CBSE Class 12 Flamingo Book Chapter 6 Poets and Pancakes summary class 12, theme, explanation, characters, difficult words, question answers are given here. For better study, students must check out.
Poets and Pancakes Writer
Ashokmitran (pen name of Jagadisa Thyagarajan) was a prolific and influential Indian writer who left a significant mark on Tamil literature.
- Born: September 22, 1931, in Secunderabad, India
- Died: March 23, 2017, in Chennai, India
- Occupation: Writer, essayist, critic
- Language: Tamil
- Notable works: “Anbin Parisu” (play), “Paavam Dalpathado” (short story collection), “The Man Who Came Early” (novel), “My Years with Boss” (memoir)
- Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award (1996)
Poets and Pancakes Introduction –
“Poets and Pancakes” is a part of a book called “My Years with Boss” by Asokamitran. It’s all about his time at Gemini Studio, a place that made lots of movies that influenced life in India. In the story, Asokamitran mentions a cool makeup brand called Pancake.
He highlights the contrast between two seemingly unrelated things: the artistry of poetry and the practicality of makeup. Pancake, the brand he mentions, was hugely popular with actors and actresses back then, allowing them to transform into completely different characters. This creates a funny irony – the artificiality of makeup used to create art!
Poets and Pancakes theme-
The theme of “Poet and Pancake” revolves around the author’s experiences at Gemini Studio, a place that played a significant role in the Indian film industry. Asokamitran reflects on the impact of films on Indian life, and within this context, he introduces the concept of a popular makeup brand called Pancake. The story explores the intersection of art (poetry and filmmaking) and the mundane (pancakes and makeup), offering insights into the cultural and creative aspects of the author’s life at the studio. It’s a blend of the artistic and the everyday, highlighting the unique atmosphere and dynamics of Gemini Studio.
Poets and Pancakes Summary –
In this story, Asokamitran talks about Gemini Studios and the things that make it famous. He starts by mentioning “Pancakes,” a well-known makeup brand that the studio used a lot. Then, he talks about how actors and actresses face difficulties with bright lights in the makeup room. According to him, the makeup department uses a lot of makeup to make them look strange.
He mentions an office boy in the makeup department who dreams of becoming an actor, screenwriter, director, or lyricist. The author, who used to work in a cubicle collecting newspaper cuttings, often faced complaints from this office boy.
The office boy believed his problems were because of Subbu, who had advantages as a Brahmin. Subbu was a valuable person at the studio, known for his loyalty, hospitality, and talent in poetry. He worked in the story department, which included a lawyer known for his logical and neutral approach among dreamers.
Asokamitran then talks about Gemini Studios hosting the Moral Rearmament Army, an international group with simple plots but perfect sets and costumes. The plays inspired Tamil performances for many years. Later, Stephen Spender, a guest at Gemini Studios, visits, but linguistic barriers make it hard for people to connect with him. It takes a few years for Asokamitran to recognize him through a book.
Poets and Pancakes Summary in Hindi
“Poets and Pancakes” कहानी है जो आसोकमित्रान के किताब “माय इयर्स विद बॉस” से है। यह कहानी गेमिनी स्टूडियो के दिनों की है, जो भारतीय फिल्म इंडस्ट्री में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता था। इस कहानी में, आसोकमित्रान भारतीय जीवन पर फिल्मों के प्रभाव पर विचार करते हैं, और इस संदर्भ में, उन्होंने एक पॉपुलर मेकअप ब्रांड “पैनकेक” का ज़िक्र किया है। यह कहानी कला (कविता और फिल्मनिर्माण) और सामान्य जीवन (पैनकेक और मेकअप) के मिलन की ओर बढ़ती है, लेकिन यह स्टूडियो के लेखक के जीवन की अद्वितीय वातावरण और गतिविधियों की धारा को हाइलाइट करती है।
इस कहानी में, असोकमित्रन जेमिनी स्टूडियोज और चीजों के बारे में बात करते हैं जो इसे प्रसिद्ध बनाते हैं। वह एक प्रसिद्ध मेकअप ब्रांड “पैनकेक्स” का उल्लेख करके शुरू करते हैं, जिसका स्टूडियो बहुत इस्तेमाल करता था। फिर, वह बात करते हैं कि कैसे मेकअप रूम में तेज रोशनी में अभिनेताओं और अभिनेत्रियों को कठिनाइयों का सामना करना पड़ता है। उनके अनुसार, मेकअप विभाग उनका रूप बदलने के लिए बहुत सारे मेकअप का इस्तेमाल करता है।
वह मेकअप विभाग में एक ऑफिस बॉय का उल्लेख करते हैं जो एक अभिनेता, पटकथा लेखक, निर्देशक या गीतकार बनने का सपना देखता है। लेखक, जो एक बार एक कक्ष में अखबारों की कतरनों को इकट्ठा करने का काम करते थे, उन्हें अक्सर इस ऑफिस बॉय की शिकायतों का सामना करना पड़ता था।
ऑफिस बॉय का मानना था कि उसकी समस्याएं सुब्बू के कारण थीं, जिसे ब्राह्मण होने के नाते फायदे थे। सुब्बू स्टूडियो में एक मूल्यवान व्यक्ति था, जो अपनी वफादारी, आतिथ्य और कविता में प्रतिभा के लिए जाना जाता था। वह कहानी विभाग में काम करता था, जिसमें एक वकील शामिल था जो सपने देखने वालों के बीच अपने तार्किक और तटस्थ दृष्टिकोण के लिए जाना जाता था।
असोकामित्रन फिर जेमिनी स्टूडियो के बारे में बात करते हैं, जो मॉरल रियरमामेंट आर्मी, एक अंतरराष्ट्रीय समूह है, जिसके पास सरल प्लॉट लेकिन उत्तम सेट और पोशाक हैं। नाटकों ने कई वर्षों तक तमिल प्रदर्शनों को प्रेरित किया। बाद में, जेमिनी स्टूडियो में एक अतिथि, स्टीफन स्पेंडर आता है, लेकिन भाषाई बाधाओं के कारण लोगों के लिए उससे जुड़ना मुश्किल होता है। असोकमित्रन को उसे एक किताब के माध्यम से पहचानने में कुछ साल लगते हैं।
Poets and Pancakes Characters
“Poets and Pancakes” boasts a colorful cast of characters, each playing a unique role in the narrative. Here’s a closer look at some of the key figures:
Asokmitran: The narrator, a young employee at Gemini Studios who works in the clipping department. He observes the goings-on of the studio with a keen eye and offers insightful commentary on the film industry and its human dramas.
