"Political debates over bhelpuri: Identifying the authentic 'Marathi Man' in India" - Shobhaa De
In the bustling city of Mumbai, political and linguistic tensions have long been a part of the urban fabric, with debates often centred around the dominance of the Marathi language and identity. However, a recent search reveals no substantive or widely recognized connection between the works of Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky and Mumbai's political issues, particularly the Thackeray family's influence.
One of the most acclaimed literary figures of the 19th century, Dostoevsky's works continue to resonate globally, but in Mumbai, his influence is primarily felt through cinematic adaptations that focus on universal human dilemmas rather than local politics. For instance, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bollywood adaptation of Dostoevsky's short story *White Nights* in his film *Saawariya* (2008) explores themes of unfulfilled love and emotional isolation in a visually extravagant Indian setting, but does not engage with Mumbai's political landscape, language issues, or the Thackeray family's legacy.
The term "Marathi Manoos," a mythical, exclusive Marathi speaker, is a significant part of Maharashtra's political discourse. However, Dostoevsky's works do not appear to be a significant reference point in local dialogues about language, identity, or power structures. Instead, Mumbai's theatre and literature scenes provide a platform for addressing political and social issues, although Dostoevsky's works are not a prominent feature in these discussions.
In a recent incident, Rahil Shaikh, the son of an MNS functionary from Thane, made headlines for his behaviour in a viral video. Despite being in the presence of police officers, Shaikh was caught on camera hurling abuses at a woman and threatening her, identifying himself as a "Marathi manoos." The woman, however, stood her ground and filmed the incident, retaliating angrily in Marathi.
Mumbai's political landscape is currently embroiled in a language issue, with political leaders known as the "Warring Cousins," Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, at the centre of the debate. The city, however, is not unique in this regard. In places like Guwahati, Assam, or Calicut, Kerala, people are not asked about their ethnicity or language.
The city's political rallies, like many in India, are predominantly male-dominated, with a token presence of women often used for decorative purposes. Coarse and crude jokes are not uncommon in political speeches, which may deter women from attending rallies. In a recent development, the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced plans to create FOUR Mumbais in the coming years.
Despite the ongoing debates, it is clear that Dostoevsky's works have not been directly connected to Mumbai's political issues or the Thackeray family's role in any substantive way. His influence in India remains primarily through cinematic adaptations focused on universal human dilemmas, not as a framework for understanding Mumbai's specific sociopolitical dynamics. The city's own cultural and political narratives remain distinct from the existential and psychological domains explored by Dostoevsky.
- The theme of universal human dilemmas, as depicted in the cinematic adaptations of Dostoevsky's works, is the primary way his influence is observed in Mumbai, rather than his involvement in politics or the Thackeray family's influence.
- Mumbai's theatre and literature scenes play a crucial role in addressing political and social issues, although the works of Dostoevsky are not a prominent feature in these discussions.
- Social-media platforms have provided a means for the public to express their opinions and stand against inappropriate behavior, such as the viral video incident involving Rahil Shaikh.
- In the political discourse of Mumbai, the term "Marathi Manoos" is significant, but the works of Dostoevsky do not appear to be a reference point in local dialogues about language, identity, or power structures.
- The ongoing debates in Mumbai's political landscape have not shown any substantial connection to the works of Dostoevsky or the Thackeray family, and his influence in India remains primarily through his works addressing universal human dilemmas. Meanwhile, the city's own cultural and political narratives remain separate from the existential and psychological themes explored by Dostoevsky.
