Aapu Dappakootu style

For many years now, Petronas have been producing meaningful short snippets in conjunction with celebrations of the major races here in Malaysia. Yasmin Ahmad, when she was around, used to come up with catchy ads with meaningful messages about racial unity and preservation of traditional practices.
Unfortunately this year's Deepavali offering produced a lot of flak. It starts with a sad youngster probably unable to get a job, as evidenced by the rolled up scroll in hand. Another chap tries to coax him to 'just chill' and shows him some dance steps. He joins suit. It then snowballs to shows a group of youngsters dancing around like in the busy street amidst the traffic jam in a typical Kollywood/Bollywood scene or maybe Psy's Oppa Gangnam Style, trying to cheer people up and spread the mood of celebration. It did not, however, spread the intended joyous mood to everyone but instead rather drew brickbats.
First of all, the beat that they have chosen, Dappan Kootu, originated as cry by the paid people of marginal South Indian groups during a funeral processions in remote villages and the socially (caste) deprived side of town. Over time, this catchy drum inspired dance tune found its way to the silver screen. As per generations before, the viewing public blindly imitates their hero's antics wholesome whether is served. Monkey see, monkey do! With the crime and gangster levels reaching alarming proportions in the Malaysian Indian community, which is incidentally blamed on the Chennai produced movies, things imitating Kollywood is not good in good taste. We should have our own identity. But then, if it is not captivating enough, people would not turn around to give a second glance.
For a religious function which signify the win of good over evil, light over death, something mimicking a death knell may not be most appropriate.
There are many North Indians Hindus and Sikhs who celebrate Deepavali bur they were sadly not included here. Okay, the producers may be just following pop culture. The truth is what people like now. You get what the masses like. This year Dappan Kottu, next maybe Bhangra.
I am sure if this were to happen, again there will be people complaining as the Sikh population is small in this country. You can satisfy everyone or is it that we are becoming overtly sensitive?
Anyway they cannot be showing Bharatnatyam year in and year out. Happy Deepavali!
Do the Dappan
Old Deepavali Ad