The chapter “Poets and Pancakes” by Asokamitran is taken from the Class 12th NCERT English Flamingo book. It is a satirical and insightful piece that gives a glimpse into the functioning of the Gemini Studios in Chennai, one of the most famous film production houses of its time.
The title refers to two things: “Poets”, representing the creative minds and artists, and “Pancakes”, which was the brand of makeup used at the studio. The story humorously portrays the makeup department, the struggles of poets and writers in a film studio, and the irony of creativity being overshadowed by commercial filmmaking.
Asokamitran narrates his personal experiences with wit, describing how even poets ended up working in studios for survival. The chapter also touches on political influences, art, literature, and culture, highlighting the challenges faced by creative people in India at that time.
For CBSE Class 12 exams, this chapter is important for summary, theme, character analysis of Asokamitran, and value-based questions on art and creativity. It teaches us about the clash between artistic expression and commercial interests.
