Whatever Vilasni Narayanan's views on Bollywood films ([#1] Bollywood films are mindless, loud and boring [/#], Jan 27), the fact is that these films sell. Millions actually watch them and enjoy watching them. Our people are no exception. We cannot prevent them from watching these shows by decree or legislation. Censorship only results in increased curiosity, smuggling and illicit watching.

If we want to protect our people, young and old, from the cheap and tawdry, from the shallow and superficial, from the frills and foppery, from the sleaze and sex of Hollywood, Bollywood and Tamilwood, then we must educate them well. We must give them experience of the classics. We must develop a culture that emphasises the real as opposed to the superficial and the unreal.

Bollywood films are an easy lure. They are generally well-made and provide an escape from the dreary reality of everyday life. These movies are not all bad. There is a recent tendency to better acting, better songs and better choreography for the dances.

And they emphasise the need for our movie producers to step up the quality of local films. Perhaps we can jointly produce movies. There are two million Indians in this country. Surely there must be some Shahrukh Khans, Simrans and Rajinikanths amongst them? And is there the prospect of real Malaysian movies being made? Where the Indians, Chinese and Malays actually interact? Are we going to continue to do things as if we are three countries in one?