Filmindia (1941)

RQUnO THE TOUin WITH ZRBRK British Soldiers Manhandle Indian Producer — British National Anthem At Wrong Places — The Chit Chat Club Exhibits — Madame X — Use of Squash Courts— The Withered Blonde. By: ZKB&K Bombay's Most Popular Newspaper Columnist. We are supposed to be fighting for Democracy. For the cause of civilization (although India's civilization died with the advent of the Britisher). For the protection of ''our" homes and hearth (which were invaded and destroyed 150 years ago). In fact, we are reported to be fighting for everything that is good and right. At least, that is what we are told when we are asked and sometimes ordered to loosen our purse strings and subscribe liberally towards the various war funds that seem to be multiplying at an a'nazing rate every day. Money is, of course, necessary to win the war. We have got to win the war .... that is the main objective in front of us and that should be our main purpose. * * * England cannot deny that India is not helping her in every possible way. Men! Munitions! Money! We nave not stinted them anything in spite of the fact that the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, the two premier political parties of India, have adopted a "nohelp" attitude. On the other hand if one were to look at things in their correct shape it would be discovered that we have given and are still giving Britain more help this time than we did during 1914-18. But in spite of all this what surprises me the most is to knew that the Englishman in India still considers himself to be the burra sahih he used to be 25 years ago, when the myth oi the White-man's superiority was to a certain extent believed. This is more to be regretted than lamented as it is bound to make one wonder whether all the tall talk of Democracy, Civilization and Culture is but a mere time-servmg sermon to suit an awkward occasion. PROOF OF DEMOCRACY As a catch-word the word "Democracy" is the work of a genius. As a begging-slogan it is invaluable. But, take it how one may, in its essence in India it is as dead as fifteen door nails .... that is if fifteen door nails can be more dead than one. I had a living proof of this the other day at a leading hotel in Bombay when a prominent Indian film producer suddenly became the target of attack of an unruly gang of English service-men when he failed to stand up whilst the British National Anthem was being played. However, this is definitely not the first occasion when a Britisher has attacked an Indian for not getting up to the tune. The question of this National Anthem is one that has for long been rankling in the minds of self-res Mr. M. S. Karandikar, L.E.E., Managing Partner, The Deccan Theatres. pecting Indians, as on many occasions it has been the cause of many quarrels and even needless spilling of blood. Even after 150 years of British tutelage we have failed to discover the great necessity of playing it at the end of every cinema show and other social functions . . . but then we are still slaves! » * « I do not have to stress the needless bitterness this tune is causing all over India. Even at Hong Kong where the Chinese seek refuge from the guns of Japan, I have noticed whole audiences walking out en masse whilst the National Anthem is being played. By this I do not mean that the British National Antnem is being deliberately insulted, but what I do intend to emphasize here is that of all places, cinemas, sports, meetings and public bars should not be selected to test a guy's loyalty to the Cro\vn. I personally am of the opinion that a National Anthem regardless to what country it belongs, is sometliing that .should be respected. Unfortunately respect happens to be the only commodity that cannot be brought aboui by a show of might and threat of blows. On the other hand when one is forced and compelled to do a thing against his wi.shes and desires, it not only loses whatever respect it has but becomes a .symbol of hatred. 68