Plastic Heroes

While trying to vote for NDTV's Indian of the Year, I was left disappointed looking at the list. I felt Aishwarya Rai's presence, Sanjay Dutt and Aamir Khan's presence with those like Ratan Tata and Mr. Mattoo, left me feel a bit sour. Here, were people who used their brains, fought hard and exhibited a determination that truly makes them a hero. Then, there were Ash , Aamir and Sanjay.

I remember watching a show on CNN-IBN called Citizen Khan and how annoying it was watching the show. Suddenly, Aamir Khan was synonymous with the ideal citizen. Why? Well, he starred in a movie that was the brainchild of an extremely good and creative director, ranted lines written by a dialogue writer and danced on music that was composed by a maestro in his own right. Aamir-the media shy person was being hailed as the citizen we should be looking up to and he even capitalised on that by supporting the Narmada Bachao Andolan. The very time he came on so many shows on the various news channels. Soon, everyone had forgotten about Medha Patkar who was fighting for this issue for many years. Ditto with Sanjay Dutt. The concept of Gandhigiri was actually thought by Rajkumar Hirani and Sanjay is the mere puppet. The same Sanjay Dutt is put on a list where there is Leander Paes who truly put India on the international sports map. Other than, acting in a movie such as Munnabhai, what else has he achieved? Yes, staying in jail for an year. Possessing arms and being convicted for it. Accused once under the TADA act. Sure, he is a hero.

Then, Ms. Aishwarya Rai. India and Bollywood's supposed ambassador.
I do not even want to write about her flings, ransom money packages, dumb giggles and the debacles on box office. Even, Sachin Tendulkar did not deserve to be on the list. Maybe, a Saina Nehwal who truly exhibited her sporting talenting and brought laurels to te country.

Well, there is no point even blaming NDTV. India is a country where heroes and heroism have different meanings.