Patol Babu, Film Star

-Satyajit Ray 5

Introduction
20o00O0000oo0o

upatol Babu, Film Star' is a story of Patol Babu who, once, had been in great demand for stage shows. But
now hewas hard up due to nowork. He had been struggling much to make a living. An offer for a little role
in afilm emboldened him. But he found it demeaning for his calibre. He disappeared from the shooting site
without accepting his remuneration after performing this role almost flawlessly.

THEME
Satyajit Ray, a very great playwright and film maker has written this story, that focuses on two very
important aspects of human nature - "Dignity of Labour" and Work is Worship". He also conveys to the
reader the fact that satisfaction of the mind cannot be bartered with or replaced by currency.

Summary
Sitalakanto Ray, known as Patol Babu, had been hopping from one job to another, as he had
been withoutajob for the past ten years. He used to work as aclerk with Hudson and Kimberley
nCalcuta. Due tothe cost-cuting measures during the war, he was out. He tried his hand at
unning a store, became an insurance agent, but could not settle down and was in dire need
of money.
One day he was introduced to Naresh Dutt by Nishikanto Babu. Naresh Dutt was in the
oroduction department of a new movie and he wanted Patol Babu to play a small role in
he movie. This offer made Patol Babu remember his heydays, when he had a settled job at
Kanchrapara. Those were the days, when he used to act in jatras, amateur theatre plays, put
p by the club in his neighbourhood. His talent made him popular, and his name which often
Ppeared in the handbills, boosted the sale of tickets. In the recent years however, he was too
Pusy trying to make the two ends meet, so he could not continue with his love for the stage.
he day of the film shooting arrived. When Patol Babu reached the venue of shooting outside
araday House, he saw all the activities on the set. He was anxious about his role and his
lalogue, what his lines would be. After waiting for some time, Naresh Dutt told him that he
Oh!'. In
vas supposed to walk to a fixed place, bump into the hero Chanchal Kumar and say
he beginning Patol Babu was disappointed, he even thought of leaving everything and going
ome. But then he was reminded of Mr. Pakrashi his mento, a wonderful actor himself. His
dvice, a valuable one, had been that it was not the size of the role that matters, it is what you
ve to the role, how much you yourself can put into it, and what you make of it that matters.
oW he started practising different ways of utterng the wOrd Oh!', ryng to mix the right
mount of irritaion with the right amount of surprise to make it as much etfective as possible.

Literature Textbook 249

 the shot came. Just before theshot he suggested to the director
The time for was even given a
hold anewspaper. The
director agreed,
out in the crowd.
he moustache for the hat he sh
him and made him stand
Finally, he performed the shot in a most impressive manner. It was flawless in the role Ihat sHite
over. he was waiting for
retakes were required. After the shot was Naresh
no realised that this small role had given him immense o Dutt make he
payment, when he
amount of money could have
given. He quietly went home, without
the smoney.
aüsfactIon which o
Answers to Textual Questions
questions that follow
1. Read the extract given below and answer the
He moved up to the office beyond the pan shop and sat down on the steps. It w
nearly half-past nine. On Sunday morning, songs in praise of goddess Kali were sung
in Karali Babu's house. Patol Babu went there every week and enjoyed it. What it he
were to go there now? What harm would there be? Why waste a Sunday morning in the
that?
company of these useless people, and be made to look foolish on top of
Stuff and nonsense! to hell with your 'silence'! They had put up this pompus show
something so trivial! Things were much better on the stage.
(i) Choose the option that describes the main reason which was the trigger for Patdl
Babu's chain of thought that made him question his presence at the film shoot.
It was the fact that
desire
(a) he was missing his duty towards God to fulfill a personal
loved ones
(6) he was with strangers instead of spending time with
instead of earning money
(c) he was wasting time on free volunteer work
something so small and insign1tica
(a) he was wasting a great Sunday on doing (Competency-focusedQuestiom)
(ii) Choose the correct option.
Assertion: Patol Baby felt silly for getting his hopes high.
Reason: He was convinced that he could never be a successtulactor.
(a) Assertion is true but the Reason is false.
(b) Both Assertionand Reason are false. explanatin
the correct
(c) Both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not
ed
explanation
of Assertion.
correct
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reasonis the because
Assertion. stage,
(iüi) Patol Babu thought that things better on the
were much

(a) theatre had better monetary rewards

(b) the actors could see the response of the audience instantly
(c) he delivered long dialogues and got important roic
(d) theatre was more suited to his talents as an actor
(iv) Infer Patol Babu's tone as reflected in the extract.
(0) angryand regretful
(a) sarcastic and worried
(c) serious and threatening (d) ironic andsolemn

