At a time when the country is facing a significant economic slowdown and diminished job growth, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is busy distributing certificates on people's general knowledge and their intelligence quotient (IQ). We have BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao declaring actors are low on IQ and have little knowledge of current affairs.
Most of our film stars have very low general knowledge: @GVLNRAO, BJP #StopMersalPolitics pic.twitter.com/L1QWmOWGA4
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 21, 2017
Only if Rao realised that in saying so he has exposed his own understanding of the world at large. It will help the BJP's larger cause if it briefs its spokesperson on the contributions of Indian cinema, its actors, directors, producers and all others who have in the face of opposition not shied away from highlighting what the people at large feel and want. It would also help the BJP to pay heed to what the actors are actually saying.
The immediate trigger for Rao's outburst during a television debate was the Vijay starrer Mersal. What made Rao visibly belligerent was the fact that a clip in the movie raises questions over two of Modi government's egregious blunders on the economic front - demonetisation and GST. BJP's answer to the dialogues on GST and note-bandi in Mersal has been that they are "factually incorrect".
Scene that North Korean President Kim Jong-Un wants to delete from the Movie "Mersal". (2017) pic.twitter.com/suBoE1s0ea
— History of India (@RealHistoryPic) October 21, 2017
It's ironical that the BJP expects a film - a work of fiction - to be factually correct, when its own members have been caught spreading fake news and tweeting misinformation, particualrly the IT Cell head Amit Malviya, as well as Nupur Sharma, who tried passing off a Gujarat 2002 riots picture as one from Basirhat, West Bengal.
However, in the wake of the controversy over Mersal, superstar Kamal Haasan was unequivocal in his criticism of the BJP's attempts to silence dissent. He made an appeal to not silence critics. In addition, Rajinikanth has come out in support of Mersal's take on the volatile issue.
Mersal was certified. Dont re-censor it . Counter criticism with logical response. Dont silence critics. India will shine when it speaks.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) October 20, 2017
Important topic addressed... Well done !!! Congratulations team #Mersal
— Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) October 22, 2017
It must be remembered that the government has been muzzling sharp notes of dissent from the film fraternity for a while now, as a number of significant voices in Bollywood have raised questions over BJP's ideology and socioeconomic policies. Actor Prakash Raj had taken the battle directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's doors over the latter's silence on the murder of Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh.
What's said...n what's not said. For all out there .. thank you pic.twitter.com/zIT7rnkFxb
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 2, 2017
Director and screenwriter Kabir Khan recently told Huffington Post that he was worried over the fact that the secular fabric of the country "appear[ed] to be under threat". In 2015, actor Aamir Khan had said that his wife, Kiran Rao, was worried over the growing religious intolerance in the country and had suggested the family leaves the country. Actor Nandita Das had spoken against Modi in the run-up to 2014 general elections.
The actors Rao has attempted to dismiss in one single breath are flag-bearers of India's soft power. In countries ravaged by wars such as Afghanistan, people have found relief in our filmic love stories. Salman Khan is not just watched but almost worshipped in the neighbouring country. Shah Rukh Khan rules the hearts of people as far as Europe. Rajinikanth has fans in Japan and Europe.
What kind of arrogance dismisses such brilliant achievers? Only the one blinded by power and scared of losing it. No wonder then that some from Bollywood lashed out at Rao for his uncharitable comment against their peers, while also sending out a sharp message to those who are openly siding with the BJP and tweeting recklessly in this time of heightened polarisation.
How dare you, sir?? @GVLNRAO And to all film people in his ranks.. here’s what he thinks of you. #shame https://t.co/6C8v6hZa23
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 22, 2017
It seems Rao has little knowledge of history, including contemporary history, which has seen governments fall and incompetence punished. Argumentative Indians treasure their right to debate and speak out. Silencing them as people with little understanding and presenting itself as the repository of all knowledge smacks of arrogance. India has dismissed that brand of politics, BJP must inform Rao.
The difficulty for the BJP is that people — including actors — know that the economy is in a mess and the social fabric of this country under threat. Worse, they understand their freedom to express is in danger. BJP must inform Rao that this situation has historically never augured well for any government.
The nation is now way too mature and far too exposed to the world to understand the value of free speech in its drawing room discussions, at chai stalls, in its cinemas and its campuses. BJP must brief its spokespersons about this reformed India. Remaining ignorant about it could cost the party way too much.