A while before Jaya Bachchan made her speech in Parl yesterday, I began watching Guddi again. Incidentally, the movie that catapulted her into limelight. Guddi by the doyen of middle of the road movies, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, had an honest take on the film industry.

It touched upon aspects of film world and actors, in shades of grey-- adulation and star worship, ephemeral stardom, the darkness behind arc lights, exploitation, struggle of junior artistes and transience -- with a starstruck young girl as protagonist .

Hrishida was Jaya's mentor and as per her definition, his portrayal of the industry would elicit her 'jis thaali mein khaate ho' comment? Then, drugs, underworld nexus and nepotism werent raging issues.

Guddi was made in 70s, and since then scores of filmmakers have made 'real cinema', with real issues. But not one has the guts to talk or discuss their own 'real issues'. Jaya's attempt to extol artistes as heavenly bodies beyond scrutiny shows 'Guddi' hasnt 'grown up'.