• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • REVIEWS
    • TRAILERS
  • BUSINESS
  • CELEBRITIES
  • HOLLYWOOD
  • REGIONAL
  • TV
  • MUSIC
  • TOP LISTS

Bollywood Presents

Exotic locations where popular Bollywood movies were shot

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / India Mars Mission Cartoon: Was the Depiction 100 Percent Wrong?

India Mars Mission Cartoon: Was the Depiction 100 Percent Wrong?

October 13, 2015 by BollywoodPresents Team

filming in india

After India successful Mars Mission, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had boasted that India spent less money to reach Mars than what Hollywood producers spent on making the movie “Gravity” (cost around $100 million to make).

No wonder, lot of Indians across the globe felt insulted on seeing the cartoon in The International New York Times, that supposedly mocked India.

Now, it would have been great if that cartoon was not published at all in the first place. But now that its published, is the depiction of India in that cartoon all wrong?

For those who have not seen the cartoon, here it is.

India Mars Mission Cartoon

This cartoon experienced a backlash on the social media with readers complaining that the cartoon was racist in nature. There are several comments on social media where Indians have been critical of this cartoon.

Now I understand that…

  • India, as a country, has made good progress in the last decade
  • BMWs and Mercs are a common sight in most Indian cities, even in smaller cities
  • After the Chinese, most number of Indian students go abroad for studies
  • Decent sized flats in Mumbai cost around 2-3 crores (half a million dollars)
  • Bollywood movies are easily making a couple of hundred crore rupees, and even production houses are ready to spend upwards of 100 crores on movies (Bang Bang was made for around 150 crores)
  • Sussanne Khan allegedly has demanded 400 crores as alimony for divorcing Hrithik roshan

There are many more cases which might suggest that the cartoon is a wrong depiction of India & Indians.

But hold on!!!

Do the above examples really apply to the whole of India? Percentage wise, the number of people that fit in the above scenarios would still be a minority when you consider the entire Indian population.

So where’s the insulting or the racist part?

  • Is it the cow in the picture? (You’ll find many on the roads of India’s financial capital city Mumbai)
  • Is it the man with the turban, dhoti & the mustache? (almost 70 percent of India would wear that)
  • The man looks too thin? (again, majority of Indians would look like that, and its better than being obese)
  • Have you seen the Dabbawala’s in Mumbai?
  • Wasn’t the Tata Nano supposed to fit in four to five adults?
  • India’s new Poverty Line: Rs. 32 Per Day in Villages, Rs. 47 In Cities (no crores, lakhs, thousands or even hundreds here). Around 25% Indians don’t even make this much.

So is this really a case where Indians should feel insulted?

The original article does mention that “The intent of the cartoonist, was to highlight how space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of rich, Western countries,”. Doesn’t it?

So where is the element of racism?

I’m sure everybody around the world acknowledges India’s feat. But the cartoon is definitely not as demeaning to Indians as its made out to be.

  • Is it that we Indians don’t understand humor (perhaps we can only laugh at Slapstick humor shown in Bollywood films)?
  • Or is that we refuse to accept the reality (as mentioned above — cow, turban, poverty, etc.)?
  • Nevertheless, The New York Times subsequently did publish an apology because of the backlash the cartoon generated. The apology letter posted on Facebook said:

    “A large number of readers have complained about a recent editorial cartoon in The International New York Times, about India’s foray into space exploration. The intent of the cartoonist, Heng Kim Song, was to highlight how space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of rich, Western countries. Mr Heng, who is based in Singapore, uses images and text – often in a provocative way – to make observations about international affairs. We apologise to readers who were offended by the choice of images in this cartoon. Mr Heng was in no way trying to impugn India, its government or its citizens. We appreciate that readers have shared their feedback, which we welcome. – Andrew Rosenthal, Editorial Page Editor.”

    Andrew Rosenthal said that the cartoon was in no way meant to Andrew Rosenthal said that the cartoon was in no way meant to ‘impugn India, its government or its citizens’.The cartoon published by the New York Times showed a farmer, accompanied by a cow, knocking on the door of the Elite Space Club where two men sit reading a newspaper which has India’s space mission on the front page.

    The cartoon was published after India succeeded in it’s much anticipated Mars mission, which was also the cheapest interplanetary space mission ever. India’s achievement was appreciated all over the world and it brought it at par with the United States, Russia and Europe who have previously sent missions to Mars.

    Related Posts:

    • Irrfan Khan, India's most respected actor, dies at 53
    • Top Music Instrument Dealers in India

    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    RELATED POSTS

    Aamir Shahrukh selfie

    One time rivals, Aamir & Shah Rukh take first picture together in 25 years

    Aamir, Shah Rukh take first selfie together in 25 years. When they were young and new in the industry, they were fierce rivals and hated each other. One was pompous and would openly say he was the best, the other believed in making his work talk. We are talking about the two big Khans here […]

    khatron ke khiladi

    This Television Actor Wins ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’

    Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor hosted the recent season of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ (action reality game show based on the American ‘Fear Factor’) which was won by television actor Siddharth Shulka (famous for his portrayal of ‘Shiv’ in Balika Vadhu). The reality show was shot extensively in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the past, the reality show […]

    Bollywood Celebrities Turn Entrepreneurs, Invest in Startups

    Bollywood celebrities are turning entrepreneurs and investing in Startups. For some its just another investment opportunity, for others its to show their entrepreneurial skills, but some are doing it so that they have another source of cash-flow thus freeing themselves to do acting for the passion and excitement that it bring. In the past (several […]

