WHO, but ourselves, do we have to blame? As Indians we let ourselves down by not believing we are as good as the rest (read the West) and then when we get scoffed at we feel slighted and cheated, when in fact we have put them in the position to do so. We rob ourselves of our dignity by not respecting our Indianness.

A friend lunching with Bollywood’s most successful actors admits that meeting Brad Pitt was the real kicker. He is the die-hard Bollywood fan yet when it comes to Hollywood he says, hobnobbing with them is another high altogether. He further unravels that not just him but Bollywood actors themselves feel privileged to be in their company.

One of India’s most talented designers (MAC, Puma and Swatch are some international brands who have clearly recognised this) looks in awe every time Dries Van Noten deigns to even glance his way; forget talking to him. He has not only undermined himself but the rest of the fraternity too. Suzy Menkes is made to feel like a demi goddess by some of

India’s most articulate fashion journalists, allowing her to make them feel insecure and inconsequential when I’m sure that’s hardly what she’s come to India to do. But, sadly they leave her with little choice.

Manmohan Singh behaves as though in august company when he meets Barack Obama. Frankly, if you ask me, it should be the reverse.

Why are we so West absorbed? Sylvester Stallone regretfully announces his inability to attend his first Hindi movie premier. Sajid Nadiadwala further adds that he normally doesn’t have extravagant openings, but felt it only appropriate as he now had “international stars”! Why ignore our own? If, God forbid, one of the Indian actors failed to show up it would’ve been a full on media battle with him feeling absolutely let down.

... contd.