Showing posts with label Amartya Sen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amartya Sen. Show all posts
Shaukat Kaifi didn’t have a calculating bone in her body-Anjum Rajabali
7:53 AM
Screenwriter Anjum Rajabali recalls fond memories of Shaukat Kaifi, who passed away at her home in Juhu yesterday
Reema Gehi (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 23, 2019)
Theatre artiste and actress Shaukat Kaifi passed away in her home in Juhu at 5 pm on Friday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Kaifi, the mother of actress Shabana Azmi and cinematographer Baba Azmi, was 91 and had been unwell for some time. Her funeral procession will leave from 25, Janki Kutir, at 3 pm today, and end at Sunni Kabrastan, four Bungalows.
An anecdote that still fills screenwriter Anjum Rajabali’s heart to the brim is one that the inimitable actor Shabana Azmi shared after the launch of her mother Shaukat Kaifi’s autobiography, ‘Kaifi and I’. The book, the motley crew learnt, was lauded by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. The launch was to be followed by lunch and a particularly pleased Shaukat aapa (as she was fondly addressed) changed soon enough into a beautiful saree. Her daughter apparently commented, ‘No one changes just for a simple lunch!’ And pat came Shaukat aapa’s response, ‘Yes, but not everyone gets a message for their book by someone like Amartya Sen’. “That was Shaukat aapa for you,” says Rajabali, also a close friend of her son and daughter-in-law Baba and Tanvi Azmi. “She always had this child-like innocence.”
This attribute shone in the play ‘Kaifi Aur Main’ – her book that was adapted for the stage in 2006, on the fourth death anniversary of Kaifi Azmi – and where her daughter essayed the role of Shaukat, while her husband, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, essayed the role of the iconoclast Kaifi Azmi. The play was directed by Ramesh Talwar and produced by the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA). Both Kaifi and Shaukat were greatly involved in the activities of IPTA Bombay, as it was known then. For many years, the couple lived with their two children in a rather tiny accommodation provided by the Communist Party of India. Kaifi, Shaukat and their children shared the apartment with three other families, who like them had communist leanings and interests in theatre as well as cinema. Through them, Shaukat was drawn to theatre and films. Although she’s known for her role as Khanum Jaan in the 1981-film Umrao Jaan, Shaukat played an instrumental part in quite few of Prithviraj Kapoor’s Prithvi Theatre – she acted in Shakuntala and Deewar, and IPTA Bombay’s Dhani Banke, Africa Jawan Pareshan, Aazar ka Khwab and Tanhai.
But according to Rajabali, “it’s her generosity, openness and sense of humour which truly stands out.” “She wasn’t merely Kaifi Azmi’s wife or Shabana Azmi’s mother; she was a great achiever in her own right,” he insists. When Kaifi saab’s work in cinema picked up, the family’s fortunes changed, “but their homes were still an open house; and it was Shaukat aapa who was really the soul.”
“The ease and generosity with which I have seen her interact with people coming from such humble backgrounds is the same as she would interact with the intellectuals, writers, theatrewallas and filmmakers,” says Rajabali. “She didn’t have a calculating bone in her body. All her relationships were personal. With each person, she had a unique emotional equation. She remembered everyone’s peculiarities, including mine.”
(clockwise) Shaukat, Baba, Tanvi, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar
Priyanka Chopra to address 1,500 youngsters in Delhi on December 26 as UNICEF Global Goodwill ambassador
7:50 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 15, 2017)
Priyanka Chopra, who arrives in Mumbai over the weekend, will address a gathering of 1,500 youngsters in the Capital on December 26 as UNICEF Global Goodwill ambassador.
The literary event is in its 11th year and has had leaders like the Dalai Lama, Amartya Sen, Thomas Friedman, Amitabh Bachchan, Dan Brown, and Ruskin Bond address the gathering in the past.
The actress has wrapped up the mid-season finale of her American TV show Quantico and will take off for a five-day vacation with her family and close friends on New Year’s Eve.