Kothamangalam Subbu: The second-in-command at Gemini Studios, known for his competence, resourcefulness, and loyalty. He is also a talented poet, showcasing the artistic side of the film world.
The Lawyer: A morally ambiguous character who works for the story department. He is known for his cynical outlook and willingness to take on controversial cases.
Office Boy of the Makeup Department: A nameless but memorable character with dreams of becoming an actor, screenwriter, or director. He finds himself stuck in the mundane task of slapping paint on extras, highlighting the struggles and ambitions of those behind the scenes.
Stephen Spender: The English poet whose unexpected visit to the studio creates a stir. He represents the world of high culture and contrasts with the practicalities of movie making.
Pancakes: Not strictly a character, but a crucial symbol in the story. The brand of makeup, used liberally on actors and actresses, represents the artificiality and transformation inherent in filmmaking.
The Moral Rearmament Army: A group of international performers whose simple plays with elaborate sets inspire long-lasting artistic changes in Tamil productions.
In addition to these main characters, “Poets and Pancakes” is populated by a vibrant array of extras, actors, makeup artists, and studio workers, each contributing to the bustling atmosphere and bringing the story to life.
Poets and Pancakes characters
“Poets and Pancakes” boasts a colorful cast of characters, each playing a unique role in the narrative. Here’s a closer look at some of the key figures:
Asokmitran: The narrator, a young employee at Gemini Studios who works in the clipping department. He observes the goings-on of the studio with a keen eye and offers insightful commentary on the film industry and its human dramas.
Kothamangalam Subbu: The second-in-command at Gemini Studios, known for his competence, resourcefulness, and loyalty. He is also a talented poet, showcasing the artistic side of the film world.
The Lawyer: A morally ambiguous character who works for the story department. He is known for his cynical outlook and willingness to take on controversial cases.
Office Boy of the Makeup Department: A nameless but memorable character with dreams of becoming an actor, screenwriter, or director. He finds himself stuck in the mundane task of slapping paint on extras, highlighting the struggles and ambitions of those behind the scenes.
Stephen Spender: The English poet whose unexpected visit to the studio creates a stir. He represents the world of high culture and contrasts with the practicalities of movie making.
Pancakes: Not strictly a character, but a crucial symbol in the story. The brand of makeup, used liberally on actors and actresses, represents the artificiality and transformation inherent in filmmaking.
The Moral Rearmament Army: A group of international performers whose simple plays with elaborate sets inspire long-lasting artistic changes in Tamil productions.
In addition to these main characters, “Poets and Pancakes” is populated by a vibrant array of extras, actors, makeup artists, and studio workers, each contributing to the bustling atmosphere and bringing the story to life.
Poets and Pancakes Important Terms
Pancakes
“Pancakes” refers to a popular make-up brand used in Gemini Studios. It’s not the traditional breakfast dish but a name associated with the makeup products employed in the film industry.
Gemini Studio
Gemini Studios was a prominent film studio in Chennai, India. It played a significant role in the South Indian film industry, particularly in Tamil cinema. The Gemini studio was established in 1940 by S. S. Vasan, a pioneering filmmaker, and it became one of the leading film production and distribution companies in India.
Ashokmitran
Ashokmitran is one of staff whose job was to collect information such as news events from newspaper and magazines and to paste them in file. The other staff considers that his job is out of place.
Office Boy
The office boy is grown up man of 40 years in makeup department of the Gemini Studio. He was in charge of Crowd Makeup. He applied pancakes on their faces with the help of dipped paint brush.
Kothamangalm Subbu
Kothamangalam Subbu was another clerk in the Gemini Studio. He was not so educated, yet he reached the top of the Gemini Studio. He was a man of amazing genius. He could direct the directors. He suggested the dozen of ways to shoot a scene which directors failed to find one. He acted better than actors. He wrote an incredible poems. Though he was able to write more complicated poem that could raise him to the status of a great poet. Subbu preferred writing them in a simple Tamil to enlighten the majority of Tamil People.
Legal Adviser
The Legal adviser worked in the Story Department. He was a lawyer and provided legal advices to the writers, yet he was known as the illegal adviser. The following incident is one reason that gave him that name. Once a shooting was under progress. The heroine , a highly emotional girl, got angry with the director and producer. While the set stood stunned at this , the advisor recorded her voice without her permission and made her listen to the playback. Thus, it results the end of a rising actress.
Communinsm
Communism was a new political order that was spreading throughout the world, especially in Asian countries. Communism preached equality of people and abolition of poverty and class divisions while it discouraged private ownership. But communism won a negative impression due to capitalist countries such as America.
MRA ( Moral Rearmament Army)
MRA or Moral Rearmament Army was an international team of actors and actress that spread anti communist feelings throughout the world. The MRA came to Chennai and saw how influential was Gemini Studio in the South of India. The team got permission from Vassan to stage their plays.
Vassan was happy to give them permission because he hoped that his staff was get inspiration from the international team. But little did Vaasan know of their intentions. MRA staged their plays with hidden anticommunist messages and went away and it was yet after some time that Vaasan realized that he had been fooled.
Stephen Spender
Stephen Spender, who was once a prominent communist editor and poet from England, came to the studio and gave his speech. His lecture was about communism on one side and about his struggles to establish as a poet on the other. Whatever he spoke was great, hot, exciting and inspiring , but what use, his accent was such terrible one that one of the Gemini staff could clearly understand what Stephen had spoken. They fell into shame for not being able to understand the poet and wished not to meet him again.
