Train Stations

Scenes from Slumdog Millionaire kept playing in my head. That movie subconsciously became my "guide" to India. The only other movie I've seen about India was Gandhi which was set in the first half of the 20th century.

I understand why some Indians were upset that Slumdog Millionaire was such a celebrated movie when it portrayed a destitute and dangerous India to the whole world. However, India’s train stations tell another story. Remember the scene where Jamal looks for Latika and sees her gazing up from the platform? That scene was festive and filled multi-colored saris. Remember the Bollywood dance sequence that was shot in a train station for the end credits? Compare that scene to these photos of Old Delhi Railway Station.

That's reality. But despite the apparent disorder, everyone still got on their trains and reached their destinations. Method in madness, the Indian way.