Short Takes

GEORGE, THE GENTLE TYRANT
OM PURI’s soon to wow Mumbai and other centres, with his sensitive performance in East Is East, as the gentle tyrant, George Khan, the proud Pakistani chip shop owner based at Salford, England. Chengis to his kids, George rules his family with an iron hand, with the express intention of helping his kids grow into proud, upright Pakistanis in an alien land.

The mixture of comedy and drama intrinsic to the story, attracted Om to East Is East. “The film’s replete with a lot of dramatic moments as well as funny ones. And this is reflected in George — he’s both monstrously authoritarian and gently comic,” says Om. There’s an element of understated pathos to the man, as he quietly watches his world fall apart, while he himself seeks refuge in blind tradition. He’s neither strong enough nor educated enough to break out of the conservative mindset. And, to his eternal shame, his seven kids care two hoots for his blind allegiance to tradition, while his English wife, Ella (Linda Bassett), who holds the family together, is caught between love for husband and the right of her kids to make their own choices. Yet, after a fashion, they’re all endearingly loyal and attached to each other, which warms the very cockles of the viewer’s heart.

The film is a must-watch, and not just for Om Puri fans. For the latter, there’s good news, too. Miramax, which has gotten hold of the film, is to promote the film at next year’s Oscars in a big way, we hear. So who knows, an Oscar may yet come India’s way, after all.

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND A STONE
SANJAY DUTT, it seems, has discovered self-defence isn’t alibi enough to rough up an armed assailant. The assailant in this case, is a Mumbai autorickshaw driver. And the weapon he’s said to have brandished? A stone.

The altercation took place at Carter Road, Mumbai, on June 1, though the subequent ado in the media didn’t happen till June 12. Dutt says Satyen Jadhav, the rickshawman had overtaken his black Pajero, only to stop the rick in a hurry, pick up a stone, and rush towards the Pajero, shouting abuses. Dutt did try rolling down the windowpane, hoping the man would recognise him. Apparently, he didn’t, or if he did, he didn’t let on. And Dutt reckoned the best thing to do under the circumstances would be to confront the assailant, to save both himself and car.

Sanjay Dutt, we’re told, was remarkably restrained in his self-defence. And understandably, he’s had a fair measure of support for his action, including from Pappa Sunil Dutt, too, of course. Dutt Sr maintains he will in no way interfere with the investigations. “Let the law take its own course,” he says. But prodded further, he admits he’s surprised the incident wasn’t publicised until June 12, though it happened on June 1. “Putting two and two together, I dare say they’re making a hue and cry about it only because Sanju happens to be a politician’s son,” he says.

GODDESS OF JADOO
SHE’s the grand daughter of a prominent Telugu Desam Party leader, and the daughter of a prosperous businessman. But neither politics nor business caught much of her fancy. Yepp, films did. And after three films in the South, KEERTI REDDY’s now ready to take on the national limelight.

Keerti’s playing the jadoo that does poor Abhishek Bachchan in, in Vashu Bhagnani’s coming attraction, Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya. And it isn’t Bhagnani alone who’s been raving about her in recent times. Those who’ve seen her in her debut effort, in the title role in Nassar’s Tamil movie, Devatai (Goddess), vouch she has talent, lots of it. Add to talent both looks and sculpted Indian features, and you have the makings of a sensation. She proved her credentials all over again, holding her own against the likes of Prabhu Deva and Pawan Kalyan in two more films.
Keerti’s floored others besides Abhishek and Vashu with her jadoo. Rajiv Rai’s enlisted her, too, for a dream role that pits her against three suitors, Sunil Shetty, Arjun Rampal and Aftab Shivdasani. And so has Mukesh Bhatt, for a movie to be directed by Vikram Bhatt. Now, all that’s left to be seen is if the goddess of jadoo can bring an entire nation under her spell.

Shaju George Alex