Energy deal• I MUST appreciate the clarity with which T.R. Andhyarujina, former solicitor-general of India, has written ‘Hiding behind Hyde’ (IE, September 1). He has explained the implications of the Hyde Act of 2006, as well as the provisions of Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, 1954, both passed by the US. For the aam aadmi, it is necessary to understand that the nuclear deal, signed by India with the US is a great step forward. It will be foolhardy to suspend the implementation of the 123 agreement for the fear of India losing its sovereignty to defend itself, which is both irrational and hypothetical. Any delay in our getting nuclear energy for peace benefits can prove a stumbling block to our energy expansion. — Parimal Y. MehtaBarodaSting corrective• THE recent exposure of a sting operation (‘Tale in the sting’, IE, September 8) against Uma Khurana, a school teacher, accused of running a prostitution racket, has brought the whole process of sting operations under the scanner. This is another grand opportunity for critics of media freedom to advocate a ban of such operations irrespective of the fact that they help keep a check on corruption and anti-social activities. However, there is an important question that raises its head: should the media have a regulatory body? Probably yes, but one that is not solely run by the government or the media. It should, as some media practitioners have suggested, be composed of representatives from all sections of society.— Pranab Kumar Aich New DelhiClassic to kitsch• SANDIPAN Deb, in his article, ‘Ram Gopal Varma Ka Private joke’ (IE, September 6), has rightly echoed the thoughts of thousands of movie-goers who have felt cheated after watching Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag. An atrocious remake of the Ramesh Sippy classic, Sholay, this film shows how even a popular story can be told in a grotesque manner. The trend of remixes, which was started by some second-rate Bollywood musicians, who consistently marred old classic film songs with catchy tunes in order to make quick money, is now manifesting itself in filmmaking. Someone should put a ban on adventurous film-makers like RGV and Farhan Akhtar, who have started shamelessly and blatantly mutilating timeless film classics, claiming them to be their own ‘interpretations’. Real talents must come up with originals. Not serve old wine in new bottles.—Ishtyaque AnsariBharuchGame frame• IT was delightful to see the photograph of national footballer Pradeep, after he scored the winning goal against Syria, on the front page of the Indian Express a few days ago. It is really heart-warming that IE is giving (as always) so much importance to the top world sport — football. It far outshines cricket on the world stage. But cricket has sadly caught our country in its vice-like grip and our youngsters are in a trance over it. In actual fact, football is played in more than 300 countries while cricket is known to only a handful of countries. Still we remain mesmerised by this slothful game, which suits our indolent nature. Again IE came out with eye-catching photographs of hockey on the front page. Alas, most Indians do not care to glance at photographs of hockey — such a lively game compared to lazy cricket! — A. PrasadAhmedabad