Asokamitran’s meeting with Spender
The lesson ends with two incidents in which Ashokmitran ,our author, met Spender; not face to face , but in two different ways.While attempting to sent his short story to England to participate in a contest, Ashokmitran happened to read THE Encounter , a magazine that had Stephen Spender as its editor. On another occasion he happened to read the book , The God that Failed, an article of which was written by Spender.
Poets and Pancakes Explanation
Text -Pancake was the brand name of the make-up material that Gemini Studios bought in truck-loads. Greta Garbo must have used it, Miss Gohar must have used it, Vyjayantimala must also have used it but Rati Agnihotri may not have even heard of it. The make-up department of the Gemini Studios was in the upstairs of a building that was believed to have been Robert Clive’s stables.
Explanation of the above passage – “Pancake” is the name of the makeup that Gemini Studios used a lot. It’s like a brand of makeup. Famous actors and actresses like Greta Garbo, Miss Gohar, and Vyjayantimala might have used it, but someone like Rati Agnihotri may not even know about it.
Now, the place where they did the makeup at Gemini Studios was upstairs in a building. People believed that this building used to be stables for horses belonging to Robert Clive, a historical figure. So, imagine a place with loads of makeup, and it’s in a building that once might have been where horses were kept!
Text – A dozen other buildings in the city are said to have been his residence. For his brief life and an even briefer stay in Madras, Robert Clive seems to have done a lot of moving, besides fighting someimpossible battles in remote corners of India and marrying a maiden in St. Mary’s Church in Fort St. George in Madras.
Explanation of the above passage – People say that Robert Clive, who didn’t live for very long and stayed in Madras for an even shorter time, is rumored to have lived in about twelve other buildings in the city. In his short life, he did a lot of traveling, fought in some really tough battles in faraway places in India, and got married in St. Mary’s Church in Fort St. George in Madras.
Text –The make-up room had the look of a hair-cutting salon with lights at all angles around half a dozen large mirrors. They were all incandescent lights, so you can imagine the fiery misery of those subjected to make-up. The make-up department was first headed by a Bengali who became too big for a studio and left. He was succeeded by a Maharashtrian who was assisted by a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese and the usual local Tamils.
Explanation of the above passage – The makeup room looked like a hair-cutting place, with lots of bright lights shining from all sides around six big mirrors. These lights were very hot, like the fiery sun, and you can think about how uncomfortable it must have been for the people getting their makeup done.
At first, a Bengali person was in charge of the makeup department, but he got too famous and left the studio. Then, a person from Maharashtra took over, and he had a team that included someone from Dharwad in Karnataka, someone from Andhra Pradesh, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese person, and the usual local Tamils. They all worked together in the makeup department.
Text – All this shows that there was a great deal of national integration long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan began broadcasting programmes on national integration. This gang of nationally integrated make-up men
could turn any decent-looking person into a hideous crimson hued monster with the help of truck-loads of pancake and a number of other locally made potions and lotions. Those were the days of mainly indoor shooting, and only five per cent of the film was shot outdoors. I suppose the sets and studio lights needed the girls and boys to be made to look ugly in order to look presentable in the movie.
Explanation of the above passage – This tells us that people from different parts of the country worked together long before A.I.R. and Doordarshan started talking about national unity on the radio and TV. This group of makeup artists, who were from all over the country, could transform anyone who looked normal into a scary red monster. They used a lot of makeup (truck-loads of it!) and some local potions and lotions. Back then, most of the filming happened inside, and only a small part was done outside. I guess they needed to make the actors and actresses look strange so that they would look good on the movie screen.
Text –A strict hierarchy was maintained in the make-up department. The chief make-up man made the chief actors and actresses ugly, his senior assistant the ‘second’ hero and heroine, the junior assistant the main
comedian, and so forth. The players who played the crowd were the responsibility of the office boy. (Even
the make-up department of the Gemini Studio had an ‘office boy’!) On the days when there was a crowd shooting, you could see him mixing his paint in a giant vessel and slapping it on the crowd players.
Explanation of the above passage – In the makeup department, they had a clear order of who did what. The head makeup person made the main actors and actresses look not-so-nice. The second in charge did the same for the second lead actors, and the junior helper took care of the main funny person in the movie, and so on. The guy who played small roles in big crowds had a different job. There was even an ‘office boy’ in the makeup department at Gemini Studio! On days when they were filming scenes with lots of people in the background, you could see the office boy mixing his paint in a big container and putting it on the crowd actors.
Text –The idea was to close every pore on the surface of the face in the process of applying make-up. He wasn’t exactly a ‘boy’; he was in his early forties, having entered the studios years ago in the hope of becoming a star actor or a top screen writer, director or lyrics writer. He was a bit of a poet.
Explanation of the above passage – The goal was to cover up every tiny hole on the face when putting on makeup. The person we’re talking about wasn’t really a ‘boy’; he was around forty years old. He came to the studios a long time ago, dreaming of becoming a big movie star, a famous writer for the screen, a director, or someone who writes lyrics for songs. And guess what? He also had a bit of a talent for poetry.
Text – In those days I worked in a cubicle, two whole sides of which were French windows. (I didn’t know at that time they were called French windows.) Seeing me sitting at my desk tearing up newspapers day in and day out, most people thought I was doing next to nothing. It is likely that the Boss thought likewise too. So
anyone who felt I should be given some occupation would barge into my cubicle and deliver an extended lecture. The ‘boy’ in the make-up department had decided I should be enlightened on how great literary talent was being allowed to go waste in a department fit only for barbers and perverts. Soon I was praying for crowd-shooting all the time. Nothing short of it could save me from his epics.
Explanation of the above passage – Back in those days, I had a little space to work in with big windows on two sides, which I later learned were called French windows. I used to sit there every day tearing up newspapers. Most people, including the boss, probably thought I wasn’t doing much. When someone felt I needed more work, they would come into my space and talk for a long time.
The ‘boy’ from the makeup department decided that I needed to know how valuable literary talent was being wasted in a department that he thought was only suitable for barbers and strange people. After a while, I wished for scenes with lots of people in the background all the time. Only that would keep me from getting stuck listening to his long lectures.