250 Xam idea English (Communicative) -X

 () The writer uses questions in his writing. Comment on the purpose of this style.
Ans. A)
() (d)
(c)
He was wasting a great Sunday on doing something so small and insignificant.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct
of Assertion. explanaion
(iii) (d) Theatre was more suited to his talents as an actor.
(iv) (d) ironicand solemn
(u) Rhetorical questions area useful technique in persuasive writing. As there is
nobody to answer the question, a rhetorical question is usually designed to speak
directly to the reader. It allows the reader a moment to pause and think about the
question.
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) Nishikanto's offer stirred Patol Babu to the core. Comment.
Ans. When Nishikanto Ghosh came to Patol Babu's house, he wanted to tell him some
exciting news. He had met his youngest brother-in-law, Naresh Dutt, who was in the
film production businessand had talked about arole in amoie, for which a fiftyish,
short, bald headed man in his fifties was reguired. He also knew about Patol Babu's
interest in acting and he had asked Naresh Dutt toconsider Patol Babu for the role.
Patol Babuhad not expected such a news at the start of the day, that an offer to act in
afilm should come at this age toa nonentity like him was beyond hiswildest dreams.
(6) How did Patol Babu react? Why?
Ans. At first, he could not believe that a man, who was fifty-two years old and a nonentity
like him could get such an offer to act in a movie. Moreover, there was no reason tor
him to refuse the offer.
(c) Why had Patol Babu lost his first job in Calcutta?
Ans. He held a good clerical post with Hudson and Kimberley in Calcutta. Due to the
war, as coSt-cutting measures he lost his job.
(d) How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him?
he was
Ans. When Patol Babu saw the paper on which just one word 'Oh was written,
terribly disappointed. But then he was reminded of the advice given to him by his
the manner in
mento, Gogon Pakrashi, that the role was not big or small, it was
important. At
which one performed it and made it as effective as possible that was superbly.
this, he decided to give all that he could to the role and performed it most role?
Babu in enacting his
(e) Who was Mr Pakrashi? How do his words help Patol
wonderful actor himself, without a trace of
Ans. Mr Pakrashi was Patol Babu's mentor, a
was big and small, it was the
vanity in him. His words of advice had been, "No role
Babu, gave all of himself to the role of
way you performed it that matters." So, Patol flawlessly in thefirst attempt.
a pedestrian and left his mark by performing it
Elucidate.
V) Patol Babu was ameticulous man.
was just a monosylable. He started thinking
Ans. He ignored the fact that the dialogue manne. He even went quietly to a side street
of ways to utter it in the most effective
glass window he rehearsed how to emote
to practise his role, and in front of a large portrayed that insignificant
pain and surprise in the right proportion. Finally, he
role in the most significant manner.
PatolBabu's request for arehearsal?
(g) Why did Mr Mullick turn down
lor a rehearsal as he wanted to
Ans. Mr Mullick turned down Patol Babu's request there was a patch of cloud
shoot tbe scene in daylight which was last Tadin8 and insignificant for a reheusal
approaching the sun. He also thought thescene was too
Literature Textbook 251
 (h) What were the special touches that Patol Babu gave to his role
authentic?
to
make it more make il mu
Ans. Patol Babu gave numerous special touches to his role
asked for a newspaper to read while walking, so that to
he
woulthatd heappear
minded stranger. He measured out the ratio of
emotions
his line to make it sound more effective. He also calculated
collide with the actor, so that the shot would be perfect. the
stepshadit
authenic.
3. Discuss the following questions in detail and write the
(a) "I hope the part calls for some dialogue?" who saysanswerS 1n your
takele oexpresy
would
this? Why?
Ans. These words were spoken by Patol Babu. He
Dutt, Nishikanto's youngest brother in law whoexpresses his
was part of hope to
Mr. Naret
notebo ks,
Naresh had gone over to Patol Babu's house to make an the
was during the course of this interaction that Patol appraisal
Babu
is producion
of tean
informed tthheat mahe n,wA.h
required to play the role of an absent-minded pedestrianin the
flm. After brieing
him about the role and the attire he was to be in, Naresh Dutt tells
Faraday House the following morning. The crucial question whetherhim to reporta
was required to make a dialogue was asked by Patol Babu, just as the
getting ready to leave. He was very happy when Naresh Dutt assuresNaresh characte
him Dutitt w
to be a speaking part. that wa
(b) Were these people pulling his legs? Was the whole thing a gigantic hoax? Am
harmless like him, and they had to drag him into the middle of the city to m
laughing stock out of him. How could anyone be so cruel?" Why does Patol B
have such thoughts?
Ans. Patol Babu was informed that the part he was given in the movie was a speaking par.
He had beenenquiring with the makers of the film to give him his dialogue to enabt
him to prepare for the shot. After a long wait, Naresh wrote down the dialogue on
a piece of paper and handed it over toPatol [Link] exclamation, "Oh!" wita
on the paper, his dialogue, made him extremely dejected. It was because of te
humiliation he experienced, that Patol Babu raised the questions mentioned aboxe
Hewas perhaps trying to find an explanation to the anxieties that were gnawing
his self-respect and identity. He wondered whether it was an attempt made by
film-makers to belittle a simpleton like him, and derive pleasure by mak1ng a
out of him. He was upset with the cruel treatment he was being subjected [Link] al
turns
(c) "Patol Babu is an amateur actor for whom walk-on part in a mnovie
ultimate challenge." Discuss. ultimate
movie turns into anexcellu
Ans. Patol Babu is an amateur actor. The walk-on part in a an
challenge, which he accepts and turns the tide in his favour by giv1ng
performance. Jatras,theatricak
different. Hisne
Acting on stage had been a passion; he used to take active part inJ exclamatun
and plays staged by the local club. But acting in a movie was
monosyllabic selfpi'
was small, that of a pedestrian, who had to make a in
emotions. Wallowing his mento
Initially, Patol Babu experienced alot of negative the wisdom
of
1momentHs
he felt cheated, humiliated, and dejected. However, appropriate thhatú wz
Gogon Pakrashiawakened his weakened senses at the reminded him [Link]
mentor's valuable advice awakened his inner sense and length of upon
the quality of the act that was more important than theways,
dependingdillerel
many amousl
convinced himself that 'Oh', can be said in different 'Oh' in so I g h t
situation. Therefore, he rehearsed the exclamation, the.
he blends
ways. Using his own imagination and únderstanding.
252 Xam idea English (Communicative)-X
 ofirritation, pain and surprise to exclaim, and puts up a wonderful performance.
actor Patol Babu went home
ainateur satisfied. Time had not diminished his
talent.
The Hesucceededin converting an insignificant role into a challenging one and
performedit to perfection.
agree with the statement that Patol Babu is a practical man who comes to
yOu
termswith whatever life has to offer? Give reasons for your answer.
D Do

Yes, Patol Babu is really a practical man who comes to terms with whatever life has to
ofler: He has taken the ups and downs of his life in his stride. In his heydays he used
Ans.

