Indian Filmmakers divided over OZ
June 9th 2009 08:00
It seems the Aussies are definitely not the flavour of the month with Indian Filmmakers with a majority saying that they could not work in a country where their countrymen have suffered recently from a spate of violent attacks. A recent arson attack on cars located in a well known Indian student community has strengthened the calls for the government to upgrade their investigations into these racist attacks.
Closed communities have always been an issue in Australia whether the group are Asian, Indian, Italian or Lebanese, it doesn’t matter. When groups decide to stay within their own culture and community, there is always a minority group that decides to take things into their own hands. Most Australians condemn these attacks on the Indian community while some have questioned their refusal to assimilate into Aussie society including members if Indian cultural groups within Australia.
Ignorance of each others cultural differences seems to be the issue at hand. When students and immigrants arrive in a new country, their experiences can become overwhelming to the point that they create a homelike community within their new country. It is not that they wish nothing to do with their new home, but at times are made to feel unwelcome often in error. This creates a tension that ultimately leads to clashes of cultures and unfortunately sometimes attacks like those that we have seen recently.
On a recent game show based on the original concept of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, an Indian contestant was asked if he had seen the recent film SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. Confessing that he had not, he also brought up a point that his supervisor and work colleagues often called him slumdog at the office. Everyone had a laugh, including the contestant and the game continued. To those unaware of Australian humour, this may seem derogatory and degrading, but to those who understand the Aussie culture this is often a way of saying 'We think your OK.'
Most Australians are not racists and despise the kind of acts that have occured in recent months. The country has been built on welcoming cultures from all over the world and would not have become the nation it is today without immigration. Of course there will always be the minority of ignorance in any society and Australia is no different to any other country in the world. In the 1800’s Asians were on the receiving end of the minority racist attacks as they were in America around the same period. In post WWII Australia it was the Greeks and Italians and even the English. The 1970’s,80’s and 90’s was South-East Asia and the Middle East. The fact is some of those that had felt discriminated against during those periods became the discriminators in later periods. Most had settled well into society, but some refused and some are brought up on a culture of ignorance, but this is a world wide phenomena, not necessarily just Australian.
These attacks should be condemned for what they are – A small minority of ignorant fools who are unwilling to accept anything that might change their status quo. The cycle of fear is their weapon and they thrive on scaring others. These people are cowards who refuse to stand up in the light of day but run around in the shadows too scared to show their faces. But when you decide to stay away because these people have upset you, then you let them win. Bullies only win if you let them.
In Bollywood, here is what the filmmakers had to say about using Australia either professionally or as a leisure destination
Kalpana Lajmi: It is indeed extremely unfortunate. But I don`t hold the the entire Australian nation responsible. If my film requires an Australian backdrop, I wouldn`t hesitate to shoot there.
Anees Bazmi: Being a true Indian and a human being, I condemn these acts of violence. My conscience won`t permit me to shoot in Australia.
Sajid Nadiadwala: No I won`t shoot in Australia. And why only Australia? I won`t have any relations with any country that disrespects Indians.
Ken Ghosh: I definitely won`t shoot in Australia. These attacks are very surprising. I always found them (Australians) to be very friendly.
Subhash Ghai: Certainly (I won`t shoot there) until Australia gives full respect and protection to Indian students.
Sujoy Ghosh: Yup I`d shoot. And maybe carry a couple of hockey sticks to beat those racists.
Siddharth Anand: My entire film "Salaam Namastey" and "Ta Ra Rum Pum" were shot in Australia. I strongly condemn what`s happening there. As of now I`d still like to believe Australia is a very friendly nation. The people there have been very warm and hospitable. But something drastic has to be done to stop these attacks. Until then I`d definitely be in two minds about shooting in Australia.
Pritish Nandy: Yes I`d shoot in Australia. Just as I would shoot in Goa despite the murder of Scarlett Keeling and other foreign tourists. We shoot in locations that suit the script. We can`t take patriotism to such absurd lengths.
Satish Kaushik: Shoot in Australia? Not at all. Why should we celebrate the beauty of a country when the heart of certain people in that country is not beautiful? They should learn from us. Atithi devo bhava.
Kabir Khan: It`s very important to make a distinction between prejudices practiced by a government and racist attacks by some disgruntled lunatics. However to show our disapproval of the attacks, it`d better not to shoot in Australia at the moment.
