“Poets and Pancakes,” written by Tamil author Asokamitran, recounts his time at Gemini Studios in Chennai, a major film production company founded in 1940. His job was to cut and file newspaper clippings, which kept him well-informed about the studio’s happenings.
The book vividly describes the various characters at Gemini Studios, capturing their dreams, aspirations, failures, and vices. It offers insights into human behavior within the film industry of twentieth-century India and shares Asokamitran’s own struggles as a writer. “Poets and Pancakes” provides a glimpse into the author’s view of society in the 1900s, highlighting the simple mindset and blissful ignorance of political issues at the time.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- Poets and Pancakes.
CBSE Class 12 English Poets and Pancakes Summary
The narrator mentions a popular makeup brand, Pancake, widely used at Gemini Studios. He believes this brand was favored by prominent cinema actresses both in India and abroad. The makeup department at Gemini Studios was located upstairs in a building that was once thought to be one of Robert Clive’s stables.
The makeup room at Gemini Studios resembled a hair-cutting salon, with lights positioned around half a dozen mirrors. These incandescent lights generated intense heat, making it uncomfortable for those undergoing makeup.
The narrator details the chronological leadership of the makeup department, highlighting its diverse succession. It was first headed by a Bengali, followed by a Maharashtrian, a Dharwar Kannadiga, an Andhra, a Madras Indian Christian, an Anglo-Burmese, and finally, local Tamils. The narrator praises this early example of national integration within the makeup department, noting that it later became a significant feature of programs broadcast by A.I.R. and Doordarshan.
The makeup artists at Gemini Studios aimed to create a distinctive look for the actors, often using heavy makeup. The narrator likened this to creating a “hideous crimson-hued monster.” In those early days, most filming was done indoors, and the makeup had to be exaggerated due to the numerous studio lights, making the characters more presentable on screen.
The makeup department at Gemini Studios had a strict hierarchy. The chief makeup artist worked on the main actor or actress, while his senior assistant handled the “second hero,” and so on. At the bottom of the hierarchy was the office boy, who applied makeup to the less important actors in crowd scenes. Interestingly, the office boy was often a forty-year-old man who had joined the studio with dreams of becoming a star actor, top screenwriter, director, or lyricist. Despite his role, he was somewhat of a poet.
The narrator was often interrupted by others because of the nature of his job. Since he mostly tore newspaper clippings, people viewed his work as unimportant and would randomly visit his cubicle to share their worries and opinions. The office boy from the makeup department frequently felt the need to inform the narrator that his literary talent was being wasted in a place suitable only for “barbers and perverts.” He also blamed Subbu, the second-in-command at Gemini Studios, for his misery at work.
According to the narrator, Subbu did not start his career with well-established film companies or studios. He likely lacked formal education, at least not to the level of the makeup department’s office boy. However, Subbu’s advantage came from his Brahmin caste, giving him more exposure to affluent situations and people.
Subbu was always cheerful and frequently assigned tasks to everyone. The narrator considers Subbu perfect for the film industry, admiring his quick thinking and ability to solve any cinematic problem. Subbu was also a poet and novelist, though his literary achievements were overshadowed by his success in films. Additionally, he was an excellent actor who brought life to secondary roles without aspiring to be a lead actor.He genuinely cared for people, with his house serving as a permanent residence for many relatives and acquaintances. Despite this, Subbu had enemies, possibly due to his close relationship with The Boss or his sycophantic nature. However, he never intended for good things to happen to the office boy.
Subbu was often seen with the boss but was officially part of the Story Department, which included a lawyer and a group of writers and poets. The lawyer was meant to be a legal advisor, though many viewed him differently. The narrator recalls an instance where the lawyer ended an actress’s career. The lawyer often stood out with his attire, wearing pants, ties, and sometimes a coat. He appeared lonely and out of place, like a man of logic in a world of dreamers. Eventually, The Boss shut down the Story Department, and the lawyer lost his job.
Gemini Studios was a favorite spot for poets, known for its excellent mess that served good coffee all day. During the Congress rule, most people at the studios wore khadi and admired Gandhiji. They weren’t particularly politically inclined but followed the prevailing trends. They were also opposed to Communism, reflecting the majority’s political mindset at the time.
These sentiments were mainly seen among the khadi-clad poets of Gemini Studios. This was evident during a visit from Frank Buchman’s Moral Re-Armament army. Two hundred men performed two professionally staged plays with simple yet impactful messages. These plays left a strong impression on Tamil theater, inspiring many Tamil plays to include scenes of sunrise and sunset. The narrator later learned that this movement was a counter-effort against international Communism.
After some months, another visitor arrived at Gemini Studios—an English editor from London. It became clear to the studio people that he wasn’t associated with prominent English newspapers like ‘The Manchester Guardian’ or ‘The London Times.’ He delivered a lengthy speech at the studios, filled with puzzling references to terms like ‘democracy’ and ‘freedom’.
The narrator admits that prose writing isn’t the pursuit of a genius; it’s for those who are patient, persistent, and resilient against rejection. Upon discovering a story contest announced by the British periodical Encounter in The Hindu, the narrator sought information about the magazine before submitting their manuscript. Learning that Stephen Spender was the editor, the same individual who had visited Gemini Studios, the narrator felt an immediate connection and eagerly prepared to send in their manuscript.
Years later, after leaving Gemini Studios and facing financial constraints, the narrator became drawn to anything offered at a reduced price. On one occasion, during the 50th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, he stumbled upon a stack of student-priced books for fifty paise each. He purchased one titled ‘The God That Failed,’ authored by six prominent writers who recounted their experiences with Communism and their disillusionment upon returning.
As he read through the list of authors, he discovered Stephen Spender’s name—the same poet who had visited Gemini Studios. The narrator then understood why Spender’s speech had elicited such a baffling reaction at the studio. It wasn’t Spender’s poetry that concerned the boss of Gemini Studios but rather his views on Communism.
Conclusion of Poets and Pancakes
In conclusion, the narrator’s journey through Gemini Studios and beyond reveals a complex tapestry of encounters and realizations. From the mundane yet insightful moments within the studio’s bustling environment to the unexpected connections with figures like Stephen Spender, the narrator reflects on how perspectives shift over time. The discovery of ‘The God That Failed’ and its authors’ reflections on Communism further deepens the narrator’s understanding of past experiences. Ultimately, these reflections shape a narrative of personal growth and evolving perspectives, illustrating how life’s twists and turns can lead to profound insights and self-discovery.
We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Prose, “Poets and Pancakes,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.
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