Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara

I read Gayathri's latest post on "Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara". She had linked the video too. I did comment on her post, but I want to shun it more and vent out my anger some more. So this post!

That was the first time I was seeing the video. A couple of my friends told me about it, I wanted to watch the new version. But didn't find the time to tune into Zoom and wait for it. But I am glad that I didn't take that trouble, because its just not worth it!!

I recall how much I loved that song "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" on National Integration, I still tune in to DD just to watch this song. It makes you feel good, feel good about the country, the essence is purely patriotism. The actors in that song was just like a common man, who truly represents India. The simplicity of the song; its a legacy in itself. The new one doesn't stand anywhere near the old humble and sweet song.

The new one lasts for 16 odd minutes, the tune is different, the ordering of the languages are different, few languages are dropped!!. And more than that, it seems to sell Bollywood more than anything else. Its packaged to promote celebrities, their spouse and their kids. Yesudas and his son, Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amitabh and family, Dr L Subramaniam and his family.........

Are we not fed up of seeing Mr Amitabh and is son and daughter-in-law in almost all commercials? We see them in his video too. And the 3 Khans - out of which Salman must be mentioned. He features with a vest; thankfully he was not shirtless.

And Deepika Padukone; what was she wearing??? Was she advertising toilet soap? What did Karan Johar, Shiamak Dhavar, Ranbir Kapoor do for national unity and integration?

They wanted to sell Bollywood, why take such novel and pure thing and use it for their selfish needs? Do we have to look up to them to feel patriotic and derive inspiration? A plastic Sonu Nigam; expressionless ; expect to arouse a patriotic emotion? Shahid Kapoor as rockstar!!!

Is 21st century India only about movies and those all empty film stars? Where is the common man who truly represents India? Where is the culture we are proud of? We get to see a couple of sports personalities at the end; 1 minute or so of that 16 minutes song; otherwise its only actors and actresses!! Where are the real heroes? Where is Dr. Kalam? Where is Ratan Tata? Where is E Sreedharan? Where are the commandos who fought during 26/11? Where are the real folk artists who breathe and live art? Show Nano!! Show Chandrayaan mission!! Our achievements!! where was it all?

It was really disgusting to see talented artists like ARR and others participating in this purely commercialised venture. With all glam no substance, all jazzed up and no life!!

Reel life heroes are NOT Real life heroes!!

Its disgusting! Insult to the older legacy. MILE SUR MERA TUMHARA......they have mucked up the whole intent!!
Very very sad, doesn't deserve even a mention.