Whats in a name ?

Background: A friend with whom I have often sparred on caste discussions brought this article to my notice. It was a follow-on article by the film critic at The Hindu, Baradwaj Rangan responding to readers’ criticism on his previously published review of ‘OK Kanmani’. He finished his article saying “Class or caste cannot be wished away simply by not being portrayed in films, or by not being mentioned in reviews”.  I wrote this to express my views.

What is in a name !  Reviewing OKK (O Kadal Kanmani) Baradwaj Rangan wrote  “…is very focused about who it is targeting, and at least one segment of that “who” is discernible from Aadhi’s surname — Varadarajan — and the Thyagaraja and Annamacharya compositions that pop up on the soundtrack.”

I probed the reviewer’s suggestion that the director Mani Ratnam intended the male protagonist to be perceived as a Brahmin.  The prima facie conclusion for an ‘Aditya Varadarajan’ with a brother called Vasu would be to conclude him as a Brahmin. However, let us examine the other clues. Adi refers to his sister-in-law as ‘Anni’ rather than ‘Manni’ as Brahmins would. His bare torso reveals no sacred thread.  Of course, one could argue that he has probably not been initiated or has thrown it away, since he was self-confessedly an atheist.  The counter-argument to that would be that most atheist Brahmins do wear their sacred thread – since it does not harm to their beliefs but keeps other family stakeholders happy. 

 

Let us examine the lead female character. The audience got to hear Tara’s second name in one fast-paced conversation.  A “Ka…” something. Possibly a patronym, but I could not register the name to second-guess the caste. However, Tara’s ability to sing along on the Carnatic redeemed her caste quicker than Adi got a chance to utter the Gayatri mantra.

For all the upper-class that Baradwaj spoke of, surprisingly, the dialogues contained almost entirely of Tamil words – even when the lead couple engaged in complicated emotional conversations – a not-so-accurate reflection of the upper class or even upper-middle class from contemporary Tamil Nadu [and so unlike a PSBB product- I should know;)]

If the naming of ‘Aditya Varadarajan’, were to be considered as deliberate by the director, what can one conclude about an Ananya.  Tamil speaking Christian named Ananya who is, to-top-it-all, rather light-complexioned! What are we to make of this?  I dont mean to sound racisit (in this day and age, a disclaimer serves well) but make a mere observation, for all the 22 years I spent in Tamil Nadu, I have not seen a Tamil Christian girl with a complexion anywhere close to Ananya’s).

Moving to Baradwaj Rangan’s observation in his follow-up write-up “But there it was, the perception that the name sounded like it belonged to a particular caste and, therefore, that the film would not go down well with the masses” the reviewer speaks of a very notable but unspoken trend in the film industry.

In my opinion, the apprehension of being boxed into a particular caste/group is not limited to reel characters. Film Industry professionals take care to mask their origins.  A Priya Mani Vasudev Iyer will have a screen-name as ‘Priya Mani’  rather than ‘Priya Iyer’.  [Aside: At any rate ‘Priya Mani’ lends itself to many more puns in Tamil.] Who would object to Prakash Rai moving a mere letter of the alphabet (Prakash Raj) when the measure may insulate the actor from the taint of association with Karnataka during the now-on-now-off Cauvery saga. 

Not that this 'name-change' phenomenon is unique to Tamil Nadu or Kollywood. Apparently, JK Rowling was advised to not expand her initials so readers may buy her book, presuming she was a male (and presumably good) author.

However, what is probably unique to Tamil Nadu, is the caste angle. And understandably so. In fact, a popular Tamil film star attributed Rajnikanth’s superstardom to the fact that Rajnikant did not belong to any caste from Tamil Nadu. So, no group could claim him to be ‘theirs’ and the rest could not refer to him as ‘the other’.  Because he belonged to no one group in Tamil Nadu, he belonged to all of Tamil Nadu. [Whether Rajnikant would have been just as loved if he had been a Marathi-speaking Brahmin named in a Dravidian politico-influenced society, though, is a moot point]

While, it is debatable as to what Dravidian movements in the second half of the 20th century really achieve for Tamil Nadu, it did have considerable social impact. State governments  changed names of public places to prevent association with caste names [GN Chetty Road became GN Road and Thambiah Reddy Street became Thambiah Street].  Many Tamilians dropped their surname that indicated their caste surname and retained a mere patronym second name.

For the curious, I urge them to perform a small experiment. Identify all Tamilians you know and bucket them into Tamilians from Tamil Nadu and the second-generation Tamilians of Tamil Nadu origin from rest-of-India. My guess is the proportion of those with surnames as "Iyer”, "Mudaliar", "Pillai", "Chettiar" or "Nadar" as a surname is significantly higher in the emigrant category.

