As the city goes to polls today, we reach out to artistes and musicians from Mumbai to learn of the movies, plays and music that inspires them to social change. Plus, an inspirational list to put you in the mood for poll day
John Lennon performs Give peace a chance in 1969. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons
Dreams of peace
ADVERTISEMENT
When I was a collegian, we were into our 50th year of Independence, and so was Ireland. As a fan of the band U2, I responded a lot to the music and cinema from the culture; they have a similar approach to colonialism. For me, democracy and elections became about peace.
My playlist: New Year’s Day or Sunday bloody Sunday by U2 are my picks. The other song is Civil war by Guns n Roses. It opens with a quote from former US president, Abraham Lincoln.
My watchlist: Tamas by Govind Nihalani is a must-watch for its insight on divisiveness and distrust. If you are looking for a play, Final Solution explores the complexity of the self over the larger picture. Another stand-out is Udhwasta Dharamsala by GP Deshpande. It talks about taking a stance against
authority.
Quasar Thakore Padamsee, theatre maker
An era of anti-establishment
I grew up in a time when almost all musicians were anti-establishment. It has changed over the years to becoming patriotic or jingoistic. Political voices in music are much lesser today. One of my inspirations was Bob Dylan, who was the perfect example. While not a great singer, Dylan was an incredible writer. It was all about the words and the thought. That’s how we can bring about change.
A scene from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Pic Courtesy/youTube
My playlist: You can list every song by Bob Dylan. One cannot go wrong with him. The other tracks that reflect social change for me are Imagine by John Lennon and The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Dylan.
My watchlist: The film I love is Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, a perfect political satire that has stood the test of time. It sheds light on how business interests and politics conspire. Another film is Wag The Dog featuring Robert De Niro; another satire on the American politics of perception.
Dhruv Ghanekar, composer
Children of Woodstock
Back then, there were a lot of tunes and artistes back then whose music, art and works focused on social change. The Woodstock Movement triggered a lot of songs that inspired us. Their themes filtered into my thoughts.
My playlist: I would put John Lennon’s Imagine at the top. It is a song that continues to inspire our idea of an ideal society of peace. For an option, I would recommend anything from Bob Dylan’s repertoire.
Bob Dylan
My watchlist: I actually find movies and shows today to be more politically aware. I recently watched a movie on Martin Luther King, MLK/FBI. That was a good one.
Zubin Balaporia, musician
Lack of political music
I have to confess there is a lack of sharp political music in our country. We have not yet reached that level. I was myself quite apathetic towards politics. My own music feels a little distant. I am trying, and hoping to change that.
My playlist: Eyes Wide Open by Gotye, which is a surprisingly sharp comment. The latest one is the Blackbiird cover by Beyoncé in her album, Cowboy Carter. The original song by The Beatles had deep ties to the Civil Rights Movement.
My watchlist: I am currently on X-Men ’97 series. It might feel cartoon-ish, but it is a fantastic take on civil rights, freedom of speech and individuality.
The other wonderful show I’d recommend is Shogun. It is set in the early 15th century Japan, but offers detailed insight into human rights in vicious political situations.
Tejas Menon, vocalist
Songs of change
>> Bandeh by Indian Ocean
>> Chitta by Prabh Deep
>> The Warli Revolt by Swadesi
>> Ikebana by Alif
>> Get up, Stand up by Bob Marley and The Wailers
>> Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen
Watch for social change
Ghashiram Kotwal by Vijay Tendulkar
Log on to YouTube
Andha Yug by Dharmvir Bharati
Log on to Hindi Gharana on Spotify
An Enemy Of The People (1980) by BBC
Log on to YouTube
Sinhasan by Jabbar Patel
Log on to YouTube
Swades
Log on to Netflix
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
