“Poets and Pancakes” by Ashokamitran provides a humorous and insightful glimpse into the operations of Gemini Studios, a significant film studio in Madras during the early days of Indian cinema. The chapter vividly describes the makeup department, highlighting the extensive use of “Pancake” makeup and the hierarchical structure among the makeup artists. It introduces colorful characters like the ambitious “office boy” and the multi-talented Kothamangalam Subbu, who plays a crucial role in the studio’s functioning. The narrative also touches upon the Story Department and an incident involving a lawyer that unexpectedly ends an actress’s career. A notable event is the perplexing visit of an English poet, Stephen Spender, whose purpose remains a mystery to the studio members until years later, when the author discovers his connection to a book on communism. Through humor and irony, Ashokamitran explores themes of workplace dynamics, cultural differences, and the often-unseen realities of the film industry.
Notice these words and expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
- blew over
In “Poets and Pancakes,” “blew over” means something passed without lasting trouble and was forgotten.
- Catapulted into
“Catapulted into” means to be suddenly and rapidly thrust or propelled into a new position or situation.
- Played into their hands
“Played into their hands” means to unintentionally do something that gives someone else an advantage or helps them achieve their goal.
- Heard a bell ringing
“Heard a bell ringing” simply means perceived the sound of a bell.
- Was struck dumb
“Was struck dumb” means someone was so surprised, shocked, or overcome with emotion that they were unable to speak. It implies a temporary loss of speech due to a strong reaction.
- A coat of mail
A coat of mail, also known as mail armor or a hauberk, is a type of body armor made up of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh. It was commonly used in the medieval period and offered good protection against slashing and piercing weapons.
- The favourite haunt
The favourite haunt means a beloved and frequently visited place.
Think as you read
1. What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’ of those subjected to make-up’?
Ans:
The phrase “the fiery misery” of those subjected to make-up likely refers to the often-unseen discomfort and unpleasantness associated with wearing cosmetics. Beyond the glamorous facade, the experience can involve physical discomfort, such as the heavy or sticky feeling of products on the skin, or the irritation and breakouts they can sometimes cause. The time and effort required for application and removal can also contribute to this sense of misery, transforming a seemingly simple beauty routine into a tedious chore. Furthermore, the societal pressures that often accompany makeup use can create a feeling of obligation rather than choice, adding a layer of psychological burden. Therefore, “the fiery misery” paints a picture of a potentially tormenting experience, highlighting the negative realities that can lie beneath the surface of the beauty industry’s promises.
2. What is the example of national integration that the author refers to?
Ans:
This department served as a microcosm of India, bringing together individuals from diverse geographical locations and religious affiliations. The leadership transitioned from a Bengali to a Maharashtrian, and the workforce comprised people hailing from regions like Dharwar, Andhra Pradesh, and Madras, along with an Anglo-Burmese member. This harmonious coexistence and collaboration of people from various backgrounds within the same department effectively demonstrate national integration as depicted in the essay.
3. What work did the ‘office boy’ do in the Gemini Studios? Why did he join the studios? Why was he disappointed?
Ans:
At Gemini Studios, the individual referred to as the ‘office boy’ was tasked with the crucial job of applying makeup to the numerous actors who participated in crowd scenes. This involved a somewhat rudimentary process of preparing large amounts of face paint and then quickly applying it to the faces of the extras to ensure a consistent appearance on screen. His initial motivation for joining the studios was rooted in a desire to break into the film industry in a more significant role. Like many others drawn to the allure of cinema, he harbored ambitions of becoming a prominent actor, or perhaps a writer, director, or lyricist. However, his experience at Gemini Studios led to considerable disappointment. Despite years of service, he remained confined to the role of an ‘office boy,’ performing basic tasks instead of having the opportunity to demonstrate his creative abilities. This stagnation and the perception that he was stuck in a department he viewed as undesirable resulted in a sense of frustration and disillusionment with his unfulfilled aspirations.
4. Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studios?
