Class 12 Chapter 6(Flamingo)

Chapter 6 

Poets and Pancakes🧚

Author: Asokamitran 

✍Introduction About the Author:

Asokamitran (1931–2017) was a well-known Tamil writer, novelist, and essayist. His writing is marked by wit, realism, and subtle humor. He worked for many years at Gemini Studios in Chennai, which inspired much of his autobiographical and literary writing. “Poets and Pancakes” is a humorous yet insightful excerpt from his memoir, highlighting life behind the scenes at a film studio.

📖Chapter Summary:

“Poets and Pancakes” gives a behind-the-scenes look at the famous Gemini Studios in Chennai during the 1940s and 1950s. The narrator, who worked in the studio’s story department, gives humorous accounts of the people and events around him.

The title refers to "Pancake" — a popular makeup brand used by the studio. Ironically, it was used heavily even on male actors. The chapter describes the chaotic makeup room, the role of the Office Boy (who was neither a boy nor did real office work), and the presence of poets and writers who had little connection with cinema.

The narrator also recalls the visit of a mysterious Englishman — later revealed to be the poet Stephen Spender — and how no one really understood the purpose of his visit at that time.

Overall, the chapter mixes humor, irony, and commentary on Indian society, the film industry, and literary circles.

💫Key Themes:

a) Satire and Irony:
The chapter pokes fun at the film industry, makeup obsession, and blind imitation of Western culture.

b) Literary vs Cinematic Worlds:
Highlights the contrast between serious writers and commercial film settings.

c) Colonial Influence and Cultural Confusion:
The story shows how Indians tried to relate to foreign ideas, sometimes without real understanding.

d) Workplace Politics:
Office Boy's story and other accounts reveal ego, hierarchy, and dissatisfaction in work culture.

🙇Key Characters:

Narrator (Asokamitran):

• Observant, humorous, and modest

• Worked in the story department

• Provides ironic commentary without bitterness

Office Boy:

• Frustrated man, once wanted to be an actor

• Feels underutilized and resents others’ success

• Represents failed ambition and workplace politics

Subbu:

• Assistant to the boss, very talented and loyal

• Loved by some, envied by others

• A target of jealousy due to his closeness to the boss

The English Visitor (Stephen Spender):

• A British poet and editor of a literary magazine

• Invited to the studio but misunderstood

• His visit symbolizes the disconnect between Indian film circles and Western literary figures

✨Important Quotations:

• “The make-up department of the Gemini Studios was in the building that was believed to have been Robert Clive’s stables.”
  → Sets the tone of irony and historical contrast.
• “He was a man who could be inspired when commanded.”
  → Describes Subbu’s creativity and obedience with humor.
• “He couldn’t have addressed a more dazed and silent audience.”
  → Refers to the clueless reaction to the English poet’s speech.

💭Message of the Chapter:

“Poets and Pancakes” delivers a light-hearted but thoughtful reflection on the working culture of Indian cinema, the clash between art and business, and the lingering influence of colonial attitudes. It reminds us of the gap between image and reality in both art and everyday life.