled by Defreitas for 4. And just like that, the talk was rife with allegations of match-fixing etc. Boos galore!

That`s how they treat their heroes there!

A desi expatriate `supporting prostitution` by nailing a white whore??!!

What an outlandish concept! Shame on Om Puri for accepting a role that depicted a Pakistani in such a bad light! And glory be to all those Pakistani actors who refused the role citing moral repugnance.

And also shame on the following:

Shame on Amjad Khan for accepting that Gabbar Singh role which shamelessly exploited the negative stereotype of a Chambal daacoo! Thank god all those actors from Chambal didn`t accept that role!

Shame on Tinky-Winky for accepting a role that exploits all gay stereotypes by having him prance around in a tutu while twirling a handbag! Thank god all the real gay tubbies rejected that role!

Shame on Bruce Lee for accepting those karate roles... there`s a stereotypical role if ever there was one! Thank god all the real chinamen desisted!

Latif Chappu

P.S: In plain English therefore... no one is rejecting any roles.... those who are perceived to be talented are `asked` to do the roles. The fact that Om Puri gets `asked` to do these roles means that he is regarded to be better than anything that the Pakistani talent pool has to offer. Similarly it is a bad sign that Kingsley & Lee get to play Gandhi & Jinnah and not the local talent.

P.P.S: And please don`t make this into an Indo-Pak thing... I am not suggesting that Indian actors are better than Pakistani, just that Om Puri is the best of the whole lot.

humsab # 31

``Now if a Pakistani Artiste who is resident and citizen of Pakistan had played a role of an Indian and as per his role had abused Pakistan and its leadership for Kargil and Kashmir, WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS PLIGHT?``

if the pakistani played an indian who voiced opinions about pakistan similar to that which is portrayed in bollywood movies -- that pakistan is religiously intolerant and filled with extremists and terrorists -- i honestly don`t think he/she would suffer any plight (in india) b/c, that`s a fair assessment of what the avg. indian thinks of pakistan. in the same manner, it was accurate for the pakistani father in EIE to berate india. its accurate b/c a dislike or even hate of india does seem central to the pakistani identity, does it not? without this, what`s the difference between an indian and a pakistani?