The ‘Queen’ will always have many followers but I for one certainly admire the spunky, svelte and super-cool Kangana Ranaut ! Her effortless portrayals in ‘Fashion’, ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ and it’s breezy sequel, the award-winning “Queen’ and even the dominant ‘Hunter-wali’ role in the period film ‘Rangoon’, have always been great fun to watch. However, what sets her apart, is her flair for calling a spade a spade and her unfetteredfeistiness, best seen in taking on single-handedly last year, the smooth-talking movie moghul, Karan Johar and the powerful, close-knit film fraternity on the ‘nepotism’ charge, followed up with dignified exchanges on the subject with the royal class ‘Saif’ !
Without getting into that debate ( it’s been existing for ages is what we think ) it’s quite baffling that the word ‘nepotism’ could according to the English dictionary, have so many connotations. What it means literally is ‘using your power or influence to get good jobs or unfair advantages for members of your own family’, it’s a close cousin to bias, prejudice, chauvinism, discrimination, favouritism, inequity, partiality, injustice, partisanship and sexism! Stated thus it all looks quite familiar.
To account for such human frailties, most public institutions, organisations, corporates and offices have strict guidelines that no two close relatives, siblings and spouses shall serve in the same workplace which is almost always followed. However, there is nothing to prevent forming elite groups employed in higher offices, achievers clubs and exclusive batch of blue-eyed boys and girls – so strong that average persons, however committed to the workplace, would never have access to and remain as mute observers ! The powerful can influence plum assignments, foreign trainings, placements, favourable postings, promotions and exposure to prestigious projects etc on the principle of word-of-mouth references and timely phone calls. Not surprisingly, relatives of some in high positions show sudden alacrity in moving up the ladder and suddenly develop leadership qualities hitherto unseen !
In that sense, many private enterprises make no bones of running as family businesses or closely held groups where workers are just that – employees ! To rise there would all depend on how valuable one is to the company. Among professionals it could also be a great tradition followed- we come across families of eminent doctors, lawyers, writers, artists, CAs and many famous sports-persons carrying on a great legacy.
Nepotism, in whatever form is inevitable and considered acceptable within reasonable limits somewhat like viral fever. It’s when it becomes the order of the day that it promotes mediocrity and kills the flavour of originality, creativity and talent ! And, it takes true grit to be a ‘Queen’ !
So what’s the secret formula to the long-term success in marriage ? The answer that most experts give is there’s none – no two relationships are exactly like and different pairs should employ different strategies to achieve that elusive marital bliss and more importantly keep the flame alive. However, after many years of what is called that euphemistically ‘happy married life’ most people would say that the entire process is ‘an eventful journey which has many parts and parties to it with successes and setbacks galore, but there’s no single destination since the goalposts keep shifting ! In my humble opinion, be akin to a seasoned player at the crease in a cricket field, ever watchful (not taking things or others for granted ) playing your innings with as much camaraderie, compassion and inclusiveness that you can bring to the team !
Working on Living 