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Ketan Mehta Discusses the Tropes of Indian Cinema.

Filmmaker Ketan Mehta (Kay-Tahn May-Ta). He's one of a group of young, politically committed directors in India today who believe movies can be effective tools for social change and not just entertainment, and his films have dealt with such issues as the caste system and feminism. His latest film, "Spices," tells the story of a young woman in a remote village in India and her struggle to resist the advances of a powerful feudal overlord.

22:13
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Other segments from the episode on September 8, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 8, 1989: Interview with Ketan Mehta; Commentary on braggers; Interview with Ken Follett; Commentary on the school year.
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02:22

Mark Halliday Reads his Poem "Fort Brag."

Poet Mark Halliday reads a short work titled "Fort Brag." The poem is an ode to people who are absolutely certain about most everything. Halliday, an English professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is a regular contributor to Fresh Air.

Commentary
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14:53

With His New Novel Ken Follett Moves to Literary Fiction from Thrillers.

Writer Ken Follett. He was only 27 when his 11th novel, "Eye of the Needle," became a huge bestseller. When it was later adapted into a hit film, it only enhanced Follett's reputation as a master of the thriller genre. His other novels include "Triple" and "The Key to Rebecca." Follett's latest effort is a departure from this successful formula. "The Pillars of the Earth" is a historical novel set in 12th century England; its plot centers on the building of a cathedral.

Interview

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17:14

Blondie Singh Khan Discusses Bollywood.

Indian filmmaker, Blondie Singh Khan has made his share of popular Indian cinema produced in Bombay called Bollywood. He has taken all the clichés and multiplied them tenfold. He talks about his new film based on the novel by Shashi Tharoor. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)

Interview
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16:06

Novelist and Peacekeeper Shashi Tharoor

In addition to his literary work, Tharoor also works at the United Nations, and is currently heading up the U.N. peacekeeping forces in the former Yugoslavia. His newest novel, "Show Business" is about the Indian film industry.

Interview
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06:28

Remembering Satyajit Ray.

Terry talks with film critic Stephen Schiff about the late director Satyajit Ray from India. Ray died yesterday at the age of 70. His work was internationally acclaimed.

Obituary

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