Poets and Pancakes-Questions and Answers

How does the Make-Up section at the Gemini Studios display National Integration?

The make-up section at Gemini Studios is a perfect example of national integration. It was first headed by a Bengali. He was followed by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and the usual local Tamils.

According to Asokamitran, 'All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on national integration.'

People from different regions, religions and linguistic groups had worked towards a common goal, namely to apply pancake (foundation) on the actors and actresses so as to make them look good in the films.

How was hierarchy maintained in the make-department?

A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-department. The chief make-up man applied make-up on the chief actors and actresses. His senior assistant applied make-up on the second hero and heroine. The junior assistant applied make-up on the main comedian. The people who played the role of the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy.

Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the Gemini Studios?

Asokamitran's job was to collect newspaper clippings. He spent all day poring through newspapers, cutting up interesting articles for future reference. In today's times, we would say he did research. Seeing him sitting in his cubicle tearing newspapers all the time, people thought he was doing nothing.

Who was Kothamangalam Subbu? What is the author's attitude toward him? Why does the office boy feel angry towards K.Subbu?

The office boy's frustration and anger was directed at K.Subbu who was number two after S.S. Vasan. He believed that he had reached the number two position 'by virtue of being born a Brahmin'. Moreover, he had the ability 'to look cheerful at all times even after having a hand in a flop film.' He was loyal to the principal Mr S.S. Vasan and when there was a problem with the script, he could come out with four alternative options of the rat pouring affection on the offspring of the tigress that it had earlier killed!

It appears as though Subbu was a multi-faceted, versatile and a valuable asset for the Gemini Studios. He had apparently given direction and definition to the Gemini Studios during its golden years. But then, Subbu was also a writer. He had written several poems and a novel titled 'Thillana Mohanambal'. As an actor in subsidiary roles, 'he performed better than the supposed main players.' He seemed to be a philanthropist who had a genuine love for anyone he came across. His house was a permanent residence for dozens of relations.

Yet, Asokamitran expresses surprise that such a charitable man should have enemies! In a rather humorous and suggestive manner, he says, 'Was it because he seemed so close and intimate with the Boss? Or was it his general demeanour that resembled a sycophant's?' These questions seem to suggest that Subbu had risen up the ladder because of his being a flatterer, a sycophant and a 'yes man' for Vasan.

One might reason that the office boy's animosity towards K. Subbu could have been the result of not seeing his dreams of becoming a star actor or top screen-writer or even lyrics writer materialise into reality. Like Subbu, the office boy was even 'a bit of a poet' but then unlike Subbu he had failed to achieve the second position. The office boy was frustrated by his own inability to rise above his existing position in the Gemini studios and so he was jealous of Subbu.
Why was the Lawyer or the legal advisor referred to as the opposite by others? What made him stand out from the others at the Gemini Studios?

The lawyer who was grouped under the Story Department was also referred to as the legal advisor. But then he was called opposite by others because he was one of the reasons why a talented actress quit acting. He had recorded her tantrums and made her listen to it. She never recovered from the terror of listening to herself shout. The legal advisor, moreover wore pants and tie and sometimes a coat. Often he looked alone and helpless a man of cold logic in a crowd of dreamers.

What was the MRA?

The MRA or the Moral Re-armament army was a two hundred strong troupe of actors. They acted two different plays for the employees of Gemini Studios. The plays, Jotham Valley and the Forgotten Factor had very ordinary themes but the sets and costumes were very good. Asokamitran later learned that the MRA 'was a kind of counter-movement to international Communism'.


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