Why So Many People Get India Wrong (American’s POV)

Summary

In this reflective discussion, the speaker shares insights on the nuances of acting, cultural differences, and personal growth through experiences in India. They emphasize that acting is universal, focusing on emotional authenticity rather than cultural specificities. Drawing on their experiences with Indian philosophy, the speaker highlights how India taught them patience and humility, challenging Western notions of ego and individualism. With examples like 'Maximum City' and Gandhi’s 'My Experiments with Truth', the speaker explores the evolving nature of Indian society, offering a unique perspective on both filmmaking and personal development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker prefers 'Maximum City' over 'Shantaram', finding it a more honest portrayal of Mumbai in the early 2000s.
• 😀 Gandhi's 'My Experiments with Truth' feels outdated in the context of modern, metropolitan India, but some of his values still resonate in rural areas.
• 😀 Acting is a universal craft, and cultural differences should not be exaggerated in the performance itself. Acting is about expressing human emotions truthfully.
• 😀 The Goldberg Method, as taught by the speaker, focuses on making acting practical, grounded, and applicable to real-life situations on stage or screen.
• 😀 The emotional language of acting, such as love, anger, and pain, is universal. An actor’s job is to access these emotions truthfully using practical tools.
• 😀 Acting is about experiencing a character's journey honestly rather than simply performing; this is key to creating performances that resonate emotionally with audiences.
• 😀 India has taught the speaker patience, not just in waiting for external things but in approaching life and their career with a slower, more deliberate pace.
• 😀 The speaker has learned humility in India, appreciating the importance of being part of something larger than oneself rather than focusing on ego and individuality.
• 😀 There is a cultural narrative in India that warns against the dangers of excessive individualism and ego, emphasizing a more collective mindset.
• 😀 The speaker has been humbled by their experiences in India, both personally and professionally, recognizing the value of taking time and being grounded in their craft.

Q & A

What is the main difference between *Shantaram* and *Maximum City* according to the speaker?

*Shantaram* is described as less impactful by the speaker, who finds it lacking in connection and authenticity, despite its popularity. On the other hand, the speaker praises *Maximum City* for its honest and realistic portrayal of Mumbai in the early 2000s, although they note that the city has changed significantly since then.

How does the speaker view Gandhi's *My Experiments with Truth* in relation to modern India?

The speaker finds Gandhi's *My Experiments with Truth* somewhat outdated in the context of modern, urban, fast-paced India. However, they acknowledge that many of the values Gandhi advocated still hold relevance, especially in rural and agricultural parts of India where the majority of the population lives.

What is the speaker's perspective on acting as a universal craft?

The speaker believes that acting is a universal craft and not confined to any specific culture, such as Indian or American. They stress that the emotional language of acting is innate to all humans, and the key to successful acting is accessing practical tools to express basic human emotions honestly and truthfully.

What is the Goldberg method, and how does it relate to the speaker's approach to teaching acting?

The Goldberg method is a practical approach to acting, emphasizing the importance of applying the learned tools and techniques to real-world performances. The speaker values this method because it ensures that actors can use their emotional breakthroughs effectively in front of the camera or on stage, connecting their craft with tangible results.

What is the speaker's attitude toward the role of cultural identity in acting?

The speaker believes that cultural identity naturally emerges in a performance, but it should not be forced. Acting, for them, is about expressing universal human experiences and emotions, and an actor's cultural background will inherently influence their portrayal without the need for deliberate accentuation.

What lesson about patience did the speaker learn from living in India?

The speaker learned patience from India, not in the sense of waiting in traffic, but in recognizing that life in India has a different rhythm. This lesson extended to their filmmaking career, where they learned the importance of taking their time and not rushing processes.

How has India influenced the speaker's view on humility?

India has taught the speaker humility by emphasizing that individualism and ego can be destructive. They describe a cultural shift from the Western focus on individual success to an appreciation of being part of a much larger whole. This perspective has been humbling and has influenced their approach to their career and life.

How does the speaker differentiate between 'performing' and 'living' as an actor?

The speaker differentiates between 'performing' and 'living' as an actor by emphasizing that great acting is not about performing emotions for the sake of performance but about living through the character's journey and emotions in a truthful, believable way. The actors they admire are those who experience the trajectory of the character deeply and authentically.

What is the speaker's critique of *Shantaram* as a literary work?

The speaker critiques *Shantaram* by stating that they didn’t enjoy the book at all. They felt that it lacked substance and failed to connect with them on a personal level, despite its widespread popularity.

What does the speaker mean by 'Indian Suggested Time' (IST)?

The speaker humorously refers to 'Indian Suggested Time' (IST) as a cultural concept that reflects the more relaxed and flexible approach to time in India. This contrasts with the more rigid, punctual schedules often seen in Western cultures, and the speaker has learned to adapt to this slower, more patient way of life.