Ans:
In “Poets and Pancakes,” the author, Ashokamitran, held a peculiar position at Gemini Studios. His primary duty involved meticulously cutting out newspaper clippings on a wide array of subjects and diligently filing them away. However, to the casual observer, his work appeared to be anything but productive. Many would witness him simply tearing up newspapers, a seemingly pointless activity that gave the impression he was idle or engaged in insignificant tasks. This perception arose because the onlookers were unaware of the purpose behind his actions – the careful selection and organization of information from the press. Consequently, the author often seemed to be doing nothing of consequence within the bustling environment of the studios.
Think as you read
1. Why was the office boy frustrated? Who did he show his anger on?
Ans:
The office boy was frustrated because his dream of becoming a star actor, director, writer, or lyricist in the film industry had not come true. Despite working at Gemini Studios for years, he was still stuck in a low-level job, applying makeup to extras. He felt his talents were being wasted.
He directed his anger towards Kothamangalam Subbu. He believed Subbu was the reason for all his woes and missed opportunities. He saw Subbu as someone who was close to the boss and influential, and he resented Subbu’s seemingly effortless rise in the studio while he remained stagnant.
2. Who was Subbu’s principal?
Ans:
In the context of “Poets and Pancakes,” Subbu’s principal, the person holding the highest authority at Gemini Studios, was S.S. Vasan. He was the owner and the driving force behind the studio, and Subbu held a significant and influential position within his organization, often considered close to the boss. Therefore, S.S. Vasan was the individual to whom Subbu was primarily answerable and who held ultimate authority over the workings of Gemini Studios.
3. Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his special abilities.
Ans:
Subbu is described as a many-sided genius in the essay “Poets and Pancakes.” Four of his special abilities are:
- He could always maintain a cheerful disposition, even after a film he was involved in flopped. This positive outlook was a valuable asset in the often stressful environment of a film studio.
- He possessed remarkable creativity and resourcefulness, especially in filmmaking. When the producer faced a problem, Subbu could quickly come up with multiple solutions or suggestions to overcome the challenge.
- He was a talented actor, even though he never sought lead roles. He excelled in whatever supporting roles he played, often outshining the main actors.
- He was a skilled poet and writer. Although capable of more complex works, he deliberately chose to write poetry that would resonate with the masses. He also wrote a novel, “Thillana Mohanambal,” which was well-received.
4. Why was the legal adviser referred to as the opposite by others?
Ans:
The legal adviser was referred to as the opposite by others because his primary role seemed to be to create legal problems rather than solve them. Instead of offering sound legal counsel to prevent issues, he inadvertently caused one of the most significant and disruptive incidents at Gemini Studios. When an actress felt wronged and sought legal advice, it was the legal adviser who, instead of trying to mediate or find an amicable solution within the studio, escalated the situation by bringing a formal legal notice. This action had a chilling effect on the creative atmosphere and brought all film production to a standstill. Therefore, his actions were the opposite of what a legal adviser is typically expected to do – which is to facilitate smooth operations and resolve disputes.
5. What made the lawyer stand out from the others at Gemini Studios?
Ans:
The lawyer stood out from the others at Gemini Studios primarily due to his formal attire and his profession. In a place where most people, including the bosses, dressed casually in khadi, the lawyer was always impeccably dressed in a suit, tie, and sometimes even a hat. This formal appearance made him a distinct figure in the studio environment. Additionally, his actual profession as a lawyer set him apart. Most people at Gemini Studios were involved in the creative aspects of filmmaking, such as writing, acting, directing, or makeup. The presence of a lawyer, especially one who wasn’t directly involved in the production process but rather in legal matters, made him an anomaly and easily recognizable.
Think as you read
1. Did the people at Gemini Studios have any particular political affiliations?
Ans:
The people at Gemini Studios, as portrayed in the essay, did not seem to adhere to any specific or dominant political ideology. While the widespread adoption of Khadi attire might suggest an alignment with the nationalist sentiments of the time, the author implies it was more of a prevalent fashion or a symbol of national identity rather than a deep-seated political commitment. Furthermore, the studio members displayed a general apprehension towards terms like “Communism,” associating it with negative stereotypes and a lack of understanding. The welcoming of the Moral Re-Armament group, which focused on moral and spiritual values rather than political agendas, further indicates a lack of strong political leanings within the studio. Overall, the atmosphere at Gemini Studios appeared to be more centered around the world of filmmaking, with political affiliations not being a prominent or unifying characteristic of its employees.
