Krishna, Dharma, and the Mahabharata I Thought I Knew

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Krishna and Arjuna at Kurukshetra When I was growing up, I used to listen to so many stories from our epics and mythology—whether it was reading Amar Chitra Katha books or listening to my paati narrate tales of bravery and valor, the purpose of the divine, and the importance of adhering to dharma. Stories of Shiva and Vishnu found their way into my life through various forms. As a child, it was fascinating to see the power wielded by the Gods. And the message I took away was very simple: if you are devoted to the Gods, no harm can befall you. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Nala-Damayanti, tales of Muruga and Ganesha, Draupadi, the Pandavas, the Kauravas—the army of characters was endless. To say they fascinated me would be a big understatement. I have read the Mahabharata many times, through various authors, and listened to many narrations of it. Every single time, I walk away with a new meaning. Kri...
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Aamir Khan't talk

It is surprising to see the recent spate of events surrounding Aamir Khan in connection with a series of political events. We all know him to be a popular actor, but he should understand that politics is altogether a different ball game, and it is no way close to reel life stunts. He came out in support of Medha Patkar led Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), opposing the construction of the dam which could provide respite to the millions of people in Gujarat. The whole issue is not about who is right or wrong, but if both the BJP and the Congress are up in arms against the actor, it really means that Aamir has ventured into this without even knowing about its pros and cons. The people of Gujarat are totally enraged by what is happening as increasing the height of the dam is expected to solve the water crisis currently engulfing this part of the country. If this is not enough, he has added fuel to the fire by getting caught in the Vadodara incident controversy by slamming the Modi Government. This hasn't gone down well with the people too. What is the result? Rang De Basanti was removed from the theaters and multiplexes, and it looks like Fanaa has met with destruction even before the start.
Maybe Aamir Khan expected to play the real life hero with not-so cleverly planned publicity stunts. The net result is that he is caught in a deep quagmire and I am not sure whether he has any chance of coming out of it clean. I think this is a lesson Aamir might learn the hard way, that filmdom and politics are totally different entities, and just by playing a rebel in the totally flawed movie of his, RDB, he cannot carry out the same intentions in real life.
The onslaught is still on...

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 26, 2006 at 2:29 PM

    I think people in the public eye should think twice before taking a public stance. This time, probably has eaten "bisi tuppa" - cant swallow, cant spit now...

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  2. UnknownOctober 18, 2006 at 2:29 AM

    Dumba$$$ , tats all i gotta say.
    This thing was goin on for ever , wat did he think he will achieve anyway by expressing his opinion.
    Grow up aamir.... i mean it , u still look like a baby.

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