Text – In all instances of frustration, you will always find the anger directed towards a single person openly or covertly and this man of the make-up department was convinced that all his woes, ignominy and neglect were due to Kothamangalam Subbu. Subbu was the No. 2 at Gemini Studios. He couldn’t have had a more encouraging opening in films than our grown-up make-up boy had. On the contrary he must have had to face more uncertain and difficult times, for when he began his career, there were no firmly established film producing companies or studios. Even in the matter of education, specially formal education, Subbu couldn’t have had an appreciable lead over our boy.
Explanation of the above passage- Whenever someone is really frustrated, they usually blame one person, either openly or secretly. In this case, the man from the makeup department was sure that all his problems and feeling ignored were because of Kothamangalam Subbu. Subbu was the second-in-command at Gemini Studios. He probably faced a lot of challenges when he started working in films, especially because, back then, there weren’t many established movie companies or studios. Even when it comes to education, Subbu probably didn’t have a big advantage over our man from the makeup department.
Text – But by virtue of being born a Brahmin — a virtue, indeed!— he must have had exposure to more affluent situations and people. He had the ability to look cheerful at all times even after having had a hand in a flop film. He always had work for somebody — he could never do things on his own — but his sense of loyalty made him identify himself with his principal completely and turn his entire creativity to his principal’s advantage. He was tailor-made for films. Here was a man who could be inspired when commanded.
Explanation of the above passage – Because he was born into a Brahmin family, which is considered a good thing, he probably had experience with wealthier situations and people. He had this special ability to always seem happy, even if a movie he worked on didn’t do well. He never worked alone; he always found tasks for others. But what made him stand out was his loyalty. He completely connected with the person he worked for and used all his creative skills to benefit that person. He was just right for the movies—a person who could come up with ideas when told to.
Text –“The rat fights the tigress underwater and kills her but takes pity on the cubs and tends them lovingly — I don’t know how to do the scene,” the producer would say and Subbu would come out with four ways of the rat pouring affection on its victim’s offspring. “Good, but I am not sure it is effective enough,” the producer would say and in a minute Subbu would come out with fourteen more alternatives. Film-making must have been and was so easy with a man like Subbu around and if ever there was a man who gave direction and definition to Gemini Studios during its golden years, it was Subbu. Subbu had a separate
identity as a poet and though he was certainly capable of more complex and higher forms, he deliberately chose to address his poetry to the masses. His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements — or so his critics felt. He composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction and also wrote a sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century.
Explanation of the above passage – “The producer would say, ‘Imagine a rat fighting a tigress underwater and winning, but then feeling sorry for the tigress’ cubs and taking care of them with love. I don’t know how to show this in the movie,” the producer said. Subbu, the No. 2 at Gemini Studios, would then come up with four different ways to show the rat being kind to the baby tigers. “That’s good, but I’m not sure it’s strong enough,” the producer would respond, and within a minute, Subbu would suggest fourteen more options.
Having someone like Subbu around made filmmaking seem easy. He played a crucial role in making Gemini Studios successful during its best years. Subbu wasn’t just a film guy; he also wrote poetry. Even though he could create more complex poetry, he chose to write in a way that everyone could understand. His success in movies was so big that people kind of forgot about his achievements in poetry—or at least that’s what some of his critics thought. He wrote unique ‘story poems’ in a simple way that people could easily relate to. He also wrote a long novel called “Thillana Mohanambal,” which had many well-drawn characters. In this novel, he successfully captured the atmosphere of the Devadasis in the early 20th century.
Text – He was an amazing actor — he never aspired to the lead roles — but whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed better than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for anyone he came across and his house was a permanent residence for dozens of near and far relations and acquaintances. It seemed against Subbu’s nature to be even conscious that he was feeding and supporting so many of them. Such a charitable and improvident man, and yet he had enemies! Was it because he seemed so close and intimate with The Boss? Or was it his general demeanour that resembled a sycophant’s? Or
his readiness to say nice things about everything? In any case, there was this man in the make-up department who would wish the direst things for Subbu.
Explanation of the above passage – He was a fantastic actor, and he never aimed to be the main character in the movies. But every time he played a smaller role, he did it better than the people who were supposed to be the main stars. He genuinely cared for everyone he met, and his home was like a permanent place for many relatives and friends, whether they lived nearby or far away. It felt like Subbu didn’t even realize he was taking care of and supporting so many people. He was so generous, and yet, surprisingly, he had enemies!
People wondered why. Was it because he seemed really close to The Boss? Or maybe because he acted like a bit of a sycophant (someone who praises others a lot)? Or was it just because he was always ready to say nice things about everything? Anyway, there was a guy in the makeup department who would wish really bad things for Subbu.
Text – You saw Subbu always with The Boss but in the attendance rolls, he was grouped under a department called the Story Department comprising a lawyer and an assembly of writers and poets. The lawyer was also officially known as the legal adviser, but everybody referred to him as the opposite. An extremely talented actress, who was also extremely temperamental, once blew over on the sets. While everyone stood stunned, the lawyer quietly switched on the recording equipment. When the actress paused for breath, the lawyer said to her, “One minute, please,” and played back the recording. There was nothing incriminating or unmentionably foul about the actress’s tirade against the producer. But when she heard her voice again through the sound equipment, she was struck dumb.
Explanation of the above passage – You often saw Subbu hanging out with The Boss, but on the attendance list, he was part of a group called the Story Department. This department included a lawyer and a bunch of writers and poets. Even though the lawyer had an official title as the legal adviser, everyone called him the opposite of that.
Once, there was a very talented but quite moody actress who got really angry on set. Everyone was shocked, but the lawyer quietly turned on the recording equipment. When the actress took a break, the lawyer said, “Wait a minute, please,” and played back what she had said. There wasn’t anything really bad or against the rules in what the actress had said about the producer. But when she heard her own words played back, she was left speechless.
