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FILMINDIA
May 1942
intently to what was developing into a nice political speech of the first rank. For Mazhar Khan continued:
"I tell you, we film people have a right to boast of our achievements. And I refuse to be modest. I dare say 'Padosi' in which I Kad the good fortune to work, has done more for Hindu-Muslim unity than several conferences and hundreds of articles of our Azads, Nehrus, and Gandhis. The film "Sandesa" also did its bit. What did we find in the Cripps Conference? Every leader spoke for his section, party, community; barring some honourable exceptions. 'Padosi' has taught millions of Indians as to how to live as human beings bound by common ties of brotherhood. It is a glorious picture, preaching in unequivocal terms that while remain
ing Hindu and Muslim, in our
homes, we can still live and die for each other. How many of our leaders can claim to have taught the Indian masses something of this kind?"
NO RECOGNITION FROM MAHATMA
Mazhar Khan was in no mood to stop to-day. He was relentless against leaders of India. He pounced upon Gandhi ji himself. He said: "This revered Mahatma of ours is straining every nerve to popularise Hindustani, the real language of the common people shorn of all unnecessary Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian. Has he ever realised that we film people have for years popularised his mission among millions? Thousands of people have picked up their Hindustani from our films. Perhaps the All India
Radio will stand some competition
with us, but its place is easily second in this national service. Gandhiji's Hindustani Prachar Sabhas are still struggling when we have marched ahead."
Mazhar Khan stood up in his seat and staring at me exclaimed:
"But not a word of recognition from the great Mahatma for this service."
As he shook hands with me and said good-bye, I wonder whether the Mahatma was not really an ostrich burying his head in the sands. Will not somebody make him see a film like 'Padosi' and extract an admission from him about what filmdom has actually done for Hindu-Muslim Unity and the national language?"