Small mind Big mouth

Dear Jaya aunty,
What were you thinking ?
So Raj Thackray used your family's name as a shortcut to fame. And you happily walked into the trap and decided he even deserved a reply.
Then you do nothing to shut your party collegue Abu Asim Azmi up who it seems has taken an oath of fanning every possible divisive sentiment humans are capable of feeling.
And now this completely uncalled for controversy? When matters seemed to have settled for the time being.

I am sure you know what I am talking about aunty. For those who are not glued to the tele 24*7, let me explain.
It was a regular bollywood do. Film launch, everybody praising everybody else, saying how this was the best thing that could happen to them etc. Nothing out of the ordinary (the Bachchan's presence too is ordinary these days given their visibility of late).

And then comes that bolt from the blue.
"Kyoki hum UP se hai, hum Hindi mein bolenge. Maharashtra ke log hume maaf kar de"(laugh)
No we have not lost our sense of humor. But yes we have not lost our sense and sensitivity either.

There are a few things we must keep in mind when we analyse what seems like a light hearted dying-to-be-cheeky one liner.
First. This is an MP speaking at a public forum poking fun at an issue that is sensitive.

Second.Suddenly Hindi is a regional language spoken by people who come from UP.
Since when did that happen? I thought we all spoke the National Language. The one that seeks to be the unifying thread running through a diverse fabric we call Nation.

Third. She apologised to 'maharashtra ke log' (for either speaking in Hindi or belonging to UP. I guess both). And that drives home a vital point. She, in one irresponsible sweep, equated Raj Thackray's bigoted views to a sentiment shared by all Maharashtrians. Thats tragic. If this is how all 'Maharashtra ke log' thought she and her family would not be in business.

My suspicion is this may not have been a momentary laspe of reason, a spur of the moment joke. Raj Thackray is gaged till the end of this month by a police order. Aunty knew this is the best time to attack. So why not take a chance. Be brave while you can.

But aunty you hurt me. I loved your movies even though they were in Hindi. And I dont think the entire film industry or anybody for that matter should be apologetic about speaking in Hindi in Maharashtra. 'Maharashtra ke log' do not accept your apology. So save your sorries for later. Infact I feel sorry for you.

Love (though a little sour)
Prachi


You said tit
I said tat
you said this
and I that
oh! what a gentleman's game we played
my concience the ball
your soul the bat
-the struggling poet