Ravi Chopra: No, definitely not. If our kids are not welcome, I don`t want to be any part of Australia.
Jagmohan Mundhra: Even though I think most Australians are not racists, the frequency of attacks on Indian students is a matter of concern. As a mark of protest I won`t shoot in Australia until the government takes a firm stand against racial violence and sets an example by giving severe punishments to the perpetrators of these attacks.
Tarun Mansukhani: No, considering the inaction by the Australian government against racial abuse, I wouldn`t shoot in Australia. I don`t think we should consider any joint venture with Australia until we get the same protection provided to their citizens. Indian students in Australia are a source of revenue for the Australian government. In exchange, the least we expect them to do is safeguard our lives.
Sajid Khan: I feel an entire nation can`t be tarred because of a handful of extremists. We`ll only make these elements stronger by being scared. At the same time we want to see Australia take action against hate attacks. Until then I won`t shoot in Australia to show my solidarity with Indians who are attacked anywhere in the world.
Vipul Shah: Shoot in Australia? Not at all. I`m shocked by their hatred. That their so-called progressive culture can be so bigoted is unbelievable. Australia must know we are united in fighting those who attack one of us. We`ll make them change their attitude.
Zoya Akhtar: I won`t visit Australia till the government takes drastic steps to stop the violence.
Vikram Bhatt: I`m deeply angered. In fact, I was planning a film in Australia, no more.
Kunal Kohli: (Amitabh) Bachchan`s refusal to accept the doctorate should be the starting point for us all to take similar action. I definitely will not shoot in Australia till the attacks are stopped and definite laws are implemented to prevent such attacks.
Madhu Mantena: I`ve been encouraging friends abroad to shoot in Mumbai after 26/11. By the same yardstick we can`t give up Australia because of a few demented individuals.
Abbas-Mustan: It would be a risk for the entire cast to shoot in Australia given the present circumstances.
Bunty Walia: Nope. A country that doesn`t look after my countrymen will never figure in my work and leisure scheme
Priyadarshan: No I wouldn`t shoot in Australia even if my script required.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali: What is happening to our children in Australia is unforgivable and goes beyond the interests of art and culture. I wouldn`t want to shoot in Australia until they sort this matter out. And why go to a hostile country when our country is so beautiful?
Madhur Bhandarkar: First ensure the safety of our boys, then we`ll see about shooting in Australia. What guarantee is there for anyone`s life in a country where a handful of people are terrorizing foreigners? Given the circumstances I don`t want to risk my cast and crew`s life in Australia.
Aparna Sen: No I wouldn`t shoot in Australia. What`s happening there is deplorable.
Source: www.asianlite.co.uk on an article from IANS
Closed communities have always been an issue in Australia whether the group are Asian, Indian, Italian or Lebanese, it doesn’t matter. When groups decide to stay within their own culture and community, there is always a minority group that decides to take things into their own hands. Most Australians condemn these attacks on the Indian community while some have questioned their refusal to assimilate into Aussie society including members if Indian cultural groups within Australia.
Ignorance of each others cultural differences seems to be the issue at hand. When students and immigrants arrive in a new country, their experiences can become overwhelming to the point that they create a homelike community within their new country. It is not that they wish nothing to do with their new home, but at times are made to feel unwelcome often in error. This creates a tension that ultimately leads to clashes of cultures and unfortunately sometimes attacks like those that we have seen recently.
On a recent game show based on the original concept of WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, an Indian contestant was asked if he had seen the recent film SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. Confessing that he had not, he also brought up a point that his supervisor and work colleagues often called him slumdog at the office. Everyone had a laugh, including the contestant and the game continued. To those unaware of Australian humour, this may seem derogatory and degrading, but to those who understand the Aussie culture this is often a way of saying 'We think your OK.'
These attacks should be condemned for what they are – A small minority of ignorant fools who are unwilling to accept anything that might change their status quo. The cycle of fear is their weapon and they thrive on scaring others. These people are cowards who refuse to stand up in the light of day but run around in the shadows too scared to show their faces. But when you decide to stay away because these people have upset you, then you let them win. Bullies only win if you let them.
In Bollywood, here is what the filmmakers had to say about using Australia either professionally or as a leisure destination
Kalpana Lajmi: It is indeed extremely unfortunate. But I don`t hold the the entire Australian nation responsible. If my film requires an Australian backdrop, I wouldn`t hesitate to shoot there.
