Past is Past!!!!!!

I watched a CNN-IBN today about the state of RK film studios. The sad state of affairs really made me think as to how far and uncaringly has Indian Cinema gone into the future. What was once the landmark of Mumbai for decades is now another rundown studio which people dont even give a second glance. The same place where a genius called Raj Kapoor had grafted some films which would establish him and his ideas as the cornerstones of the film industry in the country. But, sadly after his death in 1989, the studio has not recovered and today it is facing stagnation and possible elimination.

Have we as Indians moved so far into the future that we cannot even consider the golden past? Today, India is defined by all the Dhooms, the Rang De Basantis as well as other glitzy production films. But, India was put on the world stage because of some of the ideas that originated out of this studio 40-50 years ago. Films like Shri 420, Mera Naam Joker are not world renown, but they have managed to capture the Indian Ethos in ways that the present generation is still using those techniques. Who can ever forget this song "Mera Jhootha hain Japani, yeh Pathloon Englistani", which caused an uproar in the Soviet Parliament at that time. Raj Kapoor's ideas captured the essence of India and the people in a certain way, but now he would be a very sad soul looking at his flagship stagnating.

Many people say that Bollywood is a money making enterprise and that the Past is the Past. The condition of RK Studios is proof of that. It shows us that the Indian film industry goes well ahead into the future, without considering the glories of the past. Maybe, people have to hope, for the Great Man Raj Kapoor himself sang in 'Mera naam Joker', "Kal Khel mein, hum ho na ho, Gardhish mein Tareh rahenge sada". It is with that line that we hope that RK film studios is rejuvenated, for if not, Indian Cinema may loose one of its most revered symbols.