be a
theatre artist. He was a popular actor and was in great demand. In fact he
to
would appear in advertising handbills of theatre clubs and people would buy tickets
justto see him perform. He enjoyed so much popularity and fan following, yet he
overboard. He continued to be the man he was - simple, humble and
did not go
respectable. Then the demands of life took him away from theatre and he got busy
with his job at the railway factory. He switched his job for a higher salary. He joined
Hudsonand Kimberley where he had worked for nine years. But then World War
keout and he lost his job due to retrenchment. The long struggle for survival
began. He tried everything he could, opened up a variety store, did odd jobs in
nanies, sold insurance policies, but success eluded him everywhere. He kept
ing like every practical man would do. When the film role was offered to him, he
ws trving totake up a job with a scrap iron dealer. In performing the film role to0,
though there was an initial emotional glitch, he motivates himself to view things in a
practical manner. He puts in immense efforts to perform well. Perhaps it would not
be wrong in saying that he displayed a trace of impracticality only on one occasion,
when his emotions did not let him accept a remuneration for his role. On the whole,
Patol Babu was a practical man who comes toterms with whatever life has to offer.
e Why does Patol Babu walk away before he can be paid for his role? What does this
reveal about his character?
Ans. Patol Babu walks away before he could be paid. This role was small, but he put
all his imagination, heart and soul into it and gave a wonderful shot. A very good
performance by a great actor. However, he refrains from collecting his remuneration.
It was probably the idealist in him that was responsible for this gesture. He was so
disappointed with the happenings of the day, and regretted the callousness of the film
crew. He felt saddened that the efforts he had put in was not appreciated by anyone.
He therefore, feels that the money that he would get was nothing as compared to
the satisfaction he experienced after doing his work so well, abiding by his mentor's
principles.
Ihe authorreveals that Patol Babu was aman ofgreat principles,who was not afraid of
laking up challenges, and one who believed in the adage, "Work is worship", Money
Sransient in nature whereas principles possess the rare quality of permanence.
() Do you think making a movie is an easy job? Discuss with reference to the story.
Ans. Making a movie is not at all an easy job. Film making is avery long, tedious and
tiring job. For making a film different units are required such as make-up men,
ACmnen, Iight men. Much talentand hard work is required into the production.
Afilm producer creates the conditions for film-making. The producer is involved

throughout all phases

project. There
of film naking process from development to completion of
are a number of areas on which a film maker has to work such as
develo pment, financing
In the Story Naresh Duttorgoesproduction.
to Patol Babu's house for asmall role. He found Patol
Babu for the role. Patol Babu had to wear ajacket in the sharp sunshine because it
Literature Textbook 253
 was the demand of the role. The director Baren Mullick had to
every being and every activity. He had to shoot at proper time andsurpriplsacee. ev
eveOnerylinghas u
field.
be very careful and focused in this
Here are some lines from the lesson. What do they tell us.
4.
You may take help from the words given in the table
about
below or Patol Babu's e
find
from the dictionary. The first one has been done for you.
unassuming talented
some oBchyouraracler ow
passionate actor diligent genial
introvert meticulous modest
short-tempered humble mercenary
(a) That an offer to act in a film could come to a 52-year-old
beyond his wildest dreams. nonentity likearrogant
him was
(6) Indeed, there was atime when people bought tickets especially to see unassuminhim,g; modes
(c) I was with Hudson and Kimberley for nine years and wasn't)late
for a single day,
(d) It didn't matter if the part was small, but if he had to make the most of i
it, he
learn his lines beforehand. Howsmall he would feel if he muffed
in the had to
of so many people. presence
(e) Patol Babu cleared his throat and started enunciating the syllable in varion .
Along with that he worked out how he would react physically when the collisio
took place how his features would be twisted in pain, how he would fling o
his arms, how his body would crouch to express pain and surprise - all these e
performed in variousways in front of a large glass window.

() It is true that he needed money very badly, but what was twenty rupees when
measured against the intense satisfaction of a small job done with perfection and
dedication?
Ans. (a) That an offer to act in a film could come to a 52-year-old nonentity like him Na
unassuming; modes
beyond his wildest dreams.
(b) Indeed, there was a time when people bought tickets especially to see n -talented
day.
(c) 'I was with Hudson and Kimberley for nine years and wasn't late for asingle
punctualiy
it. he hadto
(d) It didn't matter if the part was small, but if he had to make the most of presenceol
the
learn his lines beforehand. How small he would feel if he muffed in -diligenl
so many people. variousways.
(e) Patol Babu cleared his throat and started enunciating the syllable in the
collison
when
Along with that he worked out how he would react physically wouldflingout
thesehe
took place - how his features would be twisted in pain, how he - all meticulons
his arms, how his body would crouch to surprise
express pain and when
performed in various ways in front ofa large glass windoW. rupees
and
) It is true that he but what was twentypassionate
peerfection
needed money very badly, ador
measured against the intense satisfaction of a Small job done with
dedication.

254 Xam idea English (Communicative) -X

 lines from the lesson. Match the meanings of the
are
sOme
listed below. underlined words
Heretheir meanings
E with
a Bengali firm which he gave up in
hehad a job in began stimulate the
Then to treat him in too
disgustwhen his boss
high-handed imagination
a fashion.

faint memory
was stirred up in Patol Babu's mind. to surrender or
|A
(0) relinquish
first he opened a
variety store which he had to wind up
|At staged
(c) after five years.

/alras,in amateur theatricals, in plays put up by the club to gain control over
(d) In neighbourhood, Patol Babu was always in demand. one's actions
in his
about to step forward when he was pulled up shut down
Patol Babu was 'Silence'!
(e)
short by a voice shouting
(Patol Babu pulled himselftogether stopped

Ans.
lo)Then he had a job in a Bengali firm which he gave up in to surrender or
disgust when his boss began to treat him in too high-handed relinquish
a fashion.