While in India, PeeCee will be heading to her hometown of Bareilly where she will be awarded an honorary doctorate from her University.
The Censor Board seems insecure and foolish-Nandana Sen on cuts ordered in Amartya Sen's documentary
7:31 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 14, 2017)
The war of words between the Censor Board and filmmaker Suman Ghosh over his documentary, The Argumentative Indian, has heated up. Infamous for its regressive attitude, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ordered Ghosh to beep out the words cow, Hindu, Hindutva and Gujarat from the documentary on Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen.
When mid-day contacted Sen’s daughter, Nandana, the actress expressed shock at the latest directive. Sen said, “It’s laughable, really, and rather embarrassing for the Censor Board. I think they look extremely foolish and insecure with this move.”
While the CBFC has received a lot of flak for its decision, chairman Pahlaj Nihalani remains undeterred. “This is our job... The director or producer can go to the Tribunal or the advisory committee [if they object].”
Meanwhile, Ghosh refused to adhere to the cuts suggested by the board, saying he will move the Court if the need arises. When mid-day connected with Ghosh yesterday, the director said he wouldn’t abide by the demands of the Board. “I have put my foot down and conveyed it to them that I will make no changes,” he had said.
I will make no changes in my Amartya Sen documentary-Suman Ghosh on Censor diktats
7:42 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (July 13, 2017)
The Central Board of Film
Certification has denied certification to Suman Ghosh's documentary on
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, titled The Argumentative Indian, raising
objections to words like 'cow', 'Gujarat', 'Hindu' and 'Hindutva' used
by the economist in an interview that features in the film.
Ghosh has been asked by the CBFC to mute these words in the documentary on the plea that their usage would “damage the country's image“. The filmmaker said, “Films like Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha have generated controversies. But I never quite imagined that a documentary which does not have a script would face the same treatment. Moreover, when the words which have been uttered by a person of such international stature are being deleted, then it only shows up to what extent things can go. As a first hand witness to such a thing, I can only say I am a bit shocked.“
The hour-long documentary, structured as a free-flowing conversation between Sen, his student and economics professor Kaushik Basu, has already been screened in New York and London. It had a special screening in Kolkata on Monday and was scheduled to release on Friday.
--------------------------
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2017)
Borrowing its name from Amartya Sen’s most lauded work, The Argumentative Indian, a documentary on the Nobel Laureate by Florida-based economist Suman Ghosh, might not see the light of the day. Following its preliminary screening at the local office of the Central Board of Film Certification in Kolkata, the documentary was not granted clearance since it included the words, Gujarat, cow, Hindutva and Hindu. Should Ghosh want his film to hit screens, he must eliminate the words, the CBFC informed.
Citing the archaic laws of the board, the hapless filmmaker tells mid-day, “Apparently, the CBFC has a list of words that cannot be used in any film. This list, just like the archaic [Cinematography] Act, probably dates back 50-years. The discussion happened on Tuesday, and a written document directing me about the further course of action is yet to reach me.”
Ghosh was informed that any material that may appear derogatory towards a particular race or culture is objectionable. The words in question, he says, fall within this category for the board. “I tried to reason with them, but wasn’t successful. They objected to the word Gujarat, because they felt a particular community has been singled out. I told them that my film is a documentary, and the Gujarat riots took place in Gujarat, not anywhere else.”
Failing to see reason in their recommendations, Ghosh says he refused to oblige them. “I will make no changes to the documentary and will contest what they have said. If all fails, I will approach the Court. But, I won’t change anything.”
The portion that the board has objected to is a lecture given by Sen at Cornell University, in which he states, “Why democracy works so well is that the government is not free to have its own stupidities, and in case of Gujarat its own criminalities, without the opposition being howled down and booted out.” Ghosh admits that he hasn’t spoken to Sen about the CBFC’s decision, but believes he wouldn’t be in favour of the move. “I am assuming he won’t exactly be happy about it. He is one of the greatest minds of our time. He shouldn’t have to measure his words.”