2. Why was the Moral Rearmament Army welcomed at the Studios?
Ans:
The Moral Re-Armament (MRA) Army found a welcoming reception at Gemini Studios primarily as a consequence of Frank Buchman’s visit to Madras. Evidently, someone within the studio’s hierarchy was sufficiently impressed by Buchman or the MRA’s principles to extend an invitation for them to visit. Beyond this initial connection, the MRA’s emphasis on moral and spiritual upliftment likely resonated within the studio environment, perhaps seen as a beneficial influence amidst the demanding and often hectic world of filmmaking. Furthermore, the MRA’s reputation for being well-organized and delivering polished presentations might have appealed to those working in the entertainment industry. The arrival of an international group like the MRA also offered a novel experience and a temporary diversion from the usual studio routines. While the author’s perspective hints at a certain level of amusement and perhaps a limited understanding of the MRA’s broader objectives among the studio members, the invitation itself appears to have been a result of a positive impression created by Frank Buchman’s presence in the city.
3. Name one example to show that Gemini studios was influenced by the plays staged by MRA.
Ans:
One clear indication of the influence of the Moral Re-Armament (MRA) plays on Gemini Studios can be seen in the subsequent shift in the themes and narrative approaches adopted by the studio in their film productions. Following the MRA’s visit and the staging of their plays, which often explored themes of morality, social reform, and spiritual enlightenment, Gemini Studios began to produce films that mirrored these concerns. This marked a departure from their earlier focus on purely escapist entertainment, with their later films incorporating more pronounced social messages or moral undercurrents. This thematic shift in the studio’s output strongly suggests a direct impact from the ideas and presentations of the MRA, demonstrating how the visiting group’s artistic endeavors influenced the creative direction of Gemini Studios.
4. Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios?
Ans:
The undisputed head of Gemini Studios, the individual who held the ultimate authority and made all the significant decisions, was S.S. Vasan. He was not merely a manager but the owner of the studio, and his vision and leadership shaped its operations and creative output. Therefore, when the author refers to “The Boss” of Gemini Studios, he is unequivocally referring to S.S. Vasan, the driving force behind the renowned film production house.
5. What caused the lack of communication between the Englishman and the people at Gemini Studios?
Ans:
The breakdown in communication between the visiting Englishman and the staff at Gemini Studios stemmed from a confluence of factors, most notably the significant language barrier. With the Englishman likely speaking primarily English and the majority of the studio personnel being more fluent in Tamil or other Indian languages, direct and clear conversation was inherently challenging. Furthermore, the differences in cultural backgrounds likely contributed to misunderstandings in communication styles and social norms. The somewhat ambiguous purpose of the Englishman’s visit further exacerbated the issue, leaving the studio members puzzled and unable to fully grasp his message. Pre-existing notions and a vague apprehension towards foreigners and intellectual figures, particularly those associated with Communism, may have also created a sense of distance and hindered open interaction. Finally, the manner in which the Englishman delivered his talk, characterized by an unfamiliar accent and a perplexing subject matter, made it difficult for the audience to engage with and comprehend his presentation. Therefore, the lack of effective communication was a result of linguistic hurdles, cultural disparities, unclear objectives, potential biases, and the nature of the Englishman’s address itself.
6. Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to as an unexplained mystery?
Ans:
The visit of the Englishman to Gemini Studios is shrouded in an “unexplained mystery” primarily because the purpose and content of his presence remained incomprehensible to the studio’s inhabitants. Despite delivering a speech, the core message and his underlying intentions were lost on the majority of the audience, including the author himself. This enigma was compounded by several factors, including the Englishman’s unfamiliar accent which made comprehension difficult, and the seemingly abstract and intellectual nature of his discourse, which felt beyond the grasp of the average studio member. Furthermore, the absence of a clear introduction or context for his visit left everyone speculating about his connection to the film industry and his specific objectives. This general suspicion and lack of understanding towards intellectuals prevalent at the studios likely further hindered any attempt to decipher the Englishman’s message. Consequently, the lack of clarity surrounding his identity, the subject of his address, and his relevance to Gemini Studios transformed his visit into an enigmatic episode, leaving the studio members in a state of bewilderment.