(b)Afaint memory was stirred up in Patol Babu's mind. stimulate the

imagination
(c)At first he opened a variety store which he had to wind up shut down
after five years.
(d) In Jatras, in amateur theatricals, in plays put up by the club staged
in his neighbourhood, Patol Babu was always in demand.
(e)Patol Babu was about to step forward when he was pulled up stopped
short by a voice shouting 'Silence'!
()Patol Babu pulled himself together to gain control over
one s actuons

6. After Patol Babu returns home he recounts his experience in front of the camera to
his wife. In pairs write out the exchange in the form of a dialogue and enact it before
the class. You
may start like this...
Patol Babu's wife: So what happened at the shooting today? Did you get to do vour
role?
Patol Babu: Oh, Yes, I had the time of my life
Aas. (Constructed Response Question)
Patol
role? Babu's Wife: So what happened at the shootingtoday? Did you get to do vour
Patol Babu: Oh, Yes, I had thetme of ny life.
Babu'
Patol s Wife: WelOhl really?
Babu: Tell before
I Teached me all. 8.30 a.m. There was already abig crowd at Faraday
House.
Literature Textbook 255
 Babu's wife: What were they doing?
Patol Babu: Most of them had come to see the shooting and
rest
light men, clapper boy, etc. mainly from the film production unit. were all
Babu's Wife: What were they for?
Patol Babu: Baren Mullick was the director, he was
who puta moustache on my face. Naresh Dutt
was in the guiproduction
ding them section.
all.
cameraMe,
Babu's youngest brother-in-law, Soranko and Jyoti were also there. Make-up mo
Babu's Wife: Tell me about yourself now.
Patol Babu: Alright, my role was avery small one and I had just to
Nisikan
to play the role of a short-tempered, absent-minded
pedestrian, exclaim ..
who
hero. First, I was completely disappointed and thought that they had
stock of me. Ifelt like leaving that place at once but then Mr. made wilh
a thecollhdes
like lightning in my mind. "No role is big and small, it is the Pakrashi'
way you
s wordslaughing
laitsththaed
makes it memorable." I did just that and put my heart and soul into it. It
performance that earned everyone spraise. I was immnensely satisfied ton was a
pertorm
super
Babu's Wife: I am happy to hear it all, but what about the money? They mustt have pad
you.
Patol Babu: They wanted to but ...er ...
Babu's Wife : But what? I hope you did not refuse.
Patol Babu: What is money when compared to the satisfaction I derived? It's true d
money was much needed. But look Iam so satisfied. Idid that small role with perfertion
and dedication.

Writing Task
7. Patol Babu writes a letter to Nishikanto Ghosh tothank him for being instrumentala
his getting a role in a film. He also shares his experience at the film shoot including
the excitement and deep satisfaction that he derived from the same. Write the letter in
about 200 words. (Constructed Response Question)
Ans. A-4, Nepal Bhattacharjee Lane
Calcutta

20th May, 20XX

Dear Ghosh Babu alvays

film. I had
a
part ofbrother-in-lawto.
Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to be
been passionate about acting. Please convey my gratitude to your Faraday House,the

I wish him all the best in life! As per his directions, I had reached
there. Itn
next morning before 8.30. already
instruction

It was the first time I got to see a film-shooting. A big crowd was giving roleofan
a Baren Mullick film, the famous director. He was actually there, the hant
supposed to play I didnot Collisin

and everyone was working in absolute harmony. I was Kumar. on

tfr

absent-minded pedestrian, who collides with the hero Chanchal

on,
to
exclaim after
afterreflecting
a
much of a dialogue. 'Oh!' was the only word I was to Use
with the hero. At first, Ifelt terribly disappointed, but later
256 Xam idea English
(Communicative)-X
 could do something with it and tried rehearsing my role. I uttered
time. II felt I
monosyllable'Oh!"
some modulating my voice, changing my facial expressions and body
the
movements.

all because I remembered the words of my guru Mr. Pakrashí, who used to
This was can put himself into his role and leave a mark, it did not matter whether
the
sayan actor
role was big or small. So, I put my heart and soul into it, and gave a wonderful
performance. L did not bother to wait for the money after I had experienced a strange
fulfilment! This realisation gave me immense satisfaction.
Thank youagain.

Yours affectionately
Patol
Additional Questions
Extract-based Questions
Readthe following extracts carefully and answer the questions that follow in one or two lines.
.Naresh Dutt cast an appraising look at Patol Babu and gave a nod. Oh yes", he said.
«There is no doubt about that. By the way, the shooting takes place tomorrow morning."
(i) Who is Naresh Babu?
(i) For what did he give a nod? What do you mean by 'appraising look'?
(i) Where did the shooting take place?
(iv) Who says he does not have a doubt? Why did he say so?
Ans. ) Naresh Babu is the brother-in-law of Nishikant Ghosh, the neighbour of Patol Babu.
He is a member of a film production team.
(ü) He gave a nod ofapproval for casting Patol babu for the said role. 'Appraising look'
means to take a close look, scrutinise or assess carefully for gauging somebody or
something.
(2i) The shooting took place near Faraday House.
(0) Naresh Dutt says he does not have any doubt about casting Patol babu. He says this
nrole.
response to the question made by Patol with regard to him being right for the
* Iatol Babu cleared his throgt and started enunciating the syllable in variouS ways.
Along
h a t he worked out how he would react physicaly when the collision took place - how
his features would be in pain, how he would fling out his arms, how his body would
crouch to express paintwisted
and surprise - all these he performed in various ways in front of a
large glass window.
(i) Which word in the passage means the same as "articulating'?
(ii)
(iii) Describe the character of Patol Babu, as you understand fromthe given passage.
What is the tone of the author in the given extract?'
(iu) How did
Patol Babu plan to convey to his viewers his plan after the collision?
e
(ü) Patol word 'enunciating' meansthe sane as 'articulatung
Babu
person, who can
be described as a hard-working, meticulous, and conscientious
gave his all, to do atask with perfection.

