How much does the brute force of history change the quality of an artist's output?
How much role did the famines of first half of 17th century play in Tukaram's life to make him what he became? How much did the tragedy of Bhopal affect Chitre, the artist?
Chitre's e-mail to me on August 6 2009:
"Dear Aniruddha,
...To compare Bhopal 1984 with Mumbai 26/11 is not wholly unproductive. Innocent citizens of Bhopal didn't know they were at war with the giant Union Carbide corporation and that both the Union and the State government had welcomed the huge plant.
I am too close to the tragedy as it mentally maimed my only son, probably made an impact on my daughter-in-law and their six months old foetus that survived the nightmare now 25 and healthy).
best,
Dilip Chitre
My mail, after his (last?) surgery, to which he was responding:
Dear Shri. Chitre,
Hope you have now fully recovered.
Sorry for this intrusion but here is a post on my blog, comparing Bhopal Gas Tragedy and Mumbai Attacks, I wanted to share with you.
http://searchingforlaugh.blogspot.com/2009/08/idea-of-justice-warren-anderson.html
best,