Satanic Salman

[Guest guest]

I was finally happy that Salman Rushdie made up for his absence at Jaipur when

he appeared on Indian TV. I don't know what he wrote in Satanic Verses, but it

was satisfying to hear him talk. I have read his other books. He is a

cerebral writer. We don't read much. Then we don't read much which may cause

neuronal fatigue. Finally, even if we manage to read something of the variety

Salman is known for, we don't understand. If that is the case, why do we get

ourselves worked up in a frenzy? Is it because we don't read enough? Or, is it

because reading something even remotely artistic and intellectual unmasks are

mental deficit? We are stilted in our thinking. Anybody who we feel stigmatises

us needs to be stigmatised. 

Forget Salman Rushdie. Let us also forget his ‘verses’

which the likes of Shahabbudin and Owaisi think were ‘satanic. This Salman has

been condemned enough for his book. Therefore, he should not be troubled any

more. Let us talk about the other Salman. Who is he? Ok, just sing

dhinkachika… dhinkachika… dhinkachika… for a few minutes and you will know

which Salman I

mean. He is the same one who drove his car over the unsuspecting homeless

sleeping on a pavement. A few of them died. Nobody was interested after the

initial outcry. Then he shot a protected animal in a national reserve. He went

to the court as if he was to receive an award there. I am sure even the judge

would have had some unexpected excitement to break the monotony of his routine.

He would even assault his girlfriend sometimes. He can be found in any cinema

thrusting his pelvis at you. A sensible person would take it as a visual

threat. In contrast, it is a visual delight for millions. He has attained

virtual sainthood among his fans. See, how we sanctify inanities.

 

I do not know why one is seen as the Satan and the second

as a saint.  The way we treat the two Salmans is a reflection of the dichotomy

in the Indian mind.

Bharat