Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Sour Grapes Mr Rushdie ?



It isn't too long ago since Salman Rushdie attacked the Oscar winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire' as being ridiculous. One reason for his disdain being that for a young man from the slums to actually succeed on the Indian version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (quote ) " beggars belief"
Last night we saw this film here in Berlin . It's amazing so I can't help but think Mr Rushdie is somewhat sour at the way in which truth is well portrayed in this work of fiction. It captures the spirit of India.
The late Jade Goody didn't win 'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire ', indeed much of her fame stemmed from lack of general knowledge ,but , she became a media star and Britain is now preparing for her huge televised ,public funeral. From the PM down , so many tributes are written . The numerous radio phone in programmes include those who rather like Rushdie find this all 'beggars belief'. Yet we have Stephan Fry likening her to :-
" a princess Di from the wrong side of the track "
It may beggar belief but believe it or not there is much coverage of Jade Goody here in Berlin.
Slumdog Millionaire has won eight Oscars. Do try and see it . Let me know your views .
As for Mr Rushdie and his books . Well for most of the public he is best known as the author who ,twenty years ago ,had an Islamic death sentence imposed on him . This by the Iranian government following publication of his Satanic Verses .
Sour grapes do not enhance your smile Mr Rushdie ! Nor does being born to wealth in Mumbai give you right to scorn the hopes,dreams and possible destiny of the underclass.

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