Politics not my cup of tea: Malayalam filmmaker Balachandra Menon
New Delhi: Politics is a field best suited for "great people with extraordinary skills and human qualities", says veteran Malayalam filmmaker Balachandra Menon.
In an interview, Menon said, "Politics is not my cup of tea. I was invited in 1984 by Congress leader and former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran to contest parliament elections. My approach to politics is very serious. It must be handled by great people with extraordinary skills and human qualities. I feel I don't have qualities of that sort."
However, he said it doesn't mean he is an "escapist running away from realities".
"I am aware of my social obligations and commitments, which I express through my medium -- films. I never maligned the sanctity of cinema in my career. I always selected themes and made films with the fervent hope that they will never demoralise viewers.
This year, Menon, known as a "single-man industry", has made it to the Limca Book of Records for the maximum number of films directed, scripted and acted in.
Having helmed his first film at the age of 23, Menon has directed/scripted/acted in 29 films of the 36 films directed by him. He is now working on his 30th movie, "Ennalum Sarath", which he feels is also a "record of sorts" considering he has cast nine directors of Malayalam cinema as actors in the movie.
What has been his driving force?
"Competitive spirit is a driving force that keeps life going with a thrill. To be number one is a feeling planted and nursed in one's mind by others. But it is a totally different feeling when you achieve it in the same field which is your main hub of activity," said the 64-year-old Padma Shri awardee.
What is his take on the debate over freedom of expression in Indian cinema today?
"Today, the censor board is a toothless organ. They must be equipped with more administrative powers to enforce their deliberations. The selection of board members has to be more serious, vigilant and quality-based, free from communal and political interference," He replied.
As for his own journey in Malayalam filmdom, Menon said, "I was and I am a loner."
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CM Siddaramaiah to withdraw all cases against pro-Kannada activists
Bengaluru, Jan 27 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday that all cases registered against pro-Kannada activists will be withdrawn.
The CM was addressing a gathering at the unveiling of the 25-feet-tall bronze statue of Bhuvaneshwari, the goddess who represents the Karnataka state identity, on the premises of the Vidhana Soudha.
The statue of Bhuvaneshwari, which was sculpted at an approximate cost of Rs 21.24 crore is 41-feet-tall including the pedestal, and weighs around 31.5 tonne.
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While speaking at the event, although he acknowledged that one must love and embrace all languages, the CM said, in Karnataka, Kannadigas should follow the culture of speaking and interacting with “their brothers and other speakers” in Kannada.
“Instead of speaking incorrectly in other languages, we should speak our own language. In all our neighbouring states, the language spoken by the people of the respective state is sovereign. This should be practiced here, too,” said Siddaramaiah.
Insisting that everyone in the state should develop respect for the Kannada language, culture and art, the CM called for more learning and teaching of reading and writing Kannada.
“Only then will Kannada become the sovereign language,” he added.