Text –A girl from the countryside, she hadn’t gone through all the stages of worldly experience that generally precede a position of importance and sophistication that she had found herself catapulted into. She never quite recovered from the terror she felt that day. That was the end of a brief and brilliant acting career — the legal adviser who was also a member of the Story Department, had unwittingly brought about that sad end. While every other member of the Department wore a kind of uniform — khadi dhoti with a slightly oversized and clumsily tailored white khadi shirt — the legal adviser wore pants and a tie and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail.
Explanation of the above passage –This girl, who came from the countryside, hadn’t experienced all the usual things people go through before they end up in a position of importance and sophistication. She was suddenly put into that kind of role. The scary incident that happened that day left a lasting impact on her, and it marked the end of her short but impressive acting career. The legal adviser, who was also part of the Story Department, unintentionally caused this sad ending.
Everyone else in the Story Department wore similar clothes—a khadi dhoti with a slightly big and not-so-well-fitted white khadi shirt. But the legal adviser stood out because he wore pants, a tie, and sometimes a coat that looked like a coat of mail.
Text – Often he looked alone and helpless — a man of cold logic in a crowd of dreamers — a neutral man in an assembly of Gandhiites and khadiites. Like so many of those who were close to The Boss, he was allowed to produce a film and though a lot of raw stock and pancake were used on it, not much came of the film. Then one day The Boss closed down the Story Department and this was perhaps the only instance in all human history where a lawyer lost his job because the poets were asked to go home.
Exaplanation of the above passage – Sometimes, he seemed like he was on his own, feeling lost—a guy who thought logically in a group of people with big dreams. He was like a neutral person in a crowd full of followers of Gandhi and lovers of khadi. Similar to many others close to The Boss, he got a chance to make a movie. They used a lot of film material and makeup on it, but the movie didn’t do well.
Then, one day, The Boss shut down the Story Department. This might be the only time in history when a lawyer lost his job because the poets were told to leave.
Text –Gemini Studios was the favourite haunt of poets like S.D.S.Yogiar3, Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya4. It had an excellent mess which supplied good coffee at all times of the day and for most part of the night. Those were the days when Congress rule meant Prohibition and meeting over a cup of coffee was rather satisfying entertainment. Barring the office boys and a couple of clerks, everybody else at the Studios radiated leisure, a pre-requisite for poetry. Most of them wore khadi and worshipped Gandhiji but beyond that they had not the faintest appreciation for political thought of any kind.
Explanation of the above passage – Gemini Studios was a popular place for poets like S.D.S. Yogiar, Sangu Subramanyam, Krishna Sastry, and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya. They had a great place to eat, where you could get good coffee anytime during the day and most of the night. Back then, when the Congress party was in charge, they had rules against drinking alcohol, so meeting up over a cup of coffee was a satisfying way to have fun. Except for the office boys and a couple of clerks, everyone else at the Studios seemed really relaxed, which is important for doing poetry. Most of them wore khadi clothes and admired Gandhiji, but besides that, they didn’t really care much about politics.
Text – Naturally, they were all averse to the term ‘Communism’. A Communist was a godless man — he had
no filial or conjugal love; he had no compunction about killing his own parents or his children; he was always out to cause and spread unrest and violence among innocent and ignorant people. Such notions which prevailed everywhere else in South India at that time also, naturally, floated about vaguely among the khadi-clad poets of Gemini Studios. Evidence of it was soon forthcoming.
Explanation of the above passage –Of course, they didn’t like the word ‘Communism.’ A Communist, as they saw it, was a person without any belief in God. They thought Communists didn’t care about their families, would easily harm their parents or children, and were always causing trouble and violence among innocent people. These ideas were common in South India at that time, and even the poets at Gemini Studios, who liked wearing khadi clothes, had similar thoughts. Soon, there was proof of these beliefs.
Text – When Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament army, some two hundred strong, visited Madras sometime in 1952, they could not have found a warmer host in India than the Gemini Studios. Someone called the group an international circus. They weren’t very good on the trapeze and their acquaintance with animals was only at the dinner table, but they presented two plays in a most professional manner. Their ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor’ ran several shows in Madras and along with the other citizens of the city, the Gemini family of six hundred saw the plays over and over again.
Explanation of the above passage – In 1952, about 200 members of Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament army came to Madras. When they arrived, Gemini Studios welcomed them warmly. Some people called this group an international circus. They weren’t great at acrobatics, and the only animals they knew were the ones they ate for dinner. But they performed two plays very professionally. These plays, called ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor,’ were shown many times in Madras. Along with the other people in the city, the 600 members of the Gemini Studios family watched these plays over and over again.
Text – The message of the plays were usually plain and simple homilies, but the sets and costumes were
first-rate. Madras and the Tamil drama community were terribly impressed and for some years almost all Tamil plays had a scene of sunrise and sunset in the manner of ‘Jotham Valley’ with a bare stage, a white background curtain and a tune played on the flute. It was some years later that I learnt that the MRA was a kind of counter-movement to international Communism and the big bosses of Madras like Mr. Vasan simply played into their hands.
Explanation of the above passage – The plays usually had straightforward and simple messages, like lessons or advice. But the way they set up the stage and the costumes were really good. People in Madras and the Tamil drama community were very impressed. For a few years, almost every Tamil play had a scene with a sunrise and sunset, like in ‘Jotham Valley.’ They would use a simple stage, a white curtain in the background, and play a tune on the flute.
It was only later that I found out the MRA (Moral Re-Armament) was like a response to international Communism. Big leaders in Madras, like Mr. Vasan, unknowingly helped them by supporting their ideas.
Text – I am not sure however, that this was indeed the case, for the unchangeable aspects of these big bosses and their enterprises remained the same, MRA or no MRA, international Communism or no international Communism. The staff of Gemini Studios had a nice time hosting two hundred people of all hues and sizes of at least twenty nationalities. It was such a change from the usual collection of crowd players waiting to be slapped with thick layers of make-up by the office-boy in the make-up department.