Literature Textbook 257

 (m) The tone of the author is 'appreciative' in the given
(iv) The plan was that his features would be extract.
intwisted pain,
arms, and his body would crouch to express pain and how he would
3. "Joly good! Why, you are quite an actor. Sosanko, just take a surprise. ing on
dark glass, will you". look at the
slky
(i) Who isthe speaker?
(ii) What do you mean by Jolly good? through he
(iii) Who is being praised here?
(iv) What has he done for which he is being praised?
Ans. () Baren Mullick, the director of the film is the speaker:.
(ü) In this context, Jolly good' implies the approval of Patol
Babu's
(ii) Patol Babu is being praised by the director.
(iv) Though a small role, Patol Babu had given an
excellent performance
performance.
4. True, that he needed money very badly, but what was
twenty rupees when
the intense satisfaction of asmall job done with perfection
so later Naresh Dutt went looking for Patol Babu near
and measured
dedication. Ten againorst
was not there. "That's odd the man the paan
hadn't been paid yet. What ashop and foundminthat
utes he
() Pick out the phrase which conveys strange fllory!»
that Patol Babu had financial problems?
(ii) What was more important for Patol Babu?
(iii) Why does he call him 'a strange fellow'?
(iv) Why did Patol Babu leave before he was paid?
Ans. (i) The phrase, "True, that he needed money very
badly conveys that Patol Babu bad
financial problems.
(ü) The intense satisfaction of a small job done with
perfection and dedication was moe
important to Patol Babu, that the paltry sum of twenty rupees that he may receive 3
payment for his small role.
(n) He is calling Patol Babu a strange fellow because he had left the location withoul
collecting his remuneration.
(7U) Patol Babu was content with the mental satisfaction bhe experienced after doug
job well, and chose not to exchange this mental gratification for cheap moneäi
benefits.
5. In 1943, when he was just toying with the idea of starting a club in his neighbourhad
sudden retrenchment in his office due to the war cost him his nine-year-0l0 Jou
(i) Whois 'he'? What
happened to his job?
(1) What does the expression, 'cost him his nine-vear-old job' mearn
(iii) What is the meaning of
(iv) What idea was Patol Babu'retrenchment? dueto
toying with?
Ans. (i) 'He' refers to Patol Babu. In retrenchment
1943 he lost his job as a result of
war.
of war'
(ii) The expression means 'sacrifice and suffering one had to face becauserequired,o
him Srom
(iiü) Retrenchment means the action of an employee bein8 termed 'not
crisis, and removing
'redundant' to reduce costs following an economic
his/her job. neighbourhood.
(iv) Patol Babu was toying with the
idea of starting a club in his
258 Xam idea English
(Communicative)-X
 ofthe remote past; something which he recalls at times with a
become a thing
"Thathas

he'?
Whois
() a thingof remote past?
What is recall at times with a sign?
(iî) What does he
(i) made him recall his
past?
What PatolBabu.
(i) refersto
He' which he used to do long long ago, in the remote past.
Ans.
Heis
referring to acting
(ü)
Patol recalls the
past events and experiences of acting and feels nostalgic about it.
(n) offered a role in afilm which makes him recall his past.
Patol Babu was
(w)
"This is onlythe,first step on the ladder,fortune
my dear better half Yes-the first stepthat would-
of your beloved husband'".
7. willing-mark the rise to fame and
God speaker? Whom is he speaking to?
) Who is the expectations of Patol Babu>
i) What are the
step on the ladder?
i) What is referred as first
Babu pray for?
lin) What does Patol
Patol Babu is the speaker. He is speaking
to his wife.
Ans. () If God is willing. he will be able to
(') He expects to rise to fame and acquire fortune.
make a mark in the film industry.
i) The role in a film that has been offered to him is what Patol
Babu considers to be the
first step on the ladder.
fortune.
(iu) He prays to climb up the ladder of fame and
8. "Patol Babu was called in exactBy half an hour. Now he had completely got over his apathy.
All he felt now was a keen anticiþation and supþressed excitement. It was the feeling he
used to feel twenty years ago just before he stepped on to the stage.
(i) Who is 'he'? What did he do twenty years ago?
(1) Infer the attitude of Patol Babu at the point of time, corresponding to the extract.
(iti) What was he excited about?
(iv) How did Patol Babu get over his apathy:
0) He refers to Patol Babu, He was a stage and theatre artist twentv vears ago.
atol Babu felt at the time referred to in the extract was anuc1pation and
Ppressed excitement that he used to feel just before getting on to he stage twenty
years ago.
(üü) He was excited about the offer he had received to act in afilm.
(iu) The words of his guru Pakrashi made him feel that no role was too small to be
turned down. single word. Patol
An actor could make his mark even by uttering a his apathv and
Babu was noW thoroughly prepared for the scene, and got
over

