6. Let us summarise
The lesson is taken from the book ‘My Years with the boss’ written by Asokamitran. In this excerpt, he talks about
all the elements that kept Gemini Studios running. From Pancake make-up to the office boy of the make-up
department, from Subbu to the lawyer, every element helped in making Gemini Studios a successful film
producing company.
In this lesson, Asokamitran talks about Gemini Studios and all that helps in keeping it in the spotlight. He starts by
making a mention about ‘Pancakes’, the famous make-up brand which Gemini Studios ordered in truckloads. He
then talks about the plight of actors and actresses who have to bear too many lights on their face while getting
ready in the make-up room. The make-up department, according to him, used heaps of make-up to turn them into
ugly-looking creatures. Shockingly, he talks about the office boy of the make-up department whose task is to slap
paint onto the faces of players at the time of crowd-shooting.
7. Let us summarise
He was a poet and had joined the Studio in the hope of becoming an actor, screenwriter, director or a lyricst. In
those days, the author used to work inside a cubicle and had the task of collecting newspaper cuttings which,
according to others was insignificant. Thus, office boy would come in time again, to bother him with his
complaints. He was well-convinced that the reason behind his misery was Subbu. He thought Subbu had an
advantage because he was born a Brahmin. Subbu was a resourceful man whose loyalty made him stand out. He
was tailor-made for films and it was difficult to imagine film-making without him. He was very welcoming and was
known for his hospitality. Just like many others at the Gemini Studios, he also did poetry. He worked for the story
department which also consisted of a lawyer. People generally called him the opposite of a legal practitioner. He
was a logical and neutral man amidst a room full of dreamers.
8. Let us summarise
Asokamitran then describes how Gemini Studios got a chance to host a group of international performers called
Moral Rearmament Army. Though the plots and messages were not complex, their sets and costumes were near
to perfection so much so that for many years, Tamil plays displayed sunset and sunrise in a way inherited from
‘Jotham Valley’. Then another guest, Stephen Spender comes to visit Gemini Studios. People had hardly heard of
him and they couldn’t even connect with him due to linguistic barriers. It was not until a few years later that
Asokamitran saw his name in a book and realised who he actually was.
38. Let us discuss
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Q. Subbu was ‘tailor-made for films’. How did he use his genius in various activities in the Gemini Studios? (2008 Outside Delhi)
Answer:
The author portrays Subbu as a man of versatile abilities who could delve into various aspects of film-making successfully.
Subbu had mastered all the arts related to film-making ranging from story-writing to poetry and characterisation. He was in fact
‘tailor-made’ for film-making. Film-making seemed rather easy with an expert like Subbu walking around as he understood all the
trivialities and technicalities of film-making. Subbu was the one who gave ‘a new direction and definition’ to the Gemini Studios
during its golden years. Subbu directed his entire energies and creativity to his boss, Mr. Vasan’s advantage. If his boss was
dissatisfied with one scene Subbu would offer him many alternatives. He understood all the complications of film-making and
could showcase his talent in every artistic arena.
39. Some extra questions
Q. Why is the Englishman’s visit referred to us as unexplained mystery? (2002 Delhi)
Answer:
The visit of the Englishman raised many queries and doubts in the minds of those who were working in Gemini Studios. The
Englishman’s name was unfamiliar and his credentials too were unconfirmed. No one could understand his speech so everyone
wondered why he had come to a film studio that made Tamil films for simple people who had no interest in English poetry.
Q. How does the author describe the incongruity of an English poet addressing the audience at Gemini Studios? (2006 Delhi)
Answer:
The English poet’s address was a complete misfit in the midst of the Tamil knowing audience at Gemini Studios. His speech was
incongruous and his accent so indistinct that no one actually understood a word of what he said. He was talking about the thrills and
travails of an English poet to a dazed audience. Finally, neither the Englishman himself nor his audience understood why they were
going through the entire ordeal.
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40. Let us write
Q. Kothamangalam Subbu was a ‘many-sided genius’. Elaborate. (2000 Delhi)
Or
Why is Subbu described as a many-sided genius? Give a reasoned answer.
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