I owe a big apology to script and dialogue writers of the various ‘…woods’ that make up India’s cinema world. Most films have a villain line-up with the regulation politician who, I thought, mouthed the most outlandish dialogues. In my ignorance and arrogance, I would snigger when the stiff, steely-eyed dhoti-achhkan clad character blew hot and cold with word and gesture.
But no more. The country’s Law Minister has opened my eyes to reality being stranger than fiction, and not just any kind but the difficult-to-emulate ‘filmy’ variety. What else do you make of Salman Khurshid saying he has had enough of working with ink, he wouldn’t mind diversifying into blood? Or, “Sure, IAC can come and target him in Farukkhabad, but how will it return?” And, then, “They (the IAC) say we will ask questions, and you answer them. I tell them, listen to our answer and forget about your questions.” I can see many dialogue writers nodding their heads in envy.
Farukkhabad may not be Mumbai or Delhi or Patna even, but should the Law Minister have so got carried away to make such statements and in public, too? Yes, strong-arm tactics have been very much a part of politics but such in-the-face reaction? This only shows up what our politicians can be in their neck of woods, especially if they are far from major cities with no media around to cramp their style.
As usual, the Minister has claimed that he has been quoted out of context, but trains to UP are booked solid as dialogue writers do not want to miss Khurshid’s next outing.