Juliet said, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet". The Tamil Nadu government probably does not agree. Did the nifty working title of “OK, Kanmani” turned in to the mouthful  “O Kadhal Kanmani”  for the Censor Board certificate to enhance chances of the entertainment tax exemption that the TN government grant when the title is entirely in Thamizh.

 So, what is in a name?  An entertainment tax exemption, at the very least.

Australia

Australia

Between Dec 11 and April 12 I spent about 9 weeks in Australia across three visits. I was mostly in Sydney but also managed to touch Melbourne.

My first real long trip abroad and I had suitably carried enough mane thindi. I had been warned that Australian Quarantine regulations were enforced strictly. While I was in line for Immigration I recalled scenes from the Tamil movie Nala Damayanthi (in Hindi as Ramji Londonwale)where Madhavan’s bottle of pickles is discarded by the Quarantine officials.

Here, too (like in the movie) there was a sardar at the Quarantine desk. He waved me out sparing my bags the sniffer dogs (yes, Australia uses sniffer dogs to check if baggage contains prohibited food items).

It was December but since this was the Southern hemisphere it was summer there. It was an out of the ordinary summer, as Sydney-siders (as residents of Sydney call themselves) admitted. I found it cooler than Bangalore winter.

One of the first things that occurred to me was the preponderance of Indians. One could spot Indians in most public places, not just as tourists, but amongst the police, transport workers, government. After a while, I realized it was a young nation, discovered in the 18th century, occupied in the 19th century. But significant population was on account of immigration in the last few decades. It is estimated that 2 of every 7 Australians was born outside Australia.

History

Initially, used to house convicts from Britian ( a la Andaman to India), the Britian developed Immigration schemes to populate Australia. Initially restricted as ‘white Australia’, it has opened its arms to everyone by the fourth quarter of the 20th century. I visited an ‘Immigration Museum’ in Melbourne which depicts the history of Immigration from the first journey to current day policies with pictures, recreations and models.

On a guided tour, It was interesting to hear that the guide when introducing historical figures from Sydney would also mention the crime that the individual committed on account of which he or she was banished to Australia- often it would appear petty and trivial.

The indigenous tribe that existed before discovery is known as Aboriginals. When I took a walk on Circular Quay (near the Sydney Opera house), there were a group of aboriginals playing their traditional instruments and dressed in traditional dress (which was a generous langoti). Since it was raining I lingered around a shelter. It was time for the aboriginals to packup. They wiped their (for want of a word let me call them) Vibhuti smears, changed into smart dress clothes and were soon undistinguishable from the rest of them !


Fauna

On my third visit to Australia I had made up my mind to visit the zoo. Not a very animal person I had avoided it, but was also keen to avoid the “been to Australia 3 times and not seen a kangaroo” tag. The zoo was pretty sight with there being no barrier between people and animals considered not dangerous. However, none of the kangaroos that I saw had a young one; I was disappointed to not see a ‘pouch’ in operation.


I took to the aquarium in Melbourne with more enthusiasm. It probably had to do with events from childhood. I remember that the Mysore zoo acquiring penguins; but they penguins died before I could get a chance to see them. While not native to Australia, Melbourne is probably the closest large city to Antartica and Australia leads several research expeditions to that continent.

Friends & Family

One evening, I met up with Pappu mama and Pari aunty (who normally live in Perth and were visiting their son) Anil, his wife and very cute daughter Stella. On my way back Anil dropped me at ferry station, so I could travel back on a ferry. Since, the Sydney city is shaped uniquely, significant intra-city travel can be accomplished on ferries. Most cities have very good urban connectivity. metro (over and underground),monorail, trams, busses and ferries. Melbourne also has an extensive tram network I had not travelled in a tram before) and it was a sight to see.

Using facebook, I managed to meet four friends from school and hang around on weekends. Without using facebook, Amma remembered that her friend’s family was in Sydney ( I wonder how one tracks friends if they are not on facebook ?).



Outdoors & Cricket

The Australians are sports-lovers and play and discuss sports passionately. There are several outdoor activites and since it was summer there was enough time in the day for most people to do some activity before the sun set (the sun set around 8 PM). I managed to do some paddle-boating with a friend on one of the weekends.

The Indian team was touring for a test series which made great tea-time conversation. Unfortunately, India was at the receiving end and I got teased about it.

Before the series began Rahul Dravid delivered an eloquent speech at the Don Bradman Oration in Canberra proving that his skills were not limited to the cricket field. The speech was well received in Australia.

