When Danny Boyle, made Slumdog Millionaire, India reacted in such a way; it created huge media buzz, not only in India but the other side of the world; as the makers are from England.
The whole country was angry with the name of this movie and it had created such buzz that the BBC reported, the Mercedes-Benz had pulled back its name as a sponsor of the movie. the gang leader was supposed to be using this car, but the automobile giant did not wanted to be associated with this movie, after the whole buzz, it had created in 2008. Movie was a huge success around the world making 519 million dollar as of December 2010. Did they regretted later after the success of the movie ? They must have, but we are not covering that side of the the story.
Jug Suraiya , a journalist and columnist from India, wrote an editorial in favour of this movie in Times of India. It not only angered the other media but it triggered Big B to write 18 page criticism against his 700 words as against his editorial, citing that the movie had mocked the poverty of India. This is one impact of his editorial, Jug Suraiya will never forget.
When Slum dog millionaire made its debut, in TV across the world, the part where the young Jamal takes the autographs from Mr. Bachchan and a scene slightly earlier than that , had been removed including a question about Mr. Bachchan’s Movie. It’s been edited and removed from the world viewers. If you have not seen the movie in cinema hall prior to the tv release then you are not even going to know, which part had been edited to world viewers [keeping in mind the huge population of Indians around the world].
During my school days, I was never ever a big fan of Mr. Bachchan, even though my best friend of that time was crazy about him. I did became one of his fan, however; when he started hosting KBC in 1999. I was totally in love with his voice and the way he laughed out loud during the show. Though the show was a huge success but it was put on hold for some time later on. Mr. Bachchan was not doing this program, when the movie was being made and released on theatre across the world, including India. After its release it seemed, that they forgave the movie makers for the mocking their poverty. In fact, the movie had never ever mocked the poverty of the Indian[s]. Yes, there is no doubt it had, given us the very inside story of slum dwellers in India, which the Indian film makers could have choose to hide it from the world audience.
In 2010 KBC, Indian version of who wants to be a millionaire ? resumed once again on Sony channel. This year, I have been watching this almost regularly. This time they have been airing the background story of the contestants also, which they had never dine before, especially not prior to the real life version of the plot, oscar winning movie on 2008, slum dog millionaire was released. Now, they give us the video clippings of the contestants, mostly the participants are from the remote parts of the country. If they are not the real slum dog; then they earn very small amount of money to support so many in the family with that much money earned. Or the people who have taken loan which takes years to clear out. Now people are not shying away to come out and admit on the nationals channel that, they are up to the eyeball on debt.
As the day pass by; its amazing to see how a person with their intelligence, is capable of achieving in their life. Its not that all the people who are in debt, could with the game, but most of the people with a burden of loan or financial pressure, proving that, it can be achieved. All one needs to do is come forward, leaving behind the feeling of humiliation, that the whole India will know about their financial condition, if they come here on KBC to face the camera. But then the same decision will also give them, the chance to exhibit the power of intelligence also, and win the huge cash prize in a matter of minutes.
After the release of the movie in 2008, Sushil Kumar, who became first real life slumdog millionaire, wining 50 million on this show. He was a Government computer operator earning IRS. 6,000 [ $145 ] per month and to support the family he used to take tuition class also at his home to meet the demand. At one point of the show he admitted that “...he gets dipressed very fast.” “finding himself in front of Big B as well as winning the show was a dream he was seeing for last eleven years, which came true on October 27, 2011.
After the show Mr Bachchan wrote on his blog, prior to release of the show on television, “the entire place exploded. The family of the contestant ran on to the set in uncontrollable joy and screams and tears of happiness.”
Earlier to slumdog millionaire, people were, very shy of talking about the hardship of their lives on TV screen and perhaps it was the production team also, who did not think, its necessary to revel the dire need of cash, felt by the contestants. Before the movie, it was a game show; people came here to take huge risk and lost too. Now people come their to ease their loan or face the difficulties of money they are facing in their real life. They hardly take risk and take whatever money they make so at times is bit boring also at it loosed the true spirit of sportsmanship, but the story behind the general people is really worth it and at times very moving also.
If you have watched this show, when Sushil Kumar, won the game; just like I have, you should have seen the real excitement and exuberant, in Mr. Big B’s voice and on his face which suffused all over him. He was more happier to see him make it, than the winner himself. Shushil Kumar, himself was bit low on expressing his feelings on Television. Perhaps he was not used to of expressing it that much of happiness and excitement on in his life.
Now, I have a question to ask with Mr. Big B, do you really think, the movie Slumdog Millionaire [or your show KBC], mocked the poverty of Indian[s] ?
I watched this episode of KBC as I normally dont miss any of them because of Mr. big B more than anything else. That man has a rare gift of impressing people with his marvelous personality, which radiates not only his iron clad confidence but a rare feeling of love towards all. Very good observation Sunita ji.
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