Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Truth shall prevail...

I missed Aamir Khan's TV debut Satyamev Jayate on 6th May, but have caught up all the arguments made in its favor and against it. From what I gather, it is a talk show where Amir Khan takes on social issues in the Oprah Winfrey/Phil Donahue mode.  He invites guests who have been victims of the issue at hand, supports his arguments with facts and figures, and also sheds a tear at the right moment.
Aamir being the perfectionist that he is (perfectionist of just plain anal, its a matter of opinion) does everything perfectly. No one is complaining. Clearly, this concept is aimed at making the star seem human, he does not host game shows that offer money to people, but talks serious. He doesn't entertain, he educates.
The reviews for the show have been mixed. People who have liked it say it is refreshing after all the brain dead shows on TV, while people who didn't talk about how manipulative it is. From a vantage point, both arguments are valid. Compared to what passes off as entertainment on TV nowadays, and serious talk is nice, especially on a Sunday. But for it to be successful, it has to manipulate the emotions of the viewer, which all shows do. Aamir alone can't be faulted for it.
I haven't seen Satyamev Jayate, so I can't comment much on it. But the show brings to fore another aspect of Aamir, the social crusader. Of late, Aamir has turned his stardom to 'highlight' issues like the alienation of youth (Rang De Basanti), Kashmir (Fanaa), the education system (3 Idiots), burden of expectation on children (Taare Zameen Par). In addition, he has been his clout on many other non-filmi forums like appearing for coca-cola saying that its drinks are safe, meeting parents of dyslexic parents and also sharing his views on the education system, though these were for promotions. But in all honesty, Aamir has always had a serious side to him, which has never hidden. After the romantic success of QSQT, he did the gritty Raakh, was career suicide in filmy terms. He also did a socially conscious movie, Jawani Zindabad that talked about the dowry system and the girl child. But the entertainment scene of the 80s and 90s was different than the 2000s. Besides, the movies were bad and deserved to fail.
But the social crusader never left Aamir, and the 2000s have been a boon for him. He has been able to bring his socially conscious side to the fore. He took part in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, but when that didn't succeed, he has sought other avenues, albeit ones that are not as emotionally charged.
Which is good for the actor and Bollywood. Celebrities who are vocal about issues are rare in here, so having one who is successful is always good.
Though he has been denying it, in my opinion, Aamir is gearing up for a more prominent role for himself, probably in the political arena. It is one thing to take up social issues, but to follow up on your promise to take this matter further is different. Aamir is clearly seeing this as a stepping stone to a future role in politics, as a conscientious leader. But to be successful leader Aamir has to show not his bleeding heart, but his toughness.

3 comments:

Rupali R Sharma said...

A good post after a long time...

Unknown said...

Noob

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