Think as you read
1. Who was the English visitor to the studios?
Ans:
The English visitor who came to Gemini Studios, as revealed later in the essay “Poets and Pancakes,” was the distinguished English poet and editor, Stephen Spender. Initially, his visit was shrouded in mystery for the studio members, who struggled to understand his purpose and his talk. It was only years later that the author, Ashokamitran, discovered the identity of this perplexing figure, realizing that the man they had found so enigmatic was in fact a well-known literary personality from England.
2. How did the author discover who the English visitor to the studios was?
Ans:
The author, Ashokamitran, discovered the identity of the English visitor to the studios quite by chance, years after the visit had occurred. He was browsing through a collection of books at the British Council Library in Madras when he came across a book of poems by Stephen Spender. As he read the poems, he suddenly realized that this was the same poet who had visited Gemini Studios years ago. The connection clicked in his mind, and he was able to put a name to the face that had remained a mystery for so long. This discovery was serendipitous, happening in a completely unrelated setting and after a significant passage of time.
3. What does The God that Failed refer to?
Ans:
“The God That Failed” refers to a collection of six essays by prominent Western intellectuals who were once enthusiastic supporters of communism but later became disillusioned and rejected it.These essays, published in 1949, offer personal accounts of their experiences with communism, detailing their initial hopes and ideals, and then explaining the reasons for their eventual disillusionment and abandonment of the ideology. The “God” in the title symbolizes the utopian promises and seemingly infallible nature of communism that ultimately failed to deliver on its promises in their eyes.The book is significant because it provides first hand perspectives on the appeal and the subsequent disappointment experienced by many intellectuals who were drawn to communism in the early to mid-20th century.
Understanding the text
1. The author has used gentle humour to point out human foibles. Pick out instances of this to show how this serves to make the piece interesting.
Ans:
The author employs gentle humor to highlight human foibles, making the piece interesting. The office boy’s dramatic anger towards Subbu, the irony of the legal adviser causing chaos, and the quirky descriptions of studio departments are subtly amusing. The author’s self-deprecation about his job and the humorous bewilderment surrounding the English visitor further enrich the narrative. This gentle humor makes characters relatable and situations funny without being critical, adding insight and entertainment.
2. Why was Kothamangalam Subbu considered No. 2 in Gemini Studios?
Ans:
Kothamangalam Subbu held the unofficial position of No. 2 at Gemini Studios due to a combination of factors that highlighted his importance despite not being the ultimate authority. His close rapport with “The Boss,” S.S. Vasan, was a key element, fostered by his unwavering loyalty and consistently cheerful disposition, even amidst setbacks. Crucially, Subbu possessed an exceptional talent for providing solutions to any problems encountered by the studio head, showcasing his quick wit and resourcefulness in the filmmaking process. His creative input and comprehensive understanding of film production made him an invaluable asset to Vasan. Although he didn’t occupy the top leadership role, his proximity to the owner, his problem-solving abilities, and his general helpfulness across various studio functions collectively earned him the recognition and informal designation as the second most influential figure at Gemini Studios.
3. How does the author describe the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios?
Ans:
The author vividly portrays the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios by emphasizing the stark contrast between the intellectual world the poet represented and the practical, often less formally educated environment of the film studio. Gemini Studios, filled with makeup artists, extras, and story department individuals, seemed an unlikely venue for a figure associated with high literature. The author highlights the palpable disconnect between the poet and his audience, who struggled to comprehend his accent and found his subject matter abstract and irrelevant to their daily lives. The very notion of English poetry felt alien to them, further underscoring the strangeness of the encounter. This cultural and class divide between the visiting intellectual and the studio members amplified the sense of something out of place, making the event feel like an odd and somewhat amusing anomaly within the bustling world of Gemini Studios.
4. What do you understand about the author’s literary inclinations from the account?
Ans:
Ashokamitran’s account in “Poets and Pancakes” reveals his literary inclinations through his keen observations and subtle satire of Gemini Studios. He displays an appreciation for literature, evident in his interest in the visiting English poet. His narrative, rich with irony and detailed character sketches, suggests a mind that analyzes human behavior and finds humor in everyday situations. Though working in film, his thoughtful and reflective perspective, coupled with his focus on individual stories, points towards a literary sensibility.
