Beyond barriers

Sir — It is a fact universally acknowledged that music has no language. The worldwide acclaim that the Telugu song, “Naatu Naatu”, has received proves, once again, that good music can transcend linguistic barriers. This is not all. After “Naatu Naatu”, “Jhoome jo Pathaan” from the Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Pathaan, has got social media influencers from Japan to the Middle East dancing to its tune. But this is not just evidence of music’s versatility. Mainstream Indian films might be scoffed at owing to their unrealistic plots. However, it cannot be denied that they have the power to unite people across cultures.

Ayan Kumar Ghosh, Calcutta

Under scrutiny

Sir — It is heartening that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear pleas against the ban on BBC’s documentary on the prime minister, Narendra Modi (“SC to hear plea against film block”, Jan 31). The petitioners have questioned the constitutional validity of the ‘emergency powers’ under which the Centre blocked the documentary as it allegedly contains incriminating evidence against Modi. It is pertinent to remember that the court has cleared Modi of all charges in the post-Godhra riots of 2002. It remains to be seen which way the Supreme Court’s verdict sways.

K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam

Sir — The tweet by the Union law minister, Kiren Rijiju, claiming that petitioners are wasting the Supreme Court’s “precious time” by asking for a re-examination of the ban on the BBC documentary on the prime minister is unacceptable. The court’s choice of cases and its schedule are not under the minister’s purview. If Rijiju’s logic is any yardstick, the Centre, too, should refrain from wasting its time silencing journalists who are critical of the ruling party. State interference in a free press and an independent judiciary can be dangerous.

M.C. Vijai Shanker, Chennai

Rightful claimant

Sir — The chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, should be praised for handing over relevant legal documents to the Nobel laureate, Amartya Sen, to help solidify his claim as the rightful tenant of 1.38 acres of land in Santiniketan (“Mamata backs Sen, gives land documents”, Jan 31). The records invalidate assertions by the vice-chancellor of Visva-Bharati, Bidyut Chakrabarty, that Sen is an illegal occupant.

Arun Gupta, Calcutta

Sir — Visva-Bharati authorities have accused Amartya Sen of illegally occupying land owned by the university. One cannot help but feel that these charges have been levelled against Sen because he is a staunch critic of the Narendra Modi government. More so since Sen recently said that Mamata Banerjee has the ability to become the next prime minister.

S.S. Paul, Nadia

Friends forever

Sir — Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s article on friendships was excellent (“Special mould”, Jan 22). It reminded me of the off-screen friendship between Tapen Chatterjee and Rabi Ghosh, who were renowned for playing the roles of Goopy Gyne and Bagha Byne in films. It is ironic that while social media has led to an increase in the number of friends people have, deep and meaningful friendships seem to be vanishing.

Kajal Chatterjee, Calcutta

Moment of glory

Sir — Novak Djokovic now has 10 Australian Open titles and 22 Grand Slam titles to his name. His age has not dampened his vigour. Playing through the pain of a hamstring injury is further proof of his mental fortitude. He earned this title after being deported from Australia last year owing to his refusal to get vaccinated.

Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur