This story is from February 17, 2008

Our little Indiyeah!

Lakshmi Ajay / TNN / Feb 17, 2008, 00:00 IST

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In strife-torn times, the Hindi film fraternity reflects the real spirit of India. TOI offers snapshots....

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Still from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi GamMagnanimity thy name is Bollywood! For an industry which comes out with the maximum number of films each year, the Hindi film industry can boast of the fact that it has never witnessed any communal mud-slinging even when communal and regional bloodshed has bruised India.
The reason for its secularism stems from the fact that it has enveloped everyone in its fold irrespective of their lineage, religion or region.
Filmmaker Aziz Mirza, says, ��I think the Mumbai film fraternity is totally secular. Nobody bothers about where you are from or which religion you follow. Such things are immaterial to us. People always try to make films that give a canvas for the wide range of cultures of India and filmmakers try to portray India��s splendour without any bias. Politicians who indulge in region or religion-based politics should learn from the way the industry functions. I sincerely wish India becomes like our industry. You will find people from all over the country working here.The industry has always been of one voice when it comes to its people and their concerns.��
Cross-cultural marriages, secular storylines and a confluence of people from all over the country, the industry has been a testament to the fact that everyone can have Bollywood dreams. Musician Shaan opines, ��I think it is true for everyone who is involved with fine arts and performing arts.

Art is a universal medium. I��ve never faced any kind of regional politics or remotely known anyone who has faced any kind of divide within the industry. In other industries, there��s the politics that go behind getting deals and promotions, but in Bollywood, if you get lucky once then you could be ��the next big thing��. As a fraternity, we are truly secular.��
A study of Bollywood��s history is a study of unity in diversity. Bollywood��s open affiliation with its industry people was visible when it came out in open support of Sanjay Dutt, Salman Khan and Bharat Shah even during their most testing times. Film editor-turned-director Shirish Kunder shares his insights, ��Every industry has its own classifications. The Hindi film industry has never made any religion bifurcations excepting that of success and failure. Success and money are the only two things that drive this industry and the only things that are of interest to its people.��

Politicians and naysayers who are crying themselves hoarse and engaging themselves in the muddy pit of regional politics should take a leaf out of this $3 billion industry that sells Indian dreams to millions around the world. For some one who has just begun her innings in the film fraternity, Minissha Lamba endorses the fact that Bollywood is truly a great place to be in, ��I completely agree that Bollywood is secular. Actually I am proud to be from this industry as it is one place that truly welcomes everyone and is the one place where people from small towns can really make it big. And there is work for everyone. When it comes to espousing causes, or strikes the fraternity always unites.��
It��s for this remarkable secular spirit that Bollywood is a true reflection of the spirit of India.

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