Talking about the text
Discuss in small groups taking off from points in the text.
1. Film-production today has come a long way from the early days of the Gemini Studios.
Ans:
Film production today stands in stark contrast to the early days depicted in “Poets and Pancakes” at Gemini Studios. The chapter paints a picture of a studio reliant on rudimentary technology, evident in the description of the makeup department’s harsh lighting and the laborious application of “Pancake” makeup. This contrasts sharply with today’s sophisticated digital cameras, advanced lighting, and computer-aided editing. Furthermore, the professional landscape has evolved significantly. Gemini Studios saw individuals like Subbu excelling in multiple roles, while the “office boy” yearned for a break across various creative fields, highlighting a less specialized environment. Modern filmmaking, however, demands highly trained professionals in niche areas like cinematography, sound design, and visual effects. The scale and reach of film production have also expanded exponentially. Compared to the likely localized distribution of Gemini’s films, today’s productions often operate with massive budgets and global distribution networks facilitated by streaming services. While “Poets and Pancakes” offers a glimpse into a more culturally specific era of filmmaking, contemporary cinema embraces a wider range of themes and influences, reaching diverse global audiences. The creative process has also shifted, with debates surrounding the roles and control of writers, directors, and producers in today’s industry, a nuance only subtly hinted at in Ashokamitran’s account. Overall, the advancements in technology, specialization, scale, content, and distribution underscore the significant journey film production has undertaken since the era of Gemini Studios.
2. Poetry and films.
Ans:
The relationship between poetry and films, though seemingly disparate, reveals intriguing connections, a point subtly highlighted by the bemused reaction to the poet’s visit in “Poets and Pancakes.” This incident underscores a potential disconnect between the literary and cinematic worlds, yet poetry serves as a significant source of inspiration for films, with narratives and epics finding cinematic adaptations. Beyond direct adaptation, poetic language often enriches film dialogue and narration, adding layers of meaning and emotional resonance. The visual language of cinema itself can be deeply poetic, where cinematography, editing, and mise-en-scène create rhythm and imagery akin to verse. Moreover, song lyrics within films function as concentrated bursts of poetry, driving narrative and amplifying emotion. Ultimately, certain filmmakers are even considered poets of cinema, their unique vision and evocative storytelling transcending conventional narrative structures. Thus, while Gemini Studios might have viewed poetry with a degree of bewilderment, the broader landscape reveals a rich and multifaceted interplay between these two art forms.
3. Humour and criticism.
Ans:
Ashokamitran masterfully employs humor in “Poets and Pancakes” not just for amusement, but as a potent tool for observation and subtle criticism of Gemini Studios. His witty descriptions of the makeup department’s chaotic atmosphere and the office boy’s unrealistic ambitions make the characters and situations memorable while subtly highlighting the absurdity of certain aspects of the studio’s functioning. The humor often carries an undercurrent of critique, gently pointing out the excessive nature of the makeup, the stagnant roles within the hierarchy, and the studio’s general ignorance of the literary world, as seen in their reaction to the visiting poet. This blend of humor and criticism allows Ashokamitran to offer insightful commentary without resorting to harsh judgment. Through irony and keen observation, he exposes the quirks and occasional follies of the film industry, making his social commentary both engaging and thought-provoking. The effectiveness of his approach lies in the way humor can make potentially critical observations more palatable and relatable, inviting the reader to recognize and perhaps even reflect on the underlying critiques embedded within the amusing anecdotes.
Noticing transitions
• This piece is an example of a chatty, rambling style. One thought leads to another which is then dwelt upon at length.