indifference.
9, "The hero 's head had banged against his forehead, and an exeruciating þain had robbed
him of his
(0)
What senses
is
for a few seconds".
(iü) What didbeing referred to in the lines above?
(iii) the scene require of the two characters?
Who is the
(iu) What hero of the film?
role did Patol Babu have to play?
Literature Textbook 259
 the scene that was
Ans. ) Thelines above are revealingresult of his act. enacted by Patol
severe pain he suffered as a
characters, Patol Babu and
(i) The scene required the two pavement. the hero, to Babu, and Hhe
other while walking along the
of the film.
bang
(ü)) Chanchal Kumar is the hero
pedestrian.
(iv) Patol Babu had to play the role of the
All these years of struggle hadn't
He had done his job really well.
10. Gogon Pakrashi would have been pleased with his performance. blunted his sensibility
(i) Who is 'he'?
(i1) Which job has he performed well?
(iii) Who is Gogon Pakrashi?
(iv) What do you mean by the phrase blunted his sensibility'?
Ans. (i) 'He' is Patol Babu.
() He has performed his role of an absent minded pedestrian well.
(iü) He is Patol Babu's mentor or guru.
(iv) 'Blunted his sensibility' means, reduce his ability to perform. Time had not
away from him his talent. taken
11. Counting your chickens again before they are hatched, are you ?No wonder you cun mee
make a go of it." [CBSE (F) 2017)
(i) Who is the speaker ?
(ii) What does it tell us about the speaker?
(iii) What is the antonym of 'never'?
(iv) Explain, 'counting your chickens again before they were hatched'.
Ans. () These lines were spoken by Patol Babu's wife.
(ii) These words of the speaker give us an understanding of her pessimism. Besides
she comes across as a very sarcastic woman, who is in the habit of discouraging her
husband and doubing his abilities as an actor, who, she feels is a daydreamer:.
(ii) 'Always' is the antonym of 'never'.
(iv) It means making plans or getting one's hopes up based on assumptions.
Marks each)
(30-40 Words: 2
Short Answer Questions
1. How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him? shattered
Ans. Patol Babu reported for the shooting However he was Bettr
with alot of anticipation.
that was offered to him. an
with the insignificance of the role and the monologue guided by
sense prevailed and he puts aside his initial response to quit, as he is qualiyof
on the
inner voice, the words of his mentor, which directed him to focus
performance rather that the quantity to be performed.
howerer
2. What was the advice of Patol Babu's mentor and guru Pakrashi? Patol, an
Ans. The priceless advice of Gogon Pakrashi was" remember one thing accept it. As
thelastdryp
small a part you're offered, never consider it beneath your dignity to
combined
artist your aim should be to make the most of your opportunity and squeeze
it isthespoken in
and
of meaning out of your lines. Aplay involves the work of many "each word
you
eftort of many that makes asuccess of the play".He also says that,accessto it. But
a play is like a fruit in a tree. Not every one in the audience has

260 Xam idea English (Communicative) -X

 get its essence and serve it to the audience for their
know how to pluck it,
inust
actor
edification"
Babu have in Calcutta and why did he leave it?
did Patol
job
What startedworking with Hudson and Kimberly from the year 1934 in the
. Babu However, the war led to the deterioration and the destabilization
Patol ofa clerk.
Ans. position
economy.
Retrenchment of workers was the logical solution to handle the crisis.
the nine-year stint, Patol lost his job.
Therefore,after a
of
while rehearsing? Did the director approve of the
Patol Babu have
idea did
What
4. idea?
practising his little role. While doing so it occurred to him that the
Babu began authentic
Patol if he were to be reading a newspaper inthe scene. The
Ans. wouldlook more idea.
act opposed to the
director was not
were Patol
Babu's dialogues and what was his reaction on seeing it?
6. What
Patol Babu
enquired about the dialogue that he had to deliver. After a considerable
handed over to him, on which just one word 'Oh! was written. He was
Ans. paper was
wait, a humiliated
disappointed, felt cheated and
Patol Babu leave without taking money?
6. Why did over, Patol Babu heaved asigh of relief, a deep sense of satisfaction
After the shot was
Ans.
Swept over him.
He bad done his job really well, and the director approved his scene
having executed hisrole with
afer the very first take. Patol Babu was very satisfied for nor did he collect the
nerfection. He did not linger around the set after the scene, barter mental
Temuneration that was due to him. Theactor in him, did not allow him to
satisfaction with currency, for he felt it could not be balanced fairly.
ilm?
7. How did Patol Babu react to the offer of a role in a
Ans. Patol Babu was very apprehensive initially, when his neighbour put forward the proposal
of aprospective role in a film. He was definitely happy that he received such an offer at
his age. Eventually, as the idea started seeping into his mind and soul, he began building
castles in the air.
D. What message is the author trying to convey through the lesson "Patol Babu"?
Ans. The message conveyed by the story 'Patol Babu' is to do one's job with perfection. no
matter how big or small it is. In the plan of action everyone is assigned a role, which
must be performed to the best of one's ability. This is the only source of satistactuon.
low did Patol Babu manage to make his role special? What special touches did he
give to the role?
Ans. Patol Babu convinced himself that even "Oh!". can be said in different wavs to suit
the requirement of the situation it has to be uttered in. He went to aquiet corner, and
began rehearsing in front of a huge glass window. He worked extensively to bring about
modulations in his voice, variety in his facial expressions, and onthe appropriate body
reactions as aresult of the bump. He measured the distance he had to walk to make the
timing and impact of the collision perfect. To make the scene look more auhenic he
10. suggested holdinga newspaper in his hand, which was accepted bv the director.
What comprised the 100% of Patol Babu's performance?
Ans, Patol
allect Babu experiencedheexcruciating
his performance, pulled himself as a resultandof the
paintogether, letting it
50 partsButof not
mixingcollision. anguish, 25
parts of surprise, and 25 parts of irritation he delivered his dialogue, "Oh"! with the
necessary
the very facial and body actions to perfection. His l00 %perlormance was approved at
first take.
Literature Textbook 261
 11. Who was Nishikanto Ghosh? What was the offer he
made to Patol
Ans. Nishikanto Ghosh was Patol Babu's neighbour. The offer
Babu, was of a role in a film. The age and physique of Patol that he Babu?
had
perfectly. Besides, Nishikanto was aware of Patol Babu's Babu fitted hemade to
moreover, the request was made by his brother-in-law. whopenchant for Pacl
production team.
12, Why did Mullick turn down Patol Babu's request for a
rehearsal>
was a part
reaciquinreg,meflmnandi's
of
he
Ans. Mullick turned down Patol Babu's request for a rehearsal as
the shoot before the patch of cloud that was appearing in the skyhe takes
wanmted to
bright daylight. Besides, he did not feel that the role
fairly small and insignificant. required any away wih it the complee
preparation as it was
13. How do we know that Patol was a meticulous man?

