On Jatayu...

Much to my dismay, there is no subject in the world about which I can say, "What I don't know about it, is not worth knowing."
But, one that comes really close, is - Feluda.

Unfortunately, there's not much new that I can contribute to a subject that has become a cult and a half. Still, as tribute to its creator's 94th birthday, I wanted to share a part of my evolution with the series.

In fact, the character that intrigued me most about the books have always been Jatayu, even before I saw Santosh Datta in action. 

As I grew up, I tried a lot to find out, what exactly was Satyajit Ray's purpose to introduce this character?

Was it to provide a contrast between Feluda's superior intellect and a common bengali? Was it comic relief? Or was it just that he simply fell in love with the character once he created it?

I never found out. Feluda was the first 'cool' superhero of bengali literature. Why would he need a character who seems like a bumbling fool at first glance to provide a contrast? And I guess, Satyajit Ray tried a crude version of such a character in Gyangtoke Gondogol (Nishikanto babu) and it didn't work. In fact, Feluda, didn't have any time for that character and his stupidity.

So it got me thinking. Was Nishikanto babu really Jatayu's predecessor? And more importantly, would a person with Satyajit Ray's intellect create a character so single shaded and keep him for so many stories?

That answer, at least, most of us know and find out pretty quickly. An important thing about Jatayu is that, no matter how much 'common and typical' he seems, above all, he is amazingly brave and fiercely loyal. 

Be it the knife throwing circus at Maganlal's house, or being the innocent carrier interrogated by police for smuggling the 'naulakha' necklace for Gore, Jatayu is always at the butt-end of the situation, as Feluda can never be seen as being taken for a ride by the villain. He is too smart for that. He can be helpless at times, but never outwitted. And topshe being the narrator, it always has to be Jatayu who faces the most embarassing situations.

This is doubly proved by a factoid. In the novel Sonar kella, it was Topshe who bungled the situation as Feluda held Mandar bose at gunpoint in the night train to Jaisalmer. But, when adapted to the movie, Ray changed it as Jatayu being the bungler. This goes on to prove that even Ray thought that it would be more acceptable for viewers to take Jatayu 'take the hit', as it is.

And yet, in spite of all this, no matter how stereotyped it may seem on the outside, one feature is prominent. Jatayu is always THERE to take the hit. No matter what happens in his adventures with Feluda, whether he is hit on the head, gets senseless in terror or has a fit, he is always, ALWAYS the loyal third. And never for once, has he blamed Feluda for his situations. He takes it as his fate, treats it as an experience to include in his next story and is ever hungry for more.

Can you imagine how much bravery and strength of character is needed for that? 

Anyway, this much I guess you all know.
But, the aspect of the character which I feel most admirable, but never saw discussed, is his humility.

Unfortunately, Jatayu has never been cultivated or rediscovered as a character, like it has happened for Watson. Still, there are some aspects of the character which shouts out to be recognized.

Think about it. Jatayu is no less a celebrity than Feluda. In fact, one can argue that, among a certain section of the bengali crowd, he is even more popular. In Joy baba felunath, Ruku didn't know Feluda's name but knew about Jatayu's work. Even his grandfather, who is an avid reader of detective stories from all over the world, agreed to the idea of hiding his Ganesh inspired by one of Jatayu's novels.

Now, how did Jatayu meet Feluda? In a train, where Feluda sort of 'put him in his place' with an air of snootiness and nonchalant showing off, which is so characteristic of him. Jatayu was so impressed by this that he became an immediate friend and fan. 

So tell me, how many middle aged celebrities have you met, who have been snubbed off and criticized so blatantly by an anonymous youngster in front of strangers and was so graceful to accept it? And not just that, he is always so open about how Feluda's company has enriched his creations.

It is generally accepted that Satyajit created Feluda in his own image, though later seperated himself from the character. However, in this eager passion to improve his work, to learn, and to get the facts right - Jatayu reassembles his creator a lot.

I'm aware that from this write up, it seems like I'm not that fond of Feluda as a character. But nothing can be further from the truth. He has, and will always be a childhood icon for me. He is a show-off, a bit of a prankster, a smoker, yes. But these are the flaws that make him human. These are the reasons why we can call him Felu-da and not...... Felu-man or something.

Yet, if I have to choose as a human being, I would root for Jatayu any day. 

Very few of us are lucky to be born with Feluda's gifts.

But even fewer are able to accept the fact so gracefully that they are not.