Bollywood calling...

‘Beauty with a purpose,’ we’ve all heard that one before; and Bollywood - that’s how purported it would ever get. But ‘Celebrity with a purpose,’ now that’s a first. And Mama Mia what a purpose this one has turned out to be! One that has the government and the nation sit up and take notice overnight.

It’s been almost close to a decade now that the Narmada Bachao Aandolan (NBA) has been in existence. Countless peaceful protests, rallies and fasts later the issue continued to course its way through a rocky terrain of apathy and hopelessness. Like a mannequin in a window display prompting customers to come and buy, the issue was seen in every possible light by all but heard by none. There simply was just no buy-in from the government.

Tirelessly and with unflinching dedication team Medha Patkar put up a tough fight in realizing their cause – that of rehabilitation of the project affected farmers due to the increased height of the dam. And YET all their pleas fell on deaf ears and their efforts, like pollen, scattered by the wind of inaction onto unyielding barren land.

And then one day, just when about almost everybody had begun to accept the status-quo on the issues that were, something changed.

The issue was the same, but this time around there had been an addition to the numbers of those that had until now supported it vociferously. Support came from entirely unexpected quarters - a Bollywood superstar! Needless to say, things haven’t quite been the same again with the NBA.

With Aamir Khan lending his name to the NBA, the issue has now suddenly become the cynosure of national attention. Not surprisingly it has found its way back to making headlines on page one of the national dailies.

To say that Aamir has brought back the spotlight squarely on brass-tacks of the issue, would be to undermine the efforts of Medha Patkar. Medha Patkar is an essential and inseparable part of the NBA. A fine example she is of character and purpose in relentlessly pursuing this cause. But the fact remains that star-power outshines the brilliance of character and the steadfastness of purpose radiated by socially-conscious individuals who’re out to make a difference. In deciding to throw his lot-in with those championing the NBA struggle, Aamir has unequivocally pledged to seek answers from the powers that be, in his right as a citizen of India first and a star only later. Eulogized as a well-read ‘thinking-actor,’ candid yet media shy and doggedly possessive about his personal life, he has steered clear of controversies even given his forthright manner of speech; traits that give him instantaneous credibility and buy-in, especially whilst espousing the NBA cause.

Much as I believe that this is no cheap publicity generating gimmick (as some have critiquingly insinuated) on Aamir’s part – an actor of his caliber and showing doesn’t need to stoop to such levels, it’s a telling observation however, that in today’s times it’s not about the issue, rather it’s about who is espousing it that could make all the difference. And that is why an actor of the status of Aamir Khan lending his name to the NBA means so much to those campaigning for it. The fame, public affection and recognition afforded to these personalities make each of them powerful beyond reason in ways even they themselves can ever fathom. And it is this power that speaks when the personality behind it decides to champion a cause; a power with a voice so powerful that one cannot but sit alert and take note of what is being said as is now happening with the NBA and as did happen with the passage of the 1993 ‘Oprah Bill’ into law on the National Child Protection Act, initiated by Oprah Winfrey.

What matters here is not just the final outcome but also the decisions that led to it, for it is these that would eventually ratify its unanimous acceptance or widespread rejection.

…which brings me to state that each of us have the power to make a difference but what differentiates us is the way we echo that power. With celebrities, it’s a trifle more easy as the echo gets sounded over a wider latitude and a million times louder. And therein lies the magic of stardom – that of having the power to alter accepted mindsets and mould opinions by playing God in creating that which seems unthinkable.

Here’s then to Aamir. Kudos to him for picking up the gauntlet. May his tribe increase!!!