Rahul Bose on Bollywood Bole Toh: The pointlessness of pursuing power

Why do we pursue power and revel in watching power struggles on televisionMy friends have been agog about the new season of Game Of Thrones a series that leaves me cold Then I remembered how boring and at times revolting I find House Of Cards and after analysing my reaction to the two series I realised what it is that deeply puts me off these two beautifully produced excellently acted wellwritten series mdash they both focus on the pursuit of power I dont know what fascination people have for power but at best it bores me at worst repulses meThe definition of power is pretty simple the ability to make people do what you tell them to whether they like it or not I cannot think of a more debased shallow impulse to live Why on earth would you want people to obey your command against their will How does that make the world a happier place If everyone agrees the definition of progress is how we as a planet evolve to a more peaceful compassionate emotionally rewarding place then power only destroys this questLest you think Im getting all touchyfeely and warmfuzzy about the world being one big family let me ask you directly what kind of a world do you want for yourself and your family Surely a world where they feel safe at all times Thats what peace brings to a society Would you not want people to stand and applaud without any jealousy or resentment when you perform a task admirably Thats what it means to live in an emotionally rewarding world Where then and what then does power have to do with any of this Why do we pursue it fanatically and revel in watching power struggles on television Struggles that take people into negativity fear jealousy intrigue and murder How does any of this make for a rich experienceEvery year some publication or the other calls me and asks me to nominate my 10 Most Powerful People in Bollywood or Indias Top 50 Powerful People and I always decline What does being on these lists mean Simply that you can have your way in society others be blessed or damned But shouldnt society be a place where you work together where there are no power structures where the importance of the spot boy making tea on the set and the production designer making a castle out of plaster of Paris is the same Where both have the right to call up the director and critique the film after it has released Look I accept there is invariably a first among equals even on a film set But that doesnt mean the rest have to be put under the cosh and made to follow one woman or mans diktat without any discussion any attempt to forge consensus Because that is what is happening all around us today in IndiaIn every field every sphere I hear the words To get things done you have to crack the whip She runs the company like a tyrant thats the only way to be number one I tell you we should have a dictatorship in this country then things will run smoothly Sure things will run smoothly but at the whim of one woman or man and let me see what you have to say when that whim is the polar opposite of what you think is right And how you will react when your child is picked up in the dead of the night and killed because she dared to speak out against some great leader No power bores me at best generally repulses me and makes me ever vigilant when I smell itSend your feedback to mailbagmiddaycomThe views expressed in this column are the individuals and dont represent those of the paper