Of Obama and Slumdogs

In the past few days news channels have been busy reporting landmark events prompting ardent followers to break into a song and dance routine or hallelujah! Two events have primarily been the catalysts for such reactions. A, Barack Obama winning the presidential election and becoming the first ever African American to get to the finishing line with such élan. B, a relatively unfamiliar team of Indian cast and Hollywood technicians who joined together for an Indian, no- Indo-American, no- a major movie project that won several honours – the Slumdog Millionaire team.

I just saw Obama finish his first presidential address about all the great things that the USA has on its to-do list. It sounded grand. It sounded inspiring. It sounded very much like the story of an underdog who goes on to clinch the top award. Being much of an opponent gone unnoticed in the beginning, Barack Obama’s words about the change required in the world hit everybody in the face, much like Dick Cheney’s infamous shot. But it was not just the words. He exuded a quiet strength and confidence that was infectious and almost absent till he came on to the scene. The intriguing part of all this milieu is that people who do not even belong to the US of A have become a part of the follower mice that Obama’s piper has influenced. Though there is a portion of cynics who still believe that his ostentatious ideas don’t translate into quantifiable results, the 2 million plus people who turned up at the Capitol Hill from around the country, in icy cold weather to be part of what is now referred to as the ‘making of history’, is a reflection of how desperately expectant the world is for the ‘history’ to turn a reality.

In many ways, the success of the recently Golden Globed film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ runs close, if not parallel, to the Obama success story. A non-Indian filmmaker sneaks into a crowded city like Mumbai and paints out the story of a slum dweller who wins the title because his life has taught him the answers to the questions that would be asked in a game show. Now this movie has graphic scenes of slums, slum dwellers, mafia and umpteen other factors that would make a Mumbaite squirm and shift uneasily in a plush theatre seat. I for one can vouch for it. But the story of hope and success has indeed brought the same for the movie and to all those associated with it. Hollywood has been introduced to the Maximum city through the eyes of one of its tribe. Despite all the adulation and glory, the movie has sparked debates upon debates if the subject is poverty porn? (Wow! I did not know that term before) Is it necessary to show the dirty side of the country, let alone the city? And so on. It is almost like right after the applause for a grand performance, one is trying to pull out the wig of an opera singer for being too ragged! It still seems like it would not puncture the soul aim of the movie, for it is too strong in the portrayal of characters that make up a masterpiece.

Confidence and attitude of a person or a multi cultural team can go a long way in nailing ground-breaking steps on the way. Much like the Il Divo concept. Much like what is most needed today.

Divya Rao
January 21, 2009
Mumbai