When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in China, do as the Chinese do. When in America, do as the Americans do. But when in Maharashtra, do whatever you want to do and if someone opposes, tell them to shut up and not to interfere. Is this what people want? Is this what they expect from the Maharashtrians? The Marathi community is by and large a tolerant mass and anyway the tolerance level is perhaps higher than any other state in India but is this to be taken for granted by anyone and everyone? Tolerance is born out of respect and respect is to be earned; not demanded. It would be a capital mistake to interpret the high tolerance levels for weakness and in case someone does so then that person should not make a hue and cry when the tolerance gives way to anger and tempers flare up.
What would be Jaya Bachchan if not for Mumbai and Maharashtra? What would be the Big B if not for Mumbai and Maharashtra? For decades, Mumbai has been the reason why the stars of Bollywood have ruled the minds of countless fans and after all this; you disregard the very city and its core essence? Try the same thing you did in Maharashtra anywhere else in the country and see the response you evoke. Just because Maharashtrians don’t say anything does not enable you to do whatever you please and escape unhurt. Anything beyond limit is dangerous and should be done away with. A few parts of the Marathi community had realized this long ago and had started to retaliate against the oppression they had to undergo in their own cities and slowly now, the entire community is starting to realize it. The comments by Jaya Bachchan in this regard are a reflection of bad taste. Of course the fact that Mr. Bachchan publicly apologized reflects the maturity that is demanded out of people who are trendsetters for a huge number of followers and it is highly commendable that instead of a private apology to the leaders or through the blog world, the Big B went public. Still, it would be better if actions speak for themselves and such bad scenes are not created. Others need to emulate the example and make it a point that while nurturing their own tastes in areas which are not yours, you must have a high regard for the community, customs and traditions of the original residents of the place and never should you take them for granted. The fact that they allow you to follow your customs in their places is to be taken as a privilege granted by them and not as an obligation that they have to fulfill. For years now, the Marathi people have been twisted and used as deemed fit for the personal interests and sometimes even without any personal interests. If after all this, the Marathi masses retaliate, they should not be asked to apologize for their retaliation but thanked for bringing others to their sense. The question as to how they can retaliate and how can they not respect others in this particular case is very similar to the question: “Who moved my cheese?” Well nobody moved your cheese gentlemen! It’s just that you ate it up all.
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3 comments:
Shant Gadadhari Shant.... the matter is over yet the issues left their mark. No wonder why Raj Thakarey has been screaming at the top of his voice. But we can see a difference the difference in maturity level of Bachchans.. I think the height manipulates the maturity too, but the matter has been handled politically that takes all the taste off it. Well great blog,an eye opener for the maharashtrians having cheese in their refrigerators
being an Indian, learn to respect your national language first & then come to the regional language.
Raj Thackeray has made all Maharashtrians ashamed by calling a woman of his mother's age as 'buddhi'.
so, i'm sorry to disagree..
but i wud just say,
WHEN IN INDIA, DO WHAT THE INDIANS DO..
P.S.: do read this http://blogs.bigadda.com/ab/2008/09/10/day-144/#more-426
(esp. for those who support Mr. Raj Thackeray)
yes shubhi you are right. Whether in India or whether not in India, I have and would always rate Indianness as my top priority and let there be no doubt to that fact. Respecting Hindi as the national language is in my genes (my mom has a Ph. D in Hindi!!) so I respect Hindi perhaps more than a lot others. It is only after giving due consideration to this fact that I write this blog. Having said so, this particular blog is not directed to the statements made by Jaya Bachchan alone. It is directed to all those who forget that while living in a nation whose diversity is its uniting power, it is advisable that the diversity is respected. In fact, I had written an article criticizing Raj Thackeray on his statements and was about to post it at the place where you find the current article and as a matter of fact, I still have that article in case you want it. But it was only after I consulted a few friends of mine in Mumbai as well as my father who has a first-hand experience of life in Mumbai that I was forced to post this article. I am not against any person in particular. The comments made by Raj Thackeray may be uncalled for but it is expected of people who remain in limelight that they keep it in mind that each and every statement they make is being monitored and if they can be interpreted in two ways, chances are strong that they will be interpreted wrongly. That is the price to pay for stardom. I have said it in the blog and I say it again. The reply by Mr. Bachchan in this regard is very highly regarded.There are two sides of every coin and there will always be takers for both sides of the coin. If someone takes up one particular side, he must acknowledge the fact that the other side has takers too. It is only due to this that I say: If you wish to catch the neck of one person and hang him from the noose for ONE word that he says, be ready to do the same with the other person as well.
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