Saturday, October 3, 2009

Mumbai or Bombay? What's in the name?


“Ae dil hai mushkil jeena yaha jara hat kar jara bach kar yeh hai bambai meri jaan” A song from old hindi classic ‘CID’ which and many other song depicts the true character of the city. I have to take care of now as I can’t sing this song in my country, because there is no city in India named as ‘BOMBAY’. Recently released ‘Wake up Sid’ has entangled in the controversy over using Bombay 12 times in movie instead of Mumbai. Producers have done the biggest sin on the earth. Biggest surprise was the way the producer has repented by apologizing to the self proclaimed GOD of Marathis.
After 62 years of Independence, What kind of law and order situation prevails in our country, I am pointless. If someone has any problem with the use of word ‘Bombay’ than there is police and court to report that objection but as they are the self posted whole sole leader of Marathis, their ego hurts if they go to police and court, according to them it should be other way round.
From the K-Jo’s and Film unit’s point of view, if there movie screening has been installed than they should have gone to police. But they choose the safest option to drive through the residence of chief. Producer apologized to him, God became happy as it shows the strong position they hold in the state.
Why there is so much fuss about name of the city? Are we not confident that if we continue with the name given by angrej to city, our culture/patriotism will vanish? Ok, now the name has changed, but is there any rule or ban by law not to use old name, than change the name of IIT BOMBAY, IIT MADRAS and many other.
Though, it’s true that we should not hurt the sentiments of masses especially this theory apply to the public figure but what about freedom of expression? Next time each producer should have a special screening before release to these powerful people, and should secure their blessing. Otherwise it is tough to run their show.
If someone wants to start political career in my state Rajasthan, what should be his/her entry strategy. They should invoke sentiments of masses. There is one trap in Rajasthan; there are different dialects in Rajasthan – Hadauti, Shekhawati, Marwari, Mewari etc. So based on language the invoking sentiments will be tough task. So what can be other point?