Ans. Patol Babu was guided by his Mentor Gogan Pakrashi's wisdom. He
when he was informed about his role and dialogue. But his was
inner
his mentor's advice, told him that it was not the quantity but the voice, that shattered
mattered. Patol Babu, therefore, decided to prepare meticulously, quality of reelletha
cted
to executeworkskl
at hand with perfection. He moved away to a quiet place,
and looking at his rele
on ahuge glass window, practised with
cOmmitment, to arrive at the best Combinari
of mind, body and soul, to potray his character. He tried out various facial evnrert
voice modulations and the appropriate body movements to strike the right style. Healse
suggested some improvisationsto make the scene authentic, which was readily accented
by the director. Patol Babu, eventually, "squeezed the last drop of
meaning from his
monologue, Oh!" and put on a magnificent performance.
14. What was Gogon Pakrashi's advice to Patol Babu on how to become a successful actor?
JCBSE Delhi 20171
Ans. Gogon Pakrashi, Patol Babu's mentor had told him, not to consider it undignified to
accept any role given to him, whether big or small. The aim of an artist should be to
make the most of an opportunity and squeeze the last drop of meaning out of the lines.
He also compares the words in a play to fruits that are accessible only to the actor. He
should pluck them and serve the essence for the audience to cherish.
[CBSE (A) 2017]
15. How did Patol Babu initially react to the role allotted to him?
excited. He
Ans. After hearing the offer made by Nishikanta Ghosh, Patol Babu was very
his wildest
had never expected to get an opportunity to act in a film. It was beyond
imaginations. He felt very important and started building castles in the ai: (4)2017)
16. What changed Patol Babu's mind about the small role allotted to him?[CBSE
was nothing
Ans. Patol Babu was selected to doa role in afilm. Sadly, his dialogueein the Scenebelitledand
but, to exclaim, "Oh!" When he was told of this, a disheartened Patol, felt guruGogon
thought that he was being teased. But later, remembering the words of his maybe,
insignificantitaccuracy.
Pakrashi who advised him to accept any small role, however, and
precision
[CBSE()20171
Patol accepted the role and got ready to do his role with great
17. Why didn't Patol Babu wait to collect his payment? wasan
ilmmaker. It
acceptinghis
Ans. Patol Babu was given a small role in a film by Naresh Dutt a the
insignificant role, which he executes with excellence. He left without well witlh
job done
remuneration because he believed that no payment can equate a
dedication it deserves.

262 Xam idea English (Communicative) -X

 Answer Questions (150 Words: 8 Marks each)
decides to write a letter to her friend giving vent to her feelings
Babu's wife
Patol performance of her busband and what she feels about it. Imagine yourself
the
L about write the letter. (Constructed Response Question)
wife and
the
[Link] Street
Park

Calcutta

May 22,19XX

DearMadhabi
you? Hope you, your family and parents are in good health. It has been quite
Howare have communicated with each other. I was missing your
company a lot.
whilesince we
a from bad to worse. Life is getting very difficult because
condition seems to be going
My been able to secure a stable job. The war has been very tough on us. He
Patol hasnot
jobs but to no avail.
ried his hand at various
All of a sudden,
yesterday, our neighbour had come over to offer Patol a role in a film.
building
knowhis passion tor acting. Hewas very exCited, and as is his nature,began
castles in the air, despite my cautioning him against doing so. He seemed hopeful of
troubles.
seeing the end of our
He narrated
In the evening, he came back with a very different perspective of life. after he was
o me the details of the numerous emotions he experienced before and with
acquainted with his role. Itwas a very insignificant role, he said, which he executed
perfection, after meticulous preparation. The best part of the whole incident was that
satisfaction
Patol left the set without accepting the remuneration due to him. He said the
he experienced could not be appropriated with any currency. I was really proud to be
the wife of a man with such high ideals. I had to share this with you because you have
always told me that Patol is a man of very high principles. I am convinced now. Ialways
misunderstood his ways because of the lack of financial security. No longer!
Waiting to hear from you.
Yours affectionately
2. Tapeshwari
That night, after the incident, when Patol Babu is about to retire for his sleep, he
decides to makea diary Write it.
entry.
(Constructed Response Question)
Ans. May 20,
20XX
Thursday 9.00 p.m.

Dear Diary
IIhadey depressing day, But I did nÍt succunb to my lesser emotons.
had the tilm assignment,
offered goneto me Faraday
to house, with alot of anticipationto take up
by Nishikanto. I was overwhelmed to receive arole in atilm at my age.
lThough
aturally Tapeshwari dissuaded me,
follow ilmstar.
a
I began fantasising about
the rosy future,that would

Ireached the set much ahead of the scheduled time and

waited in earnest for information
Literature Textbook 263
 about my role and dialogue. It was not forthcoming
introduced to my character which destroyed my hopesfor long time.
a
the role ofa pedestrian, and my dialogue was restricted to and
and wanted to quit. But surprisingly the words. of my
an
revered
[Link]
exclaspito amat
my senses and told me not to let quantity affect quality and mentor Iwas dejced.
comes our way. I wasdetermined to do my best. I
rehearsed,
and performed to the best of my abilities. My act was suggested
approved the
respectGogonj ,
every aw\taakenel
ask hat
warm feeling of satisfaction of ajob well done,
thanking my mentor, for his wisdom had made me a

Thank you Gogonji!

