"Hogenakkal Water Dam project" - An instant buzz word in the media the last couple of weeks. The issue has managed to evoke a response from all quarters of the country.
The video posted below is a clip of Tamil film Superstar Rajnikant's speech during the fast that the tamil film fraternity observed to condemn the Karnataka government's denial to progress with the project.
The 'show-man & crowd puller' ('future election candidate') tends to eclipse in most parts of his speech the 'socially sensible and relevant' image that the actor could have portrayed.
Fragments of his talk:
"To make people listen and winning their respect by talking for a long time is difficult. Making them listen and respect by talking for a short time is even more difficult... I am pained by the recent developments. I wonder, Is there a government? Is there a supreme court? What do people want? Who will they listen to?
Truth...Justice... This will finally prevail! People are God! Ha...Wouldn't I know? (Thunderous applause follows. Any smart script writer would have penned the lines down to use them in his next movie)
I request all politicians. Don't work with the elections as your motive... Nip this off the bud... "
Frankly, one can never question the integrity or motives of Rajini. The effort by him and the film fraternity to bring out the importance of the issue is to be commended. But sadly, the way it has been put forward, considering the public and Karnataka government's reaction to his outburst is a pity. (Sample the nasty tussle between the Kannadigas and Tamilians in their comments on youtube where this clip's posted.Pathetic!)
Following Rajini's views, the Karnataka film industry was quick to retaliate by banning all Rajini movies and posters throughout the state. As usual effigies of the star were burnt (The public somehow always forget that Dussehra is a long time away!)
I wonder if this has helped in taking a step forward in the negotiations between the two states or has it actually made matters worse. In front of a mass gathering as the one above, the individual interests and ideals of the stars tend to over-shadow the issue concerned.
An endless ego trip pursues... (Apparently actor Satyaraj got all worked up at the enormous importance given to Rajini) How many of the people in that crowd of thousands would have actually taken in the depth of the situation? Star gazing was all that mattered to them.
A TV studio shoot or a representative from the industry meeting the governing people concerned would have served the purpose much better. Strong thoughts put forward without the individual's need to get the crowd's approval with a roar for every strong intonation that he makes. Heroism and unnecessary propaganda would not take centre-stage and the actual issue would reach out.
When will we stop appeasing ourselves?
