It was yesterday that I happened to read a news titled 'Indian art sale at New York breaks artist records, nets Rs. 36 crore'. It was an art exhibition that had some of the prized Indian art collections on the block.
But there was a bigger news some three weeks back that had attaracted my attention is very different way. It was about the '85th Academy Awards' or the 'Oscars' held at Los Angeles which every year attracts attention of millions of movie fans the world over. Taiwanese director Ang Lee's movie 'Life of Pi' dominated and lead the Oscars with 4 awards and 11 nominations . It is was one of the successes for Indians at Oscars with 'Life of Pi' that narrates the journey of an Indian boy who survives a storm. Widely shot in India, the fantasy adventure drama stars young Delhi-based Suraj Sharma in the lead role, with acclaimed Indian actors Irrfan and Tabu seen in prominent roles in the movie. During his acceptance speech, Lee thanked his producers, 'Indian crew', Suraj and all technicians who worked on the movie. "Suraj, where are you," he said, and the cameras focussed on Suraj, who made his acting debut with the movie. And finally Lee wrapped up the speech saying "Namaste" in Hindi.
Anil Ambani's Reliance Entertainment co-produced American Civil War saga 'Lincoln', along with DreamWorks Studios and 20th Century Fox Film Corporation. The film bagged 2 awards with 12 nominations at Oscars. Audiences and critics have lauded the movie, which traces the last four months of the 16th American President's life and his efforts to end slavery in the United States.
There were many other Indian connections too. Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty was partly filmed last year in the north Indian city of Chandigarh and its Manimajra Market. Another major Oscar contender, David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook, features veteran Indian actor Anupam Kher a film which had 8 Oscar nominations.
Rather than just all these Indian connections to Oscars lets actually look forward to 'Indian films' dominating Oscars in the near future. But what actually all this points to is growing influence of India and its soft power on the world. Giants like China have been trying their level-best to create a positive image of their country across the world. They have spent millions of dollars with specially directed campaigns to achieve this purpose but in vain. But by its very nature of all-inclusiveness, embracement of good; India through its art, culture, cinema, society and societal values, democracy and many more which forms its Soft Power hasn't needed any campaign to create and spread this power of her across the world. But rather it has happened naturally and on its own...
I do remember reading the Anniversary Issue of dainik Pratyaksha of Year 2011. Dr. Aniruddha Joshi better known to us as Aniruddha Bapu is the Executive Editor of the newspaper. This issue had an article by an Indian who was Officer with Merchant Navy. His profession required him to travel him far and wide throughout the world and meet different people. In all the places he went, he witnessed the spread, acceptance and love for Indian culture, art, religion and way of life which was mainly propagated through Indian Cinema. This was observed not just with Indian expats but also with the locals. This article was the first instance when I was reading about the concept of 'Soft Power', its importance and influence and just how India has gained it naturally.
Yes, I too watched a short TED film on you tube presented by Shashi Tharoor on why india is a super power or inversly a Soft Power.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely article and a lovely concept of "Soft Power" Nice one Mihirsinh
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