better
enveloped
barter my art and satisfaction for money. As I pen this dÍwnhuman
I
with
my entire being. i
I
amio
[Link]
a
shox. A
3. Dedication and hard work are essential for success. Explain how conte nted manl
Patol Babu to perform his small role to perfection. these qualities enable
Ans. Patol Babu, was an unassuming, humble, and modest [CBSE (AI) 2017)
offer to play a role in a film. However, he was assigned the52-year-old, man
of a role who
gets an
to bump into the hero andjust exclaim the word 'Oh!',
to play such asmall role. But he remembers his mentor and
pedestrian
he does not was
who
Disappointed,
words, "never refuse any role, however small it might be. An artist' guru Gogon wan
be to make the most of the opportunity, and squeeze the last s aim should Pakrashi's
aloutwaysof
his lines", and resolves to give his best to the small role offered drop of
to him. meaning
He Bak i
many times, infusing different shades of emotions into the word Oh. Patol
makes suggestions for improving the shot, Iike holding a newspaper at the time
rehearses
collision and being precise about the number of steps that ought to be taken duringoftheth.
shot. He gives a perfect shot and makes the director very happy with his
performance.s
However, he leaves the shooting scene modestly, without receiving his remuneration
job satisfaction was more important for him.
4. "Work is worship." Discuss.
OR
No work is big or small, it is the manner in which it is executed that makes it big or
Small.
Ans. This is an old proverb that has been passed down from generations. What does un
mean: Well it certainly does not tell you to Jook at vour work with folded hands and
chant prayers.
You need to worship, and dedicate your whole being toward the oftask on ot
labour. No work
experience pleasure and contentment. It also teaches us the dignity love. Halfhearted,
is big or small. Work is work, and it has to be done with passion and and
The joy will
non-committal performances lead to incompleteness and unhappiness. What
you are [Link] litde or
satisfaction is derived only when you are devoted to what architect, and we
be the plight of a patient whose doctor wanted to be an remember that what
whata
no passion towards his profession? Chaos! But one must also comes our wayis
what migl
desire, might not always be. Therefore, making the best of butthe will ofGodput
sensible person should do. As man proposes to do something, shouldbeto
not be there, as He has other plans for you. The motto of every one
PatolBalbu.
one's best, hoping for the best to come back to you. mone:
the story,
This fact has been very explicitly portrayed by the protagonist ofweighed against
Film Star. His devotion gives him asatisfaction that could not be

264 Xam idea English (Communicative) -X

 Questions for Practice
AtractbasSedQuestions
followingextracts
carefully and.
answer the questions that follow in one or two
Babu lines.
the then Palol struggled
to make aliving. At first, he opened a firm which
Ever hehadlo wind up after five years. Then he took up a job in a Bengalivariety
Moad whichsince store
1.
disgust when his boss began to treat him in too
Then,
hegave up
for
in high-handed fashion.
a means
ten long years, starting as an insurance salesman, Patol Babu tried every
livelihood zwithout ever succeeding in
improving
of
earning
paying a visits to asmall establishment dealing
regular in scrap his
[Link]
Of latea cousin
he has ofbeen
his
him a job.
has)promised
Which line in the given extract suggests that life was not easy for Patol Babu?
(ü) Make a sentence of your own with the word 'wind', in the same context as it has been
extract.
Jused in the given
(u) "Ever since then". What does 'then' refer to?
(i0) How can the overall condition of Patol Babu's life be characterised?
Lad done his job very well. All these years of struggle hadn't blunted his sensibility.
Coon Pakrashi would have been pleased with his performance. But all the labour and
imagination he had put into his one shot - were these people able to appreciate that? He
doubted it. They just got hold of some people, got them to go through certain motions.
paid them for their labours and forgot all about it. Paid them, yes, but how much? Ten.
ifteen, twenty rupees? True, that he needed money very badly, but what was tuenty rupees
uhen measured against the intense satisfaction of a small job done with perfection and
dedication?
(i) What was the trigger of Patol Babu's chain of thoughts, that made him question the
film-makers?
(i) Complete the following statement.
Patol Babu thought that money cannot
(i) Infer Patol Babu's tone as reflected in the
extract.
(0) The writer uses questions anda dash in the given extract. Comment on the
of this style. purpose
3.
"Come in, come in, sir!" Patol Babu almost dragged the young man in and pushed the
broken armed chair towards him. <Do sit down."
"Nothanks, I
"Oh. Yes. I
"I hope you must say I was quite taken aback. After so many years."*
have no
You think I'lU be objection?"
Naresh right for the part?" Patol Babu asked with great diffidence.
Dutt cast an appraising look at Patol Babu and gave a nod. "Oh yes," he said.
"There is no doubt about that. By the way, the shooting takes place tomorrow morning.'
)
Identify
eager
(0) For
the phrase that shows the eagerness in Patol Babu's mind.
about? What was he

(iü) what did he give a nod? What do you mean by appraisinglook?

What do
(iu) Who you infer from, "No, thanks I..."?
says he does not have a doubt? Why did he say so?

Literature Textbook 265

 4. "Counting your chichens before they're hatched, are you! No
for it. "
a go wonder you could
"But it's the real thing this time! Go and makeme a cup of tea,
take some ginger juice tonight. It's very good for the throat.» will you? And.
never mahe
(0) Pick out the phrase that conveys the chauvinistic attitude of
(1) Who is the speaker? Patol Babu. remind me io
(ii) Why does she make this remark?
(iv) How can we infer that Patol Babu was ready to
get his act
5. Cut!" together?
Was that right?" asked Patol Babu
anxiously, stepping
towards Baren
Jolly good! Why, you are quite an actor. Sosank0, just take alook at Mullick.
dark glass, will you." the sky
(i) After reading the story, how would you analyse Cut!'
said by the the through
(ii) What do you mean by 'jolly good'?
(ü) Pick out the phrase that shows that
flm's director?
Patol Babu is
(iv) What has he done for which he is being praised? being praised here?
Short Answer Questions
1. How would youhave enacted the role
assigned to Patol Babu? (30-40 Words)
2. What role does Patol Babu's
mentor play in the story? (Constructed Response Question)
3. Seeing Patol Babu's acting, would
you have given him an
extensive role in the film? opportunity to do more
4. How important is
'appreciation' in one's life?
(Constructed Response Ouestion)
5. "That's odd -the man hadn't
been paid yet." Explain.
Long Answer Questions
(150 Words)
1. If you were asked to re-write the
like? conclusion of the story, what would your version read
Z. Wite a paragraph on the preparation that Patol
(Constructed Response Question)
Babu undertook before his shot.
3. "All these years of struggle
hadn't blunted his sensibility." Elucidate.

266 Xam idea English

(Communicative) -X