When Sachin Tendulkar completed his 100th 100 in Bangladesh, the Australian press reported the achievement with a mixture of admiration and amusement. The media were amused with India’s obsession with the event.

When in Melbourne, I got an opportunity to watch a Sri Lanka versus Australia cricket match. The triangular tournament was so poised that India would enter the final if Sri Lanka lost the last league match. So, my colleague and me went down to the MCG, ( a spectacular stadium indeed) and supported the Australians. Sri Lankans amongst the crowd were surprised to find two brown-skinned people cheering for Australia. The MCG had installed a statue of Shane Warne the previous day to commemorate his achievement.

British heritage

Australia is proud of its British heritage and constitutionally considers the Queen of England as the Head of state. There are several cultural connections with the ‘Poms’ as the British are referred to in Australia.

Quiz

The picture below attracted my attention. After 2 mins I gave up converting from roman numerals to Indo-Arabic numerals.

A zoomed version

A 'brand' new experience!

Today was the last day of our two-week classroom sessions in a town near NYC.  We were scheduled to make the presentation that we had prepared all week for, to attend a health session and wind-up. By custom, people here want to chill towards the end of a long workweek. So, the mood was upbeat.

Trust me, I really dint want to go. But was kinda forced, I can say, in my defence. You know, what they say, how 'good' things in life are painful and boring and 'bad' things in life are so fun and tempting. So, after the presentation at the conference room, I headed there with my colleagues.


This lady was assigned to me. Or I was assigned to this lady. Same difference. However, there were 3 other ladies in the room. They were not overtly busy. Time of day, I guess.

So, after the small talk, we get down to business. She asks me to strip. She is sensitive and asks me whether I would prefer to do it privately. There was no hint of any charges for the privacy. Obviousy, it was not a situation I wished my colleagues to see me in. I could not spot them nearby. Either they had finished their 'sessions' earlier or were in an adjacent room. I looked around. They were all women and all professionals. Like anybody cares, I thought.


Honestly, I dint even expect to tell this to you all. But then, you people encourage me to experience new things; and write about them, don't you. I cannot possibly not record a remarkable experience.

For a minute I wondered what the convention here was. Which garment should I undo  ? Guess it is also a function of how old you are and which part of the world you are in.

While I was undoing my shirt, she was feeling my arms. She saw the shanka and chakra brands on my arms and freaked out. She wanted to know what it was, whether it hurt, if I had it voluntarily or not. She exhibited curiousity as she went about her business. Thorough professional that she was,she was keen to do her job right (no pun intended) and, I suppose, prioritised customer satisfaction. I could not believe I was chatting with this American blonde on my religious symbols while we were doing what we were doing.

Really. But I was. I told her how it was a cultural thing, a token of affiliation to a religious group. She was inquisitive about Hinduism; wanted to know if all Hindus were vegetarian; I told her a majority were not vegetarian but most Hindus would not eat beef. It went on... until we were done. As I was buttoning up, I explained how the cow was a holy symbol to Hindus. We revere the cows because we use her milk and other milk derivative products.


The chat removed the uneasiness between us. It can get uncomfortable, I mean, what do you talk when she is performing the act. However, it was a breeze. Her loquaciousness mixed with curiosity made it a pleasant experience.


Not in my defence, but one must see it to believe how thoroughly professional these Americans are. First thing into the room, I had to register. Health precaution is No.1 priority. Before we got started, she had a questionnaire in front of her, asking even of any Hepatitis infection in the past. Honestly, I dint know Hepatitis A was an STD until I googled later.


Guess you people were right after all; travelling expands one's perspective of life; of truth; makes us break boundaries. To question our concept of morals. To meet interesting people. Who would have guessed that there could be such an inquisitive vaccine-administering nurse.

Anke Tappida Shankarlal: A review

Play: Anke Tappida Shankarlal ಅಂಕೆ ತಪ್ಪಿದ  ಶಂಕರ್ಲಾಲ್

Language: Kannada
Duration: ~100 minutes
Rating: Avoidable
Troup: Sanchaya


The title (mis)leads one to believe that the play might be light-hearted. This writer learnt, at his expense, that it was not meant to.

The plot is about the increasing goondaisation of public life in India. While, one cannot deny the message, the manner in which it was presented was rather unentertaining.
The huge cast of ATS, the unimpressively named characters (Mr. Mehta, Mr. Singh, Mr. Chowdhury) or the dialogues did little to hold the audience's attention. The plot rambled along for 100 minutes before ending as a Victory of Evil over Good. Comic relief was few and far between and when it was, it was unintended !