Meanwhile, Sen’s daughter Nandana, was unable to comment since she was travelling.
The Central Board of Film
Certification has denied certification to Suman Ghosh's documentary on
Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, titled The Argumentative Indian, raising
objections to words like 'cow', 'Gujarat', 'Hindu' and 'Hindutva' used
by the economist in an interview that features in the film.Ghosh has been asked by the CBFC to mute these words in the documentary on the plea that their usage would “damage the country's image“. The filmmaker said, “Films like Udta Punjab, Lipstick Under My Burkha have generated controversies. But I never quite imagined that a documentary which does not have a script would face the same treatment. Moreover, when the words which have been uttered by a person of such international stature are being deleted, then it only shows up to what extent things can go. As a first hand witness to such a thing, I can only say I am a bit shocked.“
The hour-long documentary, structured as a free-flowing conversation between Sen, his student and economics professor Kaushik Basu, has already been screened in New York and London. It had a special screening in Kolkata on Monday and was scheduled to release on Friday.
--------------------------
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2017)
Borrowing its name from Amartya Sen’s most lauded work, The Argumentative Indian, a documentary on the Nobel Laureate by Florida-based economist Suman Ghosh, might not see the light of the day. Following its preliminary screening at the local office of the Central Board of Film Certification in Kolkata, the documentary was not granted clearance since it included the words, Gujarat, cow, Hindutva and Hindu. Should Ghosh want his film to hit screens, he must eliminate the words, the CBFC informed.
Citing the archaic laws of the board, the hapless filmmaker tells mid-day, “Apparently, the CBFC has a list of words that cannot be used in any film. This list, just like the archaic [Cinematography] Act, probably dates back 50-years. The discussion happened on Tuesday, and a written document directing me about the further course of action is yet to reach me.”
Ghosh was informed that any material that may appear derogatory towards a particular race or culture is objectionable. The words in question, he says, fall within this category for the board. “I tried to reason with them, but wasn’t successful. They objected to the word Gujarat, because they felt a particular community has been singled out. I told them that my film is a documentary, and the Gujarat riots took place in Gujarat, not anywhere else.”
Failing to see reason in their recommendations, Ghosh says he refused to oblige them. “I will make no changes to the documentary and will contest what they have said. If all fails, I will approach the Court. But, I won’t change anything.”
The portion that the board has objected to is a lecture given by Sen at Cornell University, in which he states, “Why democracy works so well is that the government is not free to have its own stupidities, and in case of Gujarat its own criminalities, without the opposition being howled down and booted out.” Ghosh admits that he hasn’t spoken to Sen about the CBFC’s decision, but believes he wouldn’t be in favour of the move. “I am assuming he won’t exactly be happy about it. He is one of the greatest minds of our time. He shouldn’t have to measure his words.”
Meanwhile, Sen’s daughter Nandana, was unable to comment since she was travelling.
Bollywood's brightest on whom they'd want to swap places with...
8:33 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 18, 2016)
SHABANA AZMI: Sen-sational fan
I have no desire to swap places with anyone but I've admired many people. I have an abiding respect for Amartya Sen and consider myself fortunate to be a part of a select group of people called the Kolkata Group with whom he interacts for two days every year on different issues. To be around the Nobel laureate is a learning experience in the same way I imagine it must have been for people who interacted with Jawaharlal Nehru. He has a razor-sharp intellect and an easy charm. I am his fan.
I have no desire to swap places with anyone but I've admired many people. I have an abiding respect for Amartya Sen and consider myself fortunate to be a part of a select group of people called the Kolkata Group with whom he interacts for two days every year on different issues. To be around the Nobel laureate is a learning experience in the same way I imagine it must have been for people who interacted with Jawaharlal Nehru. He has a razor-sharp intellect and an easy charm. I am his fan.
SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT: Master class with Irrfan Khan
I'm in complete awe of Irrfan Khan for his craft. I would want to get into his mind to understand how he does what he does on screen. I've met him a couple of times and was shocked when he admired my work in Detective Byomkesh Bakshy. I haven't had the time to converse with him. To understand human emotions and express them in nuanced ways, one needs a master class with him.
KAREENA KAPOOR : It's all about sole mates
I think stepping into the shoes of anyone who's wearing a Louboutin would be a great idea. On a more serious note, I'm comfortable in my own shoes. I respect everybody's work, but wouldn't want to be someone else.
ABHAY DEOL: In Daniel Day-Lewis's shoes
There are two celebs for me - Philip Seymour Hoffman and Daniel Day-Lewis. On second thoughts, I wouldn't want to step into Hoffman's shoes as he was hooked on heroin and it eventually took his life. Lewis's shoes would be pretty cool to wear given his distinctive style of method acting.
ALI ZAFAR: Romancing Dilip Kumar
I have always admired Dilip Kumar for the romance in his eyes, his body language and the way he delivered his dialogues. If someday I could be in his place, I'd recreate some of those roles that he portrayed on screen. He's my all-time favourite actor.
SONAKSHI SINHA: Gaga over Gaga
I want to be in Lady Gaga's shoes. Apart from being an immensely talented singer, she has designed an entire persona which has made her the phenomenon she is today. She creates everything, whether it's her music, lyrics and choreography for her songs, the outfits she wears, the stage decor and even the lights.
She's an all rounder in the true sense of the word and I am in awe of her.
KANGANA RANAUT: Stalking Gulzar's mind!
It has to be Gulzar saab, he's amazing! I'd stalk his mind, brush up on my Urdu so I can express myself as beautifully as he does.The reason he fascinates me is because coming from Pakistan to India, post-Partition, he has seen all that I have only read about. A journey through his mind would be fascinating...
Rang Rasiya is not about sex and nudity-Nandana Sen
12:14 PM
Nandana Sen on the film she's returning to India to champion, her real life love story and more A perky bloke moved from London to New York to marry a cranky girl
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 27, 2014)
How does it feel to be back with Rang Rasiya, a film that has been in the cans for six years?
It feels just like Diwali should a new and auspicious beginning for our film, a burst of music, a celebration of lights, color and love. I will be cheering it on in person. It's a very special and courageous film. And I will champion it in every way I can.
Buzz is, you told the filmmakers that they cannot release any publicity stills without your consent?
No such thing. Ketan (director Ketan Mehta) and I have always been on the same page (Laughs). We were both bewildered to read this fictitious news. Since I keep being asked about it, let me clear it once and for all - I've never asked to see the publicity content nor was any ever sent to me. I have complete confidence in the team and in our beautiful film.
Rang Rasiya has been in the news for its nude and intimate scenes. Are you comfortable with them coming out or do you want some deletions?
It would be so ironic to censor myself in a film that criticises censorship, wouldn't it? Rang Rasiya focuses on art and freedom, not sex and nudity. The moment for examining my comfort level came before I accepted the role. It was not an easy decision. I took time to think it over and to discuss it with my hugely supportive family. Ketan was extremely sensitive to my queries and needs. By the time I said yes, I had overcome all my fears. And I'm just as committed to Rang Rasiya and every scene in it now as I was then. It is an important and exceptional film. I am proud to be a part of it.
What do you think are its box-office prospects?
I'm no box-office guru. I can't pretend to understand its temperament.But I can confidently say that Rang Rasiya is a unique film, with a moving story, a strong conscience, stunning visuals, and fabulous music all the stuff I look for when I go to the cinema!
People in the industry are saying that after playing Lakshmi and Saraswati, you've become a goddess for real following your marriage to Penguin CEO John Makinson...
I have grown up worship ping both Goddesses, especially Saraswati who is our family deity. But I love being human, with all my flaws and follies!
All the world loves a love story, so tell us about John and yours?
How about this: A perky bloke moved from London to New York to marry a cranky girl.
