Lights Camera Action

Talking Points | Slumdog Millionaire

Feb 6, 2009 Bollywood, Talking Points

Hollywood film Slumdog Millionaire’s recent success sparked controversies and debates amongst people around the globe. Americans loved it while some Indians raised eyebrows.

Before the movie walks the red carpet of the 2009 Oscars Awards, Lights Camera Action hosted a discussion with a panel consisting of a diverse group from the world of cinema, art, education, and journalism.

Watch the three part show (31:40), and feel free to leave your opinion in the comments section.

Talking Points Guest Panel (from left to right):

Jhanvi Thakar is a broadcast journalist with a double Masters in English Literature and Communications. She chose Journalism as a career since issues concerning women and children really mattered to her and she was determined to make a difference in the lives of those victimized in various unfortunate circumstances. She worked for Dubai Television in Dubai before moving to Houston in 2001, joining KPFT 90.1 FM as a Feature News Reporter.

Joe Leydon was born and raised in New Orleans. An award-winning film critic for Variety, he’s also an adjunct professor at University of Houston’s Jack J. Valenti School of Communication and Houston Community College, communications director for Cowboys & Indians magazine, and host of his own website at MovingPictureShow.com. From 1982 until 1995, he was film critic for The Houston Post. Since the paper’s demise, he has reviewed films for the San Francisco Examiner, MSNBC.com, and NBC affiliate KPRC-TV, amongst others. His book “Joe Leydon’s Guide to Essential Movies You Must See” is available at Amazon.com and fine bookstores everywhere.

James Huston is a long time actor. Much of his work has been on stage (Off Broadway, Gloucester Stage Company, tours, Alley, Stages, HGO), and some film. An adjunct professor in the Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts at Rice University, he also served as the President of Houston Screen Actors Guild and on the national board of AFTRA, (American Federation of Radio and Television Artists).

Atul Vir is the Owner of Shangri-La Art Gallery in Houston. Shangri-La specializes in contemporary Asian and near-Eastern art and also hosts music events, book readings, dances and other cultural events. Atul is on the Board of the India Culture Center and was recently conferred with the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Sonal Bhuchar was born in Mumbai and is a graduate of Bombay University, she is a physical therapist and President of the Board of Trustees of the Fort Bend Independent School District. In the past she has served in a variety of leadership positions at the Texas Medical Association Auxiliary, Indo American Charity Foundation, and the City of Sugar Land’s Economic Development Council Boards.

Tags: Bollywood, Discussion, Slumdog Millionaire, Talking Points