Explanation of the above passage – I’m not entirely sure if this was true because the big bosses and their businesses didn’t really change, whether the MRA (Moral Re-Armament) was involved or not, and whether international Communism was a factor or not. The staff at Gemini Studios had a good time hosting around 200 people from at least twenty different countries, each with their own colors and sizes. It was a nice change from the usual group of actors waiting to get makeup put on them by the office boy in the makeup department.
Text – A few months later, the telephone lines of the big bosses of Madras buzzed and once again we at Gemini Studios cleared a whole shooting stage to welcome another visitor. All they said was that he was a poet from England. The only poets from England the simple Gemini staff knew or heard of were Wordsworth and Tennyson; the more literate ones knew of Keats, Shelley and Byron; and one or two might have faintly come to know of someone by the name Eliot. Who was the poet visiting the Gemini Studios now?
Explanation of the above passage – A few months later, the big bosses in Madras got calls, and once again, we at Gemini Studios prepared a whole shooting stage to greet another visitor. All they told us was that he was a poet from England. The only English poets the regular Gemini staff knew or heard of were Wordsworth and Tennyson. The more educated ones knew about Keats, Shelley, and Byron. One or two might have slightly heard about someone named Eliot. So, we were curious to know which poet from England was visiting Gemini Studios this time.
Text – “He is not a poet. He is an editor. That’s why The Boss is giving him a big reception.” Vasan was also the editor of the popular Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan. He wasn’t the editor of any of the known names of British publications in Madras, that is, those known at the Gemini Studios. Since the top men of The Hindu were taking the initiative, the surmise was that the poet was the editor of a daily — but not from The Manchester Guardian or the London Times. That was all that even the most wellinformed among us knew.
Explanation of the above passage- “He’s not a poet; he’s an editor. That’s why The Boss is giving him a big welcome.” Vasan, who was in charge, was also the editor of a popular Tamil weekly called Ananda Vikatan. He wasn’t the editor of any of the well-known British publications in Madras, at least not the ones known at Gemini Studios.
Because the important people from The Hindu were involved, people guessed that the editor might be from a daily newspaper. However, it wasn’t one of the big British ones like The Manchester Guardian or the London Times. That’s all we, even the most informed among us, knew.
Text – At last, around four in the afternoon, the poet (or the editor) arrived. He was a tall man, very English, very serious and of course very unknown to all of us. Battling with half a dozen pedestal fans on the shooting stage, The Boss read out a long speech. It was obvious that he too knew precious little about the poet (or the editor). The speech was all in the most general terms but here and there it was peppered with words like ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’.
Explanation of the above passage – Finally, at around four in the afternoon, the poet (or editor) showed up. He was a tall man, very English, very serious, and, of course, completely unknown to all of us. While fighting with half a dozen fans on the shooting stage, The Boss read a long speech. It was clear that even he didn’t know much about the poet (or editor). The speech was very general, but here and there, he used words like ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy.’
Text –Then the poet spoke. He couldn’t have addressed a more dazed and silent audience — no one knew what he was talking about and his accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying. The whole thing lasted about an hour; then the poet left and we all dispersed in utter bafflement — what are we doing? What is an English poet doing in a film studio which makes Tamil films for the simplest sort of people? People whose lives least afforded them the possibility of cultivating a taste for English poetry? The poet looked pretty baffled too, for he too must have felt the sheer incongruity of his talk about the thrills and travails of an English poet. His visit remained an unexplained mystery.
Explanation of the above passage –Next, the poet started talking. He couldn’t have spoken to a more confused and quiet group of people—none of us understood what he was saying, and his accent made it even harder. The whole thing went on for about an hour. Then, the poet left, and we all went our separate ways, completely puzzled—what were we doing here? Why was an English poet in a film studio that made Tamil movies for simple folks? People whose lives didn’t really include reading English poetry. The poet seemed confused too, probably realizing how odd it was to talk about the experiences of an English poet in that setting. His visit remained a mystery, and we never really understood why he came.
Text – The great prose-writers of the world may not admit it, but my conviction grows stronger day after day that prose writing is not and cannot be the true pursuit of a genius. It is for the patient, persistent, persevering drudge with a heart so shrunken that nothing can break it; rejection slips don’t mean a thing to him; he at once sets about making a fresh copy of the long prose piece and sends it on to another editor enclosing postage for the return of the manuscript. It was for such people that The Hindu had published a tiny announcement in an insignificant corner of an unimportant page — a short story contest organised
by a British periodical by the name The Encounter.
Explanation of the above passage –The great writers of stories in the world may not agree, but I’m becoming more and more sure that writing long pieces of text isn’t the real job for a genius. It’s for someone who can keep going, not get discouraged easily, and have a heart that’s hard to break. Rejections don’t bother them at all. They quickly make a new copy of their long story and send it to another editor, even including money for the return of the paper if needed. The Hindu had put out a small notice in a not-so-important part of a not-so-important page. It was about a contest for short stories organized by a British magazine called The Encounter. And it was meant for people who were okay with doing the hard work and not getting upset easily.
Text – Of course, The Encounter wasn’t a known commodity among the Gemini literati. I wanted to get an idea of the periodical before I spent a considerable sum in postage sending a manuscript to England. In those days, the British Council Library had an entrance with no long winded signboards and notices to
make you feel you were sneaking into a forbidden area. And there were copies of The Encounter lying about in various degrees of freshness, almost untouched by readers. When I read the editor’s name, I heard a bell ringing in my shrunken heart. It was the poet who had visited the Gemini Studios — I felt like I had found a long lost brother and I sang as I sealed the envelope and wrote out his address. I felt that he too would be singing the same song at then same time — long lost brothers of Indian films discover each other by singing the same song in the first reel and in the final reel of the film. Stephen Spender Stephen — that was his name.
Explanation of the above passage – Of course, The Encounter wasn’t really known among the smart people who liked literature at Gemini Studios. I wanted to know more about the magazine before spending a lot on postage to send my work to England. Back then, the British Council Library was easy to get into, with no big signs making you feel like you were breaking any rules. There, I found copies of The Encounter that people hadn’t really read. When I saw the editor’s name, it felt like a bell ringing in my small heart. It was the poet who visited Gemini Studios! I felt like I had found a long-lost brother, and I happily sealed the envelope with my manuscript and wrote his address. I imagined he might be feeling the same way—like long-lost brothers in Indian films who discover each other by singing the same song in the first and final scenes of the movie. His name was Stephen Spender.
