I was speaking at this prominent B School in Pune about how Media - especially Movies can impact a society and do we Indians see life larger than real on the screen.
Many new inputs came along - especially on the lines of RDB and Jessical Lal. Of course - some were not so resoundingly positive about the connection, but all in all the students seemed to agree that there is a definite connection and perhaps its a good connection.
They said a movie like 'chak de' did a lot of damage - to the foundation of sports in India, that is. That's because sports in India means Cricket. But then suddenly - like an order fresh out of Parliament, ESPN is covering hockey matches that till yesterday stray urchins used to come to watch. Ten Sports is running reruns of badly fed and trained athletes running 200 mts track n field in Chennai. Star Sports is covering a phenomenally entertaining Volleyball match between the Railways and the Services. As you compare these sportsmen with those back then when they had the simple non arrogant smiles, you realize these sportsmen now look like gladiators. That's when India's state hockey teams started calling themselves the Chandigarh Dynamos, Sher E Punjab, Bangalore hi fliers, etc. They don't just play to win now - they play to entertain.
This is a very important step for Indian Sports. Unlike the Western world where sports is actually a very well planned industry, complete with listed partners and huge investments - A billion plus population here still sticks on to Cricket.
I know i know ... but i am not comparing the games here. I love cricket too guys ... But this visibility the others are getting will not stay forever.
America is crazy about baseball - it's a true American sport. But they have also managed to drive business from sports as 'localized' as Ice Hockey. Look at the sheer employment they generate ! Ice hockey is not a particularly interesting sport to watch. And neither is baseball. But if you sit through a series game between say the Sox and the Yankees - you'll realize that it's not about the game - it's about how it's SOLD to the public. It's what the public 'sees'. It's the sights, the sounds, the commentators, the crowds, the food. And all of it is reinforced into the American soul by the 'movies' they make. Footballers are made to look like college heroes and girl dorm poster boys. Baseball players have the money, the panache and the 65 chevy. And then not to forget - comes NBA - the epitome of Black American excellence. They rightly say - 'White men can't jump'.
So coming back to the issue at hand.
So how do we conquer our fear of falling in love with other sports. Indian Film makers need to now move to make movies that show these sportsmen as heroes. Start making movies that don't have a hero and a heroine - but actors and sportsmen. Don't be patronizing towards field entertainment other than 6 stumps, a bat and a ball.
Bollywood is one of India's biggest strengths. The marketing guys there need to now corroborate the trust these sports channels have put in new sports. Come out with some new movies guys - take the action to the next level.
Many new inputs came along - especially on the lines of RDB and Jessical Lal. Of course - some were not so resoundingly positive about the connection, but all in all the students seemed to agree that there is a definite connection and perhaps its a good connection.
They said a movie like 'chak de' did a lot of damage - to the foundation of sports in India, that is. That's because sports in India means Cricket. But then suddenly - like an order fresh out of Parliament, ESPN is covering hockey matches that till yesterday stray urchins used to come to watch. Ten Sports is running reruns of badly fed and trained athletes running 200 mts track n field in Chennai. Star Sports is covering a phenomenally entertaining Volleyball match between the Railways and the Services. As you compare these sportsmen with those back then when they had the simple non arrogant smiles, you realize these sportsmen now look like gladiators. That's when India's state hockey teams started calling themselves the Chandigarh Dynamos, Sher E Punjab, Bangalore hi fliers, etc. They don't just play to win now - they play to entertain.
This is a very important step for Indian Sports. Unlike the Western world where sports is actually a very well planned industry, complete with listed partners and huge investments - A billion plus population here still sticks on to Cricket.
I know i know ... but i am not comparing the games here. I love cricket too guys ... But this visibility the others are getting will not stay forever.
America is crazy about baseball - it's a true American sport. But they have also managed to drive business from sports as 'localized' as Ice Hockey. Look at the sheer employment they generate ! Ice hockey is not a particularly interesting sport to watch. And neither is baseball. But if you sit through a series game between say the Sox and the Yankees - you'll realize that it's not about the game - it's about how it's SOLD to the public. It's what the public 'sees'. It's the sights, the sounds, the commentators, the crowds, the food. And all of it is reinforced into the American soul by the 'movies' they make. Footballers are made to look like college heroes and girl dorm poster boys. Baseball players have the money, the panache and the 65 chevy. And then not to forget - comes NBA - the epitome of Black American excellence. They rightly say - 'White men can't jump'.
So coming back to the issue at hand.
So how do we conquer our fear of falling in love with other sports. Indian Film makers need to now move to make movies that show these sportsmen as heroes. Start making movies that don't have a hero and a heroine - but actors and sportsmen. Don't be patronizing towards field entertainment other than 6 stumps, a bat and a ball.
Bollywood is one of India's biggest strengths. The marketing guys there need to now corroborate the trust these sports channels have put in new sports. Come out with some new movies guys - take the action to the next level.
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