Out of tune
Sir — The recent release of the song, “Pasoori Nu”, has reignited the age-old debate on song remakes. While the remix of the original Coke Studio song, “Pasoori”, has received much flak, it is one in a long line of such experimentation in Bollywood. This Hindi-language dominated industry has a tendency to remix songs from regional languages. As a result of this, not only are vernacular originals pushed into oblivion but their artists also remain underpaid and exploited. Using classics and twisting them out of shape cannot be called homage. Cultural erasure is leading to the effacement of original artists.
Sayoni Adak, East Burdwan
Sympathetic ear
Sir — At a time when the prime minister has not uttered a word about the violence in Manipur, it is laudable that the Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, has visited some of the victims in Churachandpur (“Rahul’s Manipur healing touch, in spite of hurdles”, June 30). The Bharatiya Janata Party government, which has not only failed to contain the tension but has also been accused of stoking ethnic fires, deployed the police to stop Rahul Gandhi’s visit fearing a loss of face. Fortunately, the Congress leader reached the spot in a helicopter.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Sir — The Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, was accused of being irresponsible by the BJP as the former’s visit to Manipur apparently resulted in the death of a person. This is sheer hypocrisy. The BJP’s inaction in Manipur has claimed over a hundred lives so far.
M.C. Vijay Shankar, Chennai
Sir — The media’s portrayal of Rahul Gandhi as a harbinger of peace in Manipur is laughable (“When ‘filled with hate, love frightens’”, June 30). The Congress leader should not politicise the communal clashes in Manipur to influence voters before the upcoming elections. Although the BJP government has not been able to control the situation in the state yet, Opposition parties must not use this opportunity to manipulate this sensitive issue.
Mihir Kanungo, Calcutta
Contagious hatred
Sir — Two news reports, “Beef prejudice kills trucker” (June 30) and “VHP writ runs on namaz on Id” (June 30), left readers uneasy. On the one hand, three men — two in Maharashtra and one in Bihar — were lynched, yet again, on the suspicion of carrying beef. On the other, in Uttarakhand, the Vishva Hindu Parishad issued a diktat against offering namaz in public on eid. Both these actions are reprehensible and must be punished following the due process. Inaction in these cases will further stoke communal tension.
Tanuj Pramanick, Howrah
Sir — Communal and ethnic polarisation have sundered India’s social fabric and people are losing their lives every day owing to this. Those who brush off such allegations under the false impression that they are safe will soon pay a price for their laxity when the fire of hatred reaches their doorsteps. Unless we all take steps to douse these flames, we are all complicit in the deaths across the country.
Aayman Anwar Ali, Calcutta
Proud moment
Sir — It is a matter of pride that Jhulan Goswami has been inducted into the World Cricket Committee. She is, arguably, one of the best allrounders across all formats of cricket worldwide and her inclusion in the WCC is a recognition of her contribution to the game.
M.N. Gupta, Hooghly
Sir — Jhulan Goswami’s inclusion in the WCC will hopefully usher in better days for women’s cricket.
Shivam Mehta, New Delhi