Poets and Pancakes By Asokamitran English Core XII Flamingo CBSE

Summary

In 'Poets and Pancakes' by Ashoka Mithran, the makeup department of Gemini Studios is humorously depicted as a melting pot of national integration. The hierarchy, from chief makeup man to office boy, is highlighted, with the office boy's unfulfilled dreams of stardom contrasted with the unrecognized talent of minor role actor Kota Mangalam Subbu. The story department, including poets and a legal advisor, is shown to be influenced by Gandhi's beliefs and wary of communism. A visit by English poet S.S. Vasan and the MRA's anti-communist plays add intrigue. The author's personal journey includes a short story contest, discovering the book 'The God That Failed,' and realizing his boss's interest in Spender's views on communism.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Ashoka Mithran's story 'Poets and Pancakes' is set in Gemini Studios, which was believed to be housed in Robert Clive's Stables.
• 🖌️ The makeup department used a brand of makeup nicknamed 'pancake' and had a strict hierarchy with roles ranging from chief makeup man to office boy.
• 💡 The makeup room's bright lights were uncomfortable for actors, and the department was an example of pioneering national integration.
• 👥 The office boy, who aspired to be a star or a creative professional, ended up applying makeup to extras and often vented his frustrations to the author.
• 📚 The author's job was to cut and store newspaper clippings, which the office boy considered insignificant.
• 🌟 Kota M. Subbu, the boss's right-hand man, performed minor roles but was known for his superior acting and poetry, despite being better known for his films.
• 📜 The story department included poets and a legal advisor, who was more formally dressed compared to the poets and had a significant influence on the studio's legal matters.
• 🌈 Gemini Studios was home to poets who were influenced by Gandhi and opposed to communism, reflecting the studio's overall philosophy.
• 🎭 The Modern Rearmament Army (MRA) performed plays at the studio, which were a counter-movement to international communism.
• 🤔 An English poet, S.S. Vasan, visited the studio, but his unfamiliar accent left his identity and the reason for his visit a mystery.
• 📖 Ashoka Mithran discovered a connection between the editor of the periodical 'The Encounter' and an English poet who had visited the studio, Stephen Spender, who was interested in communism rather than poetry.

Q & A

What was the makeup department of Gemini Studios believed to be housed in?

The makeup department of Gemini Studios was believed to be housed in what many thought were Robert Clive's Stables.

What was the nickname for the brand of makeup used in the makeup department?

The brand of makeup used in the makeup department was humorously nicknamed 'pancake'.

Why were the actors uncomfortable in the makeup room?

The actors were uncomfortable in the makeup room due to the presence of many bright lights.

What was the hierarchy in the makeup department?

The hierarchy in the makeup department started with the chief makeup man, followed by his senior assistant, junior assistant, and finally the office boy.

What was the main responsibility of the office boy in the makeup department?

The office boy was responsible for applying makeup on the extras.

What were the aspirations of the office boy?

The office boy had once aspired to become a star actor, screenwriter, director, or lyricist.

Who was Kota Mangu Subbu and what was his role at Gemini Studios?

Kota Mangu Subbu was considered the boss's right-hand man at Gemini Studios and performed minor roles with performances better than the lead actors. He was also an incredible poet.

What was the role of the legal advisor at Gemini Studios?

The legal advisor at Gemini Studios was part of the story department and was known for bringing about the downfall of an actress by recording her temper tantrum on set.

What was the philosophy of the poets at Gemini Studios?

The poets at Gemini Studios were believers of Gandhi and averse to Communism, with their version of Communism reflecting the overall philosophy of Gemini Studios.

Who was SS Vasan and why was he significant to Gemini Studios?

SS Vasan was an English poet who visited Gemini Studios. His significance lies in the fact that he was the same person as Stephen Spender, the editor of the periodical 'The Encounter', which organized a short story contest that the author of the script was interested in.

What was the connection between Stephen Spender and the book 'The God That Failed'?

Stephen Spender was one of the contributors to the book 'The God That Failed', which was a compilation of essays by six eminent writers describing their experiences with Communism.