With all the ‘garma garam’ talk of hate and intolerance, I believe to the contrary that we are all born to love. That’s the reason Shahrukh Khan rules the roost because all he has to do is gaze lovingly into Kajol’s eyes and we’re all swooning. There’s romance always in the air. Our films are still about the ‘Rahuls’ and ‘Prems’ wooing their women even in their 50s. In today’s times, every gali mohalla, every house, every boy and girl dream about Cupid playing a matchmaker.
The only person who remains unscathed in this onslaught of love is the Indian politician. Laloo Prasad Yadav has 9 kids, but he and Rabri are never shown exchanging coy glances. Modi had turned his back on his wife who is religiously singing ‘main tulsi tere aangan ki’ everyday. Mamta Banerjee is as it is breathing fire at every ordinary instance, what to talk of love. Navjot Singh Sidhu and his wife have declared that their aim in life is to make people squirm in their seats. The only lovey dovey picture we have of them is when Sidhu was hospitalised. The only ray of hope in this uninspiring romantic scenario was the match of Sunanda Pushkar and Shashi Tharoor. Par usko bhi nazar lag gayi.
What adds to my frustration is when I watch Kate Middleton looking fabulous with Prince William and carrying out her official duties or Prince William lovingly cuddling up his son, the gorgeous Prince George. Why don’t we see such humane faces of Indian politicians? In fact, the whole air is so grim and electric when a VVIP netaji arrives: the speeding convoys, the red lights screeching, the commandos, the netaji getting out and perfunctorily greeting with a Namaste. It’s as if there’s no connect between the ruler and the ruled. It’s the British Raj in its desi avatar!
I think the reason why politics is dirty and treacherous is because we have compartmentalized it. Once you opt to be a politician its bye-bye to family time. It’s a goodbye to everything that keeps us normal and happy. No more watching films, no walk in the gardens, no eating golgappas on the roadside, no late night parties, no visiting friends and family. No wonder the Indian politician becomes so boring. The more puritanical he tries to become by being dedicated to ‘desh seva’, the more corrupt he becomes. The more fixated he gets on his political survival, the more rules he breaks.
So Netaji, let loose a button of your bandgala and let Life touch go with all its glory and eccentricity. Besides your excruciating task of garnering votes, managing ministries, attending rallies and building the nation, you could also hum softly to your spouse, “Tujhe dekha to yeh jana sanam, pyaar hota hai dewaana sanam”.
Because politics is just a profession. It’s not bigger than Life!