In our opinion the play is avoidable, unless you intended to catchup with a long-lost friend and ATS is an excuse :)!

Bengaluru English !

English in India varies significantly across regions. While much is made about the English that the Malayalee and Bengali speak, little is mentioned about the Bengaluru English that the Kannadiga speaks.

The Kannadiga English is unique. The manner in which the Bengaluru Kannadiga pronounces certain words can distinguishes him amongst most cosmopolitan crowds . Provided below is a sample list where the english word is accompanied by the word as pronounced in Bengaluru.

Principle-Prinicipal

Principal-Prinicipaal

College-Kaalej

Uncle-UnKal

Warm-Warum

Farm-Farum

Circle-Sarcal

Simple-Simpal

Now, Make Sentences !!

The Kannadiga lives life by principals that he learnt at kaalej under the tutorship of his prinicipaal. In winter, he likes to keep warum by eating hot potatoes grown by his unkal at his farum ! That was simpal.

Safar: A rambling journey

Play: Safar

Language: EnglishDuration: ~100 minutes

Genre: Humour (satire)

Rating: Watchable

Troupe: Header and Footer Club, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

We checked out 'Safar' at K.H Kala Soudha on 26th Sep 2010 Sunday. Directed by Vysya Shastry ) who also plays the role of the protagonist, 'Safar' is a play made by the students at IISc.

 

The story is about a research student  (Not co-incidentally, Vysya Shastry is a real-life researcher at IISc)  who begins in postgradual research with IISc.  The character is overconfident and has a misplaced sense of importance. As the narrative unfolds, reality dashes his dreams and he is all set to turn into just another research Joe.

 

While the synposys appears grim, the play itself is punctuated by many a laugh. The writer has not spared cricket, Bollywood, spiritual leaders or IISc faculty.Written, directed and played by a closed group, one does not grudge that portions of the play are better enjoyed by the group. The plot is rather rambling but then it was probably intended to capture the life and time of the 'hero'. For an amateur hobbyclub production, the performance was brillant. For us, (me and Sunil) it was welcome to watch the performance of an original script after long time. Presumably, written originally by someone within the club, it was welcome  The researchers turn out to be fine artistes too managing off-stage with equal aplomb as onsite. The need for onstage set and props were eliminated by use of an LCD projector. However, one is disappointed with the promotional literature. Even allowing for self-aggrandisement ("Smash hit") the play failed to showcase 'apathy against initiative'. Yet, one does not regret the show, as the performance is eminently watchable. A pity that were very few in the audience who were unrelated to the cast and crew.

 

P.S I found another blog on the play here.

Chora Charana Dasa: ಚೋರ ಚರಣದಾಸ A review

Play: Chora Charana Dasa
Language: Kannada
Duration: ~105 minutes
Genre: Comedy (Farce)
Rating: Must Watch
Troup: Natana

We watched Chora Charana Dasa, a play in Kannada, originally as Charandas Chor written by Tanveer Habib as an adaptation of a Rajasthani folktale at K H Kala Soudha in Hanumanthanagar, Bangalore on Sunday. The Kannada play has been adapted and directed by Mandya Ramesh (of Matha fame) and performed by Natana.


The protagonist is a petty thief, Charanadasa.Charanadasa is a professional theif who takes pride in his profession and 'hard work' and a strong sense of 'integrity' and 'work ethic'.


He chances upon a Sanyasi who saves him from the police . Charanadasa takes him as his Guru. He makes four vows to his Guru, that he would never eat in a gold plate, never lead a procession atop an elephant (ಅನೆ ಅಂಬಾರಿ), refuse any invitation to be a king and refuse any proposal to marry a princess. His guru commits him to  never to tell a lie, hoping that this would reform Charandas.


Charanadasa's further activities and where it leads him form the rest of the narrative. An interesting storyline has been transformed into a laugh-riot by current satire. The nataka in the political theatre of Karnataka is ready fodder for the satire.


Brilliant performances by all on-stage artists especially the by the person who played Charanadasa and the off-stage technicians and singers make every moment of the drama wholly enjoyable.


Towards the end, the directors steps in and lets the audience choose how the play should conclude ! The  interactive dialogue between the audience and the director throws up creative alternatives and has the audience in splits.


The play concludes on a realistic paradox, faithfully to Tanveer Habib and the Bollywood movie directed by Shyam Benegal in 1975 of the same name. Overall, it was eminently watchable, and figures in the top amongst the plays that I have enjoyed the most and recommend to all.
P.S. the background singer was cute ;)