Those who know him say John has the same sharp intellect, warmth, dignity and humour as your father, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen. Do the two of them get along well?
I don't see any resemblance there. John is poetic, nerdy and incurably goofy. Penguin publishes my father's works, so they have known each other fondly for years.
You're writing a children's book, any plans for a memoir?
The children's book, Kangaroo Kiss, is inspired by my five-year-old niece Hiya. As for writing a memoir, my life has not been interesting or long enough to merit one yet. But I might do so one day.
You have written a number of scripts, one of them on a father-daughter relationship. Is it autobiographical?
I believe everything we write is inspired and informed by our experiences in some way or form. But there is nothing directly autobiographical about the script.
Has Bollywood lost you or are you still open to offers? What about Bengali films?
My next Bengali film is based on a Tagore story I love. I'd love to do more films my kind of films in India. Much has changed in the last few years. We have directors like Rajkumar Hirani, Pradeep Sarkar and Rakeysh Mehra whose films captivate a wide audience, who are not afraid to break the mould. I'm drawn to their films because they change the way we look at ourselves without being preachy.
It feels just like Diwali should a new and auspicious beginning for our film, a burst of music, a celebration of lights, color and love. I will be cheering it on in person. It's a very special and courageous film. And I will champion it in every way I can.
Buzz is, you told the filmmakers that they cannot release any publicity stills without your consent?
No such thing. Ketan (director Ketan Mehta) and I have always been on the same page (Laughs). We were both bewildered to read this fictitious news. Since I keep being asked about it, let me clear it once and for all - I've never asked to see the publicity content nor was any ever sent to me. I have complete confidence in the team and in our beautiful film.
Rang Rasiya has been in the news for its nude and intimate scenes. Are you comfortable with them coming out or do you want some deletions?
It would be so ironic to censor myself in a film that criticises censorship, wouldn't it? Rang Rasiya focuses on art and freedom, not sex and nudity. The moment for examining my comfort level came before I accepted the role. It was not an easy decision. I took time to think it over and to discuss it with my hugely supportive family. Ketan was extremely sensitive to my queries and needs. By the time I said yes, I had overcome all my fears. And I'm just as committed to Rang Rasiya and every scene in it now as I was then. It is an important and exceptional film. I am proud to be a part of it.
What do you think are its box-office prospects?
I'm no box-office guru. I can't pretend to understand its temperament.But I can confidently say that Rang Rasiya is a unique film, with a moving story, a strong conscience, stunning visuals, and fabulous music all the stuff I look for when I go to the cinema!
People in the industry are saying that after playing Lakshmi and Saraswati, you've become a goddess for real following your marriage to Penguin CEO John Makinson...
I have grown up worship ping both Goddesses, especially Saraswati who is our family deity. But I love being human, with all my flaws and follies!
All the world loves a love story, so tell us about John and yours?
How about this: A perky bloke moved from London to New York to marry a cranky girl.
Those who know him say John has the same sharp intellect, warmth, dignity and humour as your father, Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen. Do the two of them get along well?
I don't see any resemblance there. John is poetic, nerdy and incurably goofy. Penguin publishes my father's works, so they have known each other fondly for years.
You're writing a children's book, any plans for a memoir?
The children's book, Kangaroo Kiss, is inspired by my five-year-old niece Hiya. As for writing a memoir, my life has not been interesting or long enough to merit one yet. But I might do so one day.
You have written a number of scripts, one of them on a father-daughter relationship. Is it autobiographical?
I believe everything we write is inspired and informed by our experiences in some way or form. But there is nothing directly autobiographical about the script.
Has Bollywood lost you or are you still open to offers? What about Bengali films?
My next Bengali film is based on a Tagore story I love. I'd love to do more films my kind of films in India. Much has changed in the last few years. We have directors like Rajkumar Hirani, Pradeep Sarkar and Rakeysh Mehra whose films captivate a wide audience, who are not afraid to break the mould. I'm drawn to their films because they change the way we look at ourselves without being preachy.
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