Anees Bazmi: Being a true Indian and a human being, I condemn these acts of violence. My conscience won`t permit me to shoot in Australia.
Sajid Nadiadwala: No I won`t shoot in Australia. And why only Australia? I won`t have any relations with any country that disrespects Indians.
Ken Ghosh: I definitely won`t shoot in Australia. These attacks are very surprising. I always found them (Australians) to be very friendly.
Subhash Ghai: Certainly (I won`t shoot there) until Australia gives full respect and protection to Indian students.
Sujoy Ghosh: Yup I`d shoot. And maybe carry a couple of hockey sticks to beat those racists.
Siddharth Anand: My entire film "Salaam Namastey" and "Ta Ra Rum Pum" were shot in Australia. I strongly condemn what`s happening there. As of now I`d still like to believe Australia is a very friendly nation. The people there have been very warm and hospitable. But something drastic has to be done to stop these attacks. Until then I`d definitely be in two minds about shooting in Australia.
Pritish Nandy: Yes I`d shoot in Australia. Just as I would shoot in Goa despite the murder of Scarlett Keeling and other foreign tourists. We shoot in locations that suit the script. We can`t take patriotism to such absurd lengths.
Satish Kaushik: Shoot in Australia? Not at all. Why should we celebrate the beauty of a country when the heart of certain people in that country is not beautiful? They should learn from us. Atithi devo bhava.
Kabir Khan: It`s very important to make a distinction between prejudices practiced by a government and racist attacks by some disgruntled lunatics. However to show our disapproval of the attacks, it`d better not to shoot in Australia at the moment.
Ravi Chopra: No, definitely not. If our kids are not welcome, I don`t want to be any part of Australia.
Jagmohan Mundhra: Even though I think most Australians are not racists, the frequency of attacks on Indian students is a matter of concern. As a mark of protest I won`t shoot in Australia until the government takes a firm stand against racial violence and sets an example by giving severe punishments to the perpetrators of these attacks.
Tarun Mansukhani: No, considering the inaction by the Australian government against racial abuse, I wouldn`t shoot in Australia. I don`t think we should consider any joint venture with Australia until we get the same protection provided to their citizens. Indian students in Australia are a source of revenue for the Australian government. In exchange, the least we expect them to do is safeguard our lives.
Sajid Khan: I feel an entire nation can`t be tarred because of a handful of extremists. We`ll only make these elements stronger by being scared. At the same time we want to see Australia take action against hate attacks. Until then I won`t shoot in Australia to show my solidarity with Indians who are attacked anywhere in the world.
Vipul Shah: Shoot in Australia? Not at all. I`m shocked by their hatred. That their so-called progressive culture can be so bigoted is unbelievable. Australia must know we are united in fighting those who attack one of us. We`ll make them change their attitude.
Zoya Akhtar: I won`t visit Australia till the government takes drastic steps to stop the violence.
Vikram Bhatt: I`m deeply angered. In fact, I was planning a film in Australia, no more.
Kunal Kohli: (Amitabh) Bachchan`s refusal to accept the doctorate should be the starting point for us all to take similar action. I definitely will not shoot in Australia till the attacks are stopped and definite laws are implemented to prevent such attacks.
Madhu Mantena: I`ve been encouraging friends abroad to shoot in Mumbai after 26/11. By the same yardstick we can`t give up Australia because of a few demented individuals.
Abbas-Mustan: It would be a risk for the entire cast to shoot in Australia given the present circumstances.
Bunty Walia: Nope. A country that doesn`t look after my countrymen will never figure in my work and leisure scheme
Priyadarshan: No I wouldn`t shoot in Australia even if my script required.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali: What is happening to our children in Australia is unforgivable and goes beyond the interests of art and culture. I wouldn`t want to shoot in Australia until they sort this matter out. And why go to a hostile country when our country is so beautiful?
Madhur Bhandarkar: First ensure the safety of our boys, then we`ll see about shooting in Australia. What guarantee is there for anyone`s life in a country where a handful of people are terrorizing foreigners? Given the circumstances I don`t want to risk my cast and crew`s life in Australia.
Aparna Sen: No I wouldn`t shoot in Australia. What`s happening there is deplorable.
Source: www.asianlite.co.uk on an article from IANS
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