Text – And years later, when I was out of Gemini Studios and I had much time but not much money, anything at a reduced price attracted my attention. On the footpath in front of the Madras Mount Road Post Office, there was a pile of brand new books for fifty paise each. Actually they were copies of the same book, an elegant paperback of American origin. ‘Special low-priced student edition, in connection with the 50th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution’, I paid fifty paise and picked up a copy of the book, The God That Failed.
Explanation of the above passage –Years later, when I wasn’t working at Gemini Studios and had plenty of time but not a lot of money, I paid attention to anything that was on sale. On the sidewalk outside the Madras Mount Road Post Office, I saw a bunch of brand new books for just fifty paise each. They were all the same book, a nice paperback from America. It said, ‘Special low-priced student edition, in connection with the 50th Anniversary of the Russian Revolution.’ I paid fifty paise and got myself a copy of the book, The God That Failed.
Text – Six eminent men of letters in six separate essays described ‘their journeys into Communism and their disillusioned return’; Andre Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer and Stephen Spender. Stephen Spender! Suddenly the book assumed tremendous significance. Stephen Spender, the poet who had visited Gemini Studios! In a moment I felt a dark chamber of my mind lit up by a hazy illumination. The reaction to Stephen Spender at Gemini Studios was no longer a mystery. The Boss of the Gemini Studios may not have much to do with Spender’s poetry. But not with his god that failed.
Explanation of the above passage – Six famous writers each wrote an essay about their experiences with Communism and how they eventually became disappointed with it. The writers were Andre Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer, and Stephen Spender. Wait, Stephen Spender! Suddenly, the book became really important. Stephen Spender, the poet who came to Gemini Studios! In that moment, it felt like a light turned on in a dark part of my mind. Now, the way people at Gemini Studios reacted to Stephen Spender wasn’t a mystery anymore. The Boss at Gemini Studios might not have cared much about Spender’s poetry, but he definitely had something to do with Spender’s “God That Failed.”
Poets and Pancakes Questions Answers
Q.1- What does the writer mean by ‘the fiery misery’ of those subjected to make-up’?
Ans. -The phrase “the fiery misery” is a figurative expression used to describe the discomfort or distress experienced by individuals who are undergoing the process of applying makeup. In the context of the passage, it suggests that the use of makeup, particularly the product referred to as Pancake, is not a pleasant experience for the actors and actresses at Gemini Studios. The word “fiery” conveys a sense of intensity or discomfort, implying that the application of makeup, possibly involving strong lights or heat, is not a enjoyable or easy process for those in the make-up room.
Q. 2- What is the example of national integration that the author refers to?
Ans. The author mentions an example of national integration in the context of the makeup department at Gemini Studios. The passage describes a group of makeup men in the studio who were nationally integrated, meaning they belonged to different regions and communities across India. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they worked together to transform actors into various characters using makeup. The author highlights that this integration occurred before the official broadcasting programs on national integration, suggesting that the makeup department personnel collaborated seamlessly despite their diverse origins, reflecting a form of unity and cooperation.
Q.3- What work did the ‘office boy’ do in the Gemini Studios? Why did he join the studios? Why was he disappointed?
Ans. The “office boy” at Gemini Studios had the task of applying makeup to the faces of crowd players during crowd-shooting sessions. His role involved slapping paint onto the faces of actors who played in the background or as part of a crowd scene.
He joined the studios with the hope and aspiration of pursuing a career in the film industry. The passage suggests that he joined Gemini Studios with the aim of becoming an actor, screenwriter, director, or lyricist. However, he became disappointed because he found himself assigned to the makeup department as an office boy, performing a task that was not aligned with his initial ambitions. His disappointment may stem from the disparity between his expectations and the reality of his assigned role in the makeup department.
Q.4- Why did the author appear to be doing nothing at the studios?
Ans. The author at the studios appeared to be doing nothing because his assigned task involved collecting newspaper cuttings, which others perceived as an insignificant job. The author mentions working inside a cubicle and tearing up newspapers day in and day out. Despite his continuous work, people around him, including the Boss, seemed to believe that he was not engaged in meaningful or substantial work. The perception of insignificance might be due to the nature of the task and the lack of understanding about the importance of the author’s role in collecting newspaper cuttings for the studio.
Q.5-Why was the office boy frustrated? Who did he show his anger on?
Ans.
The office boy at Gemini Studios was frustrated because he had joined the studio with aspirations of becoming an actor, screenwriter, director, or lyricist. However, he found himself assigned to the makeup department as an office boy, a role that involved slapping paint onto the faces of crowd players during crowd-shooting sessions. His frustration stemmed from the discrepancy between his initial ambitions and the reality of his assigned task.
The office boy directed his anger and frustration towards Kothamangalam Subbu, who held the position of No. 2 at Gemini Studios. The office boy believed that Subbu was the cause of his misery, thinking that Subbu had advantages due to being born a Brahmin. The frustration manifested in the office boy’s perception that Subbu’s alleged advantage was hindering his own progress and opportunities within the studio.
Q.6- Who was Subbu’s principal?
Ans. Subbu’s principal, as mentioned in the passage, was not explicitly identified by name or role. The passage describes Subbu as being loyal to his principal and someone who could be inspired when commanded. Subbu’s loyalty and commitment were directed towards this unidentified principal, and he aligned his creativity and efforts to benefit this individual. The passage doesn’t provide specific details about the identity or role of Subbu’s principal within the context of Gemini Studios.
Q. 7- Subbu is described as a many-sided genius. List four of his special abilities.
Ans -Subbu is described as a many-sided genius with various abilities. Four of his special abilities mentioned in the passage are:
- Resourcefulness: Subbu is characterized as a resourceful individual whose loyalty makes him stand out. His ability to navigate challenges and contribute effectively to the studio’s operations is highlighted.
