A few lapses of Recognition-

The Snap -

The Story-

"I wonder why people from cine field can get recognition & national, state awards so easily. I mean, I have nothing against the industry. In fact I love good movies. It’s just I know so many people who are so good, dedicated & selfless at what they do- in other fields, like engineering, medical, social service and what not."

"I mean, why should actors & actresses be called stars first of all. Acting is a job like any other."

"Why should people listen to their interviews on festival days? What kind of sense does that make? I mean, they are professionals who just portray what’s given to them. I respect them for what they are. But, why I ask, are they given undue importance."

"I love movies. I love the movie industry. But, don’t you think – Most of the times, recognition that is met out to people in the industry aren’t always well keeping in line with their achievements. People from other walks of life deserve more? From the public. From the government. Don’t they?...."

My father shrugged with a calm reply- “ Well we asked them.”

“You asked them.”

“Yeah.” He replied. “When I was there to get the president’s award, which was quite a while back, we were told that, the president was busy & so we will have to receive the award from the junior dignitaries. For once, I was ruffled. I know I have worked hard for what I am going to receive & I deserved to get the award from the president. At least I am entitled to a better answer than the president’s busy.

I blurted out – "But will you do the same if some actor or cricketer is receiving the same award?"

"Do you know what I was answered ?"

My father had a dry smile as he quoted their single worded reply – satirical scar from a wound long forgotten.

“Revenue”

Author’s Note –

There are usually ample reasons for the president to give awards to celebrities by themselves.

Bad publicity,

Criticism from Fans,

Money factor,

Close watch of such issues by the Media –

Are a few of the concerns….. But anyways, it does not really stop me wondering…..

But, people from other fields deserve – better recognition. Don’t they??

PS -

The image I used- may not be exactly in tune to the topic. But It had a few Iconic movies, such as Sholay & I guessed nothing could be a better attention grabber.

Do note that, I am quite a movie buff myself- with Christopher Nolan & Zack Snyder topping my current interests. Counter arguments & opinions are welcome.

What makes a celebrity?

Is it their charisma, good looks, their lineage (well, one can get noticed simply by being born to a celebrity couple) their association with the media which in most cases happens to be the movies or reality television (No new surprises there), and may be some more good looks. But really

Is that it to become a celebrity?

Well looking into the dictionary, there are 2 definitions for celebrity.


1. A widely known person.

2. The state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed.


OK. The definition meant is understandable. But not every widely known person has the quality of being honored and acclaimed. Then what may I ask is the difference between celebrities like Mother Teresa and celebrities like Abishek Bachan.
Hmhmhm…… To sort out the difference I think it would be better if I am a bit blunt.


Ok.... Lets take Abishek Bachan – He got Rajasthan’s most coveted honor award last year and what is his achievement – he acts in movies (Hey dude, that’s his job and for god’s sake he is not even that good at it) and please do note that He doesn’t even live in Rajasthan anymore. It seems he hails from there. And what’s his latest achievement – He made a world record for the most number of public appearances by a celebrity in a single day.

Wow – now that’s a worthy record. Come on who else can do something so meaning less and so so childish a record as such other than our rising star of Indian cinema – Abishek Bachan.


Lets take my another favorite example.


Nayanthara – a south Indian movie star who is primarily based in Tamil Nadu won the much coveted kalaimamani viruthu* (which roughly translates as the artist of immense talents) and the fun part is this girl simply doesn’t even act. You don’t believe me. Ask anyone who has seen anyone of her films. Then you may tend to ask how she sustains in the industry. Well, she moves across the screen in provoking attires, hmhm hmhm……… that’s it. She rarely does anything with any minute indication of a semblance of acting on the screen.


But still the Tamil Nadu Government had to give her the award, after she was born beautiful and that in itself makes her much of an artist, doesn’t it??


Dr.Vijay – He is an actor also based in Tamil Nadu who was given honorary Dr Degree appreciating the work he has done in his field. Vijay has done two or three good films including his blockbuster movie Ghilli but he has yet hell of a long way to go before he is awarded such a huge title that was given to cine field geniuses like Dr.Kamalahasan. And the fun fact about actor Vijay is that I have never for once seen him make one decent and intelligent interview in his whole career which is of course is too much to ask of him anyway.


And What does Vijay TV do to show its appreciation to his one hell of an actor (Hmhmhm who really gave the title actor to these guys – you need to act to be an actor), The channel celebrates his birthday in a grand manner. Wow dude When was the last time you wished your mom on her birthday but that of course is different you can’t market your mothers birthday? Can you? Hmhm… I think will kindly refuse. She isn’t that dumb, I suppose.


The awards and honors that have been stated above are just the tip of the ice berg. Looking into the media scenario, the line between the worthy and the famous are pretty blurred. And the government awards that are meant to put these lines in the right places aren’t doing their jobs right.


May be, they are getting a bit of money under the table to favor the famous or they are simply too dumb. How else could you explain South Indian actor based in Tamil Nadu Silambarasan getting the Kalaimamani Virithu*? And sorry critiquing Silambarasan, his father T.R.Rajendhar goes beyond my credible capabilities. And if you really wanna know about them, youtube these guys and watch their interviews for yourself. It’s pretty pathetic, their silliness easily shows.


May be money can buy you anything but credentials and awards should always go to the deserving. If it isn’t so, the award simply loses its value just like the way the honorary titles in India have become. It’s a pity especially in the Oriental land that gave birth to the geniuses such as Akira Kurosowa, A.R.Rahman and Mani Ratnam.