    Ladakh Tourism

    Want to film in Ladakh, he’s the go-to man for filmmakers

    Meet Odpal Dejor George, the go-to person for filming in Ladakh, much sought after by Bollywood & other Indian filmmakers who want to shoot in Ladakh. Talk about Bollywood and Ladakh, and the film that instantly comes to the mind is ‘3 Idiots’. Even though only the film’s climax was shot in Ladakh, people still […]

    Kangana Ranaut: Loves Travelling More than Acting

    National Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut has acted in one of the most popular travel based Bollywood films ‘Queen’, but did you know that Kangana herself is addicted to traveling? She loves traveling, is a globetrotter, and makes sure she visits at least three new places every year. And shed doesn’t mind going all alone, […]

    Bollywood film tourism

    Top Bollywood Celebrities who are tourism brand ambassadors for various countries

    You may have seen Bollywood celebrities endorsing products, but not all are into endorsing products only. Few of them also endorse locations, so that they can attract more tourists to that place. Here are the top Bollywood celebrities who are Tourism Brand Ambassadors for various countries. And because Bollywood stars have a global appeal, these […]

    bollywood films shot in london

    What Makes London (UK) Attractive to Bollywood

    London, capital of the UK and one of the most visited cities in the world, attracts businesses, tourists as well as filmmakers. Its not just the elite Indians who get to travel to London nowadays. Thanks to a better disposable incomes, Indians have started enjoying traveling abroad; there are many who travel to London through […]

    Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

    Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: Bollywood celebs bring home Ganpati Bappa

    Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: Bollywood celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi. Madhuri Dixit Nene welcomes Ganpati bappa at her residence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madhuri Dixit (@madhuridixitnene) on Sep 12, 2018 at 12:53am PDT Anushka shares eco-friendly Ganpati Bappa made entirely out of dhaaga, to promote her upcoming film “Sui Dhaaga”. 🙏🏻 Celebrating this […]

    Sushant Singh Rajput

    Showik Chakraborty, Samuel Miranda admit to Drugs Procurement, arrested by NCB

    Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested Showik Chakraborty and Samuel Miranda in connection with the ongoing drug probe. Sources add that Showik and Miranda have been booked for possession, transportation and usage of cannabis. As per reports, Showik confessed that he had allegedly procured drugs on the instructions of his sister – actor Rhea Chakraborty. […]

    Who’s the ‘Sexiest man in Asia’?

    So who’s the ‘Sexiest man in Asia’? I’m sure there will be many who’ll say ‘Hrithik Roshan’, and last year he indeed was voted as the Sexiest man in Asia. But do you know who was the runners-up? It was the multi-talented Ali Zafar! Last year, Ali Zafar was voted the second sexiest man in […]

    Primary Sidebar

    LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

    RECENT POSTS

    Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

    Poland is located in the heart of Europe and is well known for its history, which is reflected in … [Read More...] about Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

    movie trailers

    Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

    Want to know when the next entertainer of your favorite star is going to be released? Want to plan … [Read More...] about Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

    National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC)

    Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

    Movies are one of the most influential tools of communication and society does learn a few things or … [Read More...] about Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

    bollywood rapes

    Representation of women in Bollywood Films

    Women in Bollywood films have been subject to stereotypes and objectification, and appeared in … [Read More...] about Representation of women in Bollywood Films

    Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

    How's the music Scene in Saudi Arabia. Is it really frowned upon? Read more here. Young musicians in … [Read More...] about Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

    Shabana Azmi

    Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

    Shabana Azmi, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) of Pune, made her film … [Read More...] about Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

    war movie

    Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

    Hrithik Roshan is a superstar in Bollywood and is among the highest paid actors in the film … [Read More...] about Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

    sooryavanshi movie

    Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

    Almost everybody associated with the film industry is despondent about the future. With COVID-19 … [Read More...] about Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

    Money Scandals

    Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

    In Bollywood and other film industries in India, there's a saying that "there's no business like the … [Read More...] about Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

    celebrity endorsements

    It’s 2020 and Bollywood is still obsessed with fair skin

    Makers of the upcoming movie 'Khaali Peeli', starring Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter, are facing … [Read More...] about It’s 2020 and Bollywood is still obsessed with fair skin

    Amazon Fashion

    Useful Read

    • Who coined the term ‘Bollywood’?
    • Dadasaheb Phalke (Father of Indian Cinema)
    • Evolution of Hindi Films
    • Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

    Footer

    Upcoming Bollywood Movies

    • Love Aaj Kal Movie
    • Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Movie
    • Hawayein Movie
    • Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan Movie
    • The Hundred Bucks Movie
    • BHOOT: Part One – The Haunted Ship Movie
    • Haunted Hills Movie
    • 'O' Pushpa I Hate Tears Movie
    • Guns Of Banaras Movie
    • Thappad Movie

    Bollywood Movie Reviews

    • Malang Review
    • Jawaani Jaaneman Review
    • Panga Review
    • Street Dancer 3D Review
    • Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior Review
    • Chhapaak Review
    • Good Newwz Review

    Top Celebs

    • Ajay Devgn
    • Kajol
    • Saif Ali Khan
    • Shraddha Kapoor
    • Varun Dhawan
    • Deepika Padukone
    • Kangana Ranaut
    • Tabu
    • Aditya Roy Kapur
    • Disha Patani
    • Rajinikanth

    About Us

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Sitemap
    • Newsletter

    Copyright © 2023 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in