Ans:
Ashokamitran’s writing in “Poets and Pancakes” exemplifies a chatty, rambling style where the narrative unfolds through a seemingly organic flow of thoughts and observations. Instead of adhering to a strict linear structure, one idea naturally leads to another, which is then explored in detail. This is evident in the way he transitions from describing the makeup department to discussing the office boy, Subbu, and the legal advisor, each topic emerging as a tangent from the previous one. The inclusion of personal reflections, anecdotes, and an informal tone further contributes to this conversational feel, as if the author is sharing memories with a close friend. This style prioritizes the creation of atmosphere and the nuanced portrayal of characters over a tightly plotted narrative, allowing for a more immersive and humorous exploration of the world of Gemini Studios. The seemingly spontaneous nature of the writing mirrors the way memories often surface, contributing to the piece’s engaging and relatable quality. Ultimately, this deliberate stylistic choice effectively captures the essence of the author’s reminiscences and provides a rich, albeit somewhat meandering, insight into the workings of the film studio.
• Read the text again and mark the transitions from one idea to another. The first one is indicated below.
Make-up department Office-boy Subbu
Ans:
Ashokamitran’s narrative in “Poets and Pancakes” flows through a series of noticeable transitions, often driven by the introduction of specific characters. For instance, the description of the makeup department naturally leads to the figure of the office boy, whose presence then prompts a detailed portrayal of Subbu. Beyond character associations, the narrative also shifts through related ideas, such as the move from the office boy’s role in the story department to a discussion of the legal advisor. The author sometimes employs contrast as a transitional device, as seen in the juxtaposition of the moral re-armament army’s welcome with the bemusement surrounding the English visitor. A significant temporal shift occurs when the author recounts the later discovery of the Englishman’s identity as Stephen Spender, highlighting the irony of the situation. At times, the transitions are more abrupt, contributing to the chapter’s rambling style, such as the sudden shift from reflecting on the poet to describing the catering department. Ultimately, these transitions, whether character-based, associative, contrasting, or abrupt, contribute to the chapter’s unique structure, weaving together various anecdotes and observations to create a comprehensive, if not strictly linear, picture of life at Gemini Studios.
Writing
You must have met some interesting characters in your neighbourhood or among your relatives. Write a humorous piece about their idiosyncrasies. Try to adopt the author’s rambling style, if you can.
Ans:
In my neighborhood resides a rather unique individual, whom we affectionately call Uncle Bhopla, a moniker derived from the Marathi word for pumpkin, a vegetable that forms the surprisingly consistent focal point of his existence. His conversations, regardless of their initial subject – be it politics, economics, or even somber occasions – invariably circle back to pumpkins, often through the most unexpected conversational detours. His home further cements this fascination, his small garden dominated by an assortment of pumpkins, each seemingly cherished and fiercely guarded. Uncle Bhopla also possesses an inexhaustible repertoire of pumpkin-related tales, ranging from apocryphal competition wins to fantastical ancestral anecdotes, all delivered with unwavering conviction. His long-suffering wife, Aunty Bhopli, has seemingly mastered the art of politely tolerating these pumpkin-centric pronouncements. Despite his singular obsession, Uncle Bhopla remains a harmless and somewhat endearing figure, his unwavering dedication to the humble pumpkin offering a peculiar, if repetitive, charm to our neighborhood interactions, where one must always be prepared for the inevitable, pumpkin-infused conversational turn.
Things to do
Collect about twenty cartoons from newspapers and magazines in any language to discuss how important people or events have been satirised. Comment on the interplay of the words and the pictures used.
Ans:
Collecting twenty cartoons from newspapers and magazines, potentially spanning different languages, offers a rich tapestry for analyzing the art of political and social satire. The effectiveness of these cartoons lies significantly in the interplay between their visual and verbal elements. Caricature, a common technique, often exaggerates the physical features of prominent figures, instantly identifying them and highlighting specific traits for comedic or critical effect. Symbols, whether universally recognized or culturally specific, condense complex ideas into easily digestible imagery. The setting and actions depicted within the cartoon further contribute to the narrative, often underscoring the absurdity or hypocrisy being targeted. Verbal elements, such as captions, speech bubbles, and wordplay, work in tandem with the visuals, either reinforcing the satirical message or adding layers of irony and nuance. For instance, a cheerful caption juxtaposed with a bleak visual can amplify the criticism. By carefully examining how artists employ exaggeration, symbolism, setting, action, and language, we can decipher the often sharp and insightful commentary on important people and events embedded within these seemingly simple drawings.