- Hospitality: Subbu is known for his welcoming and hospitable nature. The passage mentions that he was very welcoming and had a reputation for hospitality.
- Poetry: Like many others at Gemini Studios, Subbu was involved in poetry. He was not only a versatile professional but also engaged in creative pursuits like poetry.
- Adaptability to Films: Subbu is described as tailor-made for films. His skills and attributes were well-suited for the film industry, and it was challenging to imagine filmmaking without him.
Q.8- Why was the legal adviser referred to as the opposite by others?
Ans.- The legal adviser at Gemini Studios was referred to as the opposite because, officially known as the legal adviser, he was anything but what people typically associate with legal professionals. The passage describes him as “an extremely talented actress” who blew over on the sets. Instead of intervening in a legal manner or providing legal advice, the legal adviser quietly switched on the recording equipment. When the actress paused, he played back the recording. Although there was nothing incriminating, the actress was struck dumb upon hearing her own voice.
The legal adviser’s unconventional approach, using technology rather than legal procedures, earned him the nickname “the opposite.” People at Gemini Studios seemed to view him as someone who didn’t conform to the traditional expectations of a legal practitioner, acting in a manner contrary to what one might expect from a person in a legal role.
Q.9- What made the lawyer stand out from the others at Gemini Studios?
Ans. – The lawyer at Gemini Studios stood out from others because he was described as “a logical and neutral man amidst a room full of dreamers.” In a creative and imaginative environment like Gemini Studios, where many individuals were likely involved in artistic pursuits, the lawyer’s demeanor and approach were characterized by logic and neutrality.
While others in the studio were dreamers, possibly engaged in creative and artistic endeavours, the lawyer maintained a more practical and analytical perspective. His ability to stay logical and neutral in a setting filled with creative minds made him distinctive among the individuals at Gemini Studios.
Q. 10- Did the people at Gemini Studios have any particular political affiliations?
Ans.- People at Gemini Studios had a certain attitude towards political ideologies, particularly communism. It mentions that, in those days, there was an aversion to the term “Communism” among the individuals at Gemini Studios. The passage implies that the khadi-clad poets of Gemini Studios, while following the Gandhian philosophy and wearing khadi clothing, were averse to the idea of Communism.
The specific details about their political affiliations are not extensively discussed in the passage, but it hints at a general sentiment of skepticism or disapproval towards communism among the individuals associated with Gemini Studios during that time.
Q.11- Why was the Moral Rearmament Army welcomed at the Studios?
Ans.- The Moral Rearmament Army was welcomed at Gemini Studios because they were described as a group of international performers who visited the studio. The passage mentions that Gemini Studios got a chance to host this group, and despite describing them as an “international circus,” the group presented two plays in a professional manner. The plays, titled ‘Jotham Valley’ and ‘The Forgotten Factor,’ were appreciated for their first-rate sets and costumes.
The reason for their warm welcome could be attributed to the fact that the Moral Rearmament Army brought a unique and professional theatrical performance to Gemini Studios. Despite any reservations or opinions about the group, their plays seemed to have made a positive impact on the studio and the city of Madras, as mentioned in the passage.
Q.12- Name one example to show that Gemini studios was influenced by the plays staged by MRA.
Ans.- One example mentioned in the passage to show that Gemini Studios was influenced by the plays staged by Moral Rearmament Army (MRA) is the adoption of a specific style in Tamil plays. The passage notes that, after the visit of MRA, for some years, almost all Tamil plays displayed a scene of sunrise and sunset in a manner inherited from ‘Jotham Valley,’ one of the plays staged by MRA. This suggests that the sets and presentation style of MRA’s plays had a lasting impact on the way Tamil plays were staged at Gemini Studios, demonstrating the influence of MRA’s performances on the studio’s productions.
Q.13- Who was The Boss of Gemini Studios?
Ans.- The chapter doesn’t explicitly mention the name of “The Boss” of Gemini Studios. The term “The Boss” is used without providing a specific name for the head or owner of the studio in the given context. The focus of the passage is on various aspects of Gemini Studios, its activities, and the experiences of the author within the studio environment, but it doesn’t provide detailed information about the identity of “The Boss.”
Q.14- What caused the lack of communication between the Englishman and the people at Gemini Studios?
Ans. – The lack of communication between the Englishman (presumably the poet or editor mentioned in the passage) and the people at Gemini Studios was primarily attributed to the Englishman’s accent. The passage describes the Englishman as someone with a very English and serious demeanor. When the Englishman spoke, the author notes that the audience was dazed and silent, and the Englishman’s accent defeated any attempt to understand what he was saying.
The difficulty in understanding the Englishman’s speech, likely due to differences in accent and possibly language barriers, created a communication gap between him and the people at Gemini Studios. The lack of clarity and understanding during the Englishman’s speech contributed to the bafflement and confusion among the audience.
Q.15- Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to as unexplained mystery ?
Ans.- The Englishman’s visit is referred to as an “unexplained mystery” because the purpose and nature of his visit to Gemini Studios remain unclear and puzzling to the people at the studio. The chapter describes the Englishman’s arrival, the speech delivered by “The Boss,” and the subsequent speech by the Englishman. However, the content of the Englishman’s speech is not understood by the audience due to his strong English accent, and the overall purpose of his visit remains ambiguous.
The term “unexplained mystery” suggests that the circumstances surrounding the Englishman’s presence and his communication with the people at Gemini Studios are not fully revealed or understood, adding an element of uncertainty and intrigue to the situation.
Q.16- What does The God that Failed refer to?
Ans.-“The God That Failed” refers to a book that features essays by six prominent individuals who were initially sympathetic to or involved with communism but later became disillusioned with it. The title suggests a loss of faith or disappointment in the ideology of communism. The book includes essays by Andre Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio Silone, Arthur Koestler, Louis Fischer, and Stephen Spender.
The phrase “The God That Failed” metaphorically represents the individuals’ disillusionment with communism, viewing it as a belief system or ideology that did not live up to their expectations or ideals. The book explores their personal journeys into communism and their subsequent disillusionment with the political and social realities associated with it.