After
watching the movie ‘Victoria & Abdul’ I am left wondering at this piece of
work from the history. Did a bit of internet search to read more about the
movie and the historical account of events and I am left baffled. Here are some
of my reflections.
Disclaimer:
I am a native Indian and hence would give opinion based on my cultural
exposure. Someone from the UK may feel it differently; but I believe Indians
are best to be reconstructed by fellow Indians.
Was Abdul really
handsome?
The
movie categorically focuses on Abdul’s handsomeness. It shows Queen even
mentioning it after seeing him for the first time. The role of Abdul in the movie
was played by Ali Fazal who has a professional model like looks. But a look at
the real picture of Abdul tells a different story:
Real
Abdul is definitely tall; but by no standard handsome. He is not even cheerful
as it is shown in the movie. He has rather a grim face.
Was Abdul selfish and greedy?
Having
read the real historical account, it appears to me that Abdul was a smart and
cunning person. He seems to have used Queen’s affection for his own self very
well. First, he secured quite a wealth in India for himself with Queen’s
grants. Meaning, he very well knew that he had a life to lead after Queen
leaves this world. It also proves that his so-called love or devotion to the
Queen was not ‘unconditional’. Thereby he was not as ‘holy’ and ‘pious’ as the
Queen used to think about him!
The
fact that he took quite a good deal of money not for the services he did but
for the affection he was bestowed upon by the Queen, is seen immoral as per
Indian culture and society. It changes the way we look at such a person.
Karim told lies
The
movie shows Karim telling lot of lies to the Queen or hiding lot of facts about
himself. It tells negatively on his character. It
also tells against the pious and religious image Queen had made for Abdul.
Was Abdul a manipulative
Islamist?
The
movie as well as historical accounts definitely conclude that Abdul was a manipulative
person. But he used his manipulation and influence over the Queen to change her
opinion in favor of Muslims and against Hindus and it makes him a manipulative
Islamist.
As
I read, historians agree that the Munshi influenced the Queen's opinions on
Indian issues, biasing her against Hindus and favouring Muslims.
Shrabani
Basu writes in her book ‘Victoria & Abdul':
“The
Queen, influenced by the Munshi, continued to write to Lord Lansdowne on the
issue of Tyler's promotion and the administration of India. She expressed
reservations on the introduction of elected councils on the basis that Muslims
would not win many seats because they were in the minority; and urged that
Hindu feasts be re-scheduled so as not to conflict with Muslim ones. Lansdowne
dismissed the latter suggestion as potentially divisive, but appointed Tyler
Acting Inspector General of Prisons in September 1889.”
Karim’s family migrated
to Pakistan
After
India’s partition, Karim's family migrated to Pakistan. That itself tells negatively
about the feelings and beliefs of Karim’s family and loyalty towards India.
Queen’s son was not
that bad
The
movie shows Queen’s son Bertie in a bad light. It shows as if he was selfish,
manipulative and plotted to gain power. But upon reflection, all these
characteristics rather fit Abdul than Bertie. Put yourself in the shoes of the
prince and wonder if you would feel differently about Abdul; than what Bertie
felt? I don’t think so. Someone else in his place would have got Abdul killed
to begin with. Who could risk royal disgrace for a slave?
When
I read from the true historical account that despite his dislike for Abdul, Bertie,
now Edward VII after Queen’s death did allow Abdul to be the last on to view
Victoria's body before her casket was closed and allowed him to be part of her
funeral procession; I felt very positive about him. Bertie must have a big
heart in order to allow so.
The
fact that the prince tried to destroy or hide Queen’s correspondences with
Abdul looks only natural given how much embarrassment this affair was causing to
the royal family. The Queen was at such a stage of her life that she did not
care how people perceived her affections for her Indian servant; but Edward and
others from the royal household could have only felt bad about it.
Did Karim really
liked the Queen or only her Power and money?
The
way Karim has been portrayed in the movie, it rather seems that Karim had the
inclination to try to impress any person with power. The way he behaved with
the Queen was plain personal slavery without any respect. I am sure he would
have tried the same tricks of flattery and personal slavery even if Queen was of
a different nature and temperament. That could be understood – Karim seems to
have looked at the opportunity as an opportunity of lifetime and tried to
chance his fate. Ironically, in the end he died rather young and without any
children despite having secured two wives for himself.
These
are some of my observations and opinion based on those. What do you think about
it?
-
Rahul Tiwary
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