Refused

Four British publishers passed on George Orwell’s Animal Farm , before it was finally published in 1945. And at least one American publisher refused it on the grounds that ‘there was no market for animal stories.’ This week’s quiz is on famous refusals and turn-downs.

1 In his characteristic modest fashion, who accepted a Nobel Prize in 1925, but refused the £7,000 cash award, saying that “The money is a lifeboat thrown to a swimmer who has already reached the shore in safety?”

2 Which Indian actor refused his Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film Be-Imaan after the same film pipped Pakeezah to the post for Best Musical Score that year?

3 “Two reasons: one, I wouldn’t go through the pressure and publicity I went through with ____ for any amount of money. Second, I have said what I wanted to say and I will not say it again.” Who, reportedly, said this regarding a decision never to write another novel? And fill in the blanks with the (four word) name of the novel.

4 Which 20th-century American president refused the Democratic nomination for the US Presidency shortly before accepting the Republican nomination and winning by a handy margin?

5 Who was arrested in the ’60s for refusing to follow government orders and made the following statement: “The real enemy of my people is here. I will not disgrace my religion, my people or myself by becoming a tool to enslave those who are fighting for their own justice, freedom and equality”?

6 Very rarely have four actors refused a film role before the fifth took it on and delivered a hit. Raaj Kumar apparently declined the offer because he did not like the smell of the director’s hair oil, Dharmendra had no dates, Dev Anand wanted to sing his own songs and Rajesh Khanna thought it would hurt his image. Who was the fifth choice, and what was the name of the film?

7 Two groups were auditioned on January 1, 1962, at studios in West Hampstead for a recording contract. After a lot of deliberation, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes were chosen. Which group was turned down?

8 To which company did Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak offer the Apple 1 computer five times, only to be turned down all five times?

9 Which classical great controversially refused the Padma Vibhushan in 2000, calling it an insult and saying he would not accept any award that other sitar players had received earlier? In his words, “If there is any award for sitar in India, I must get it first.”

10 In 1945, who refused the British government award of the Order of the Garter, explaining that “I can hardly accept the order of the Garter from the king after the people have given me the order of the boot?”

Answers

1. George Bernard Shaw, who also refused a knighthood.

2. Pran

3. Harper Lee; To Kill a Mockingbird

4. Dwight Eisenhower

5. Muhammad Ali; his reason for not serving in Vietnam.

6. Amitabh Bachchan; Zanjeer

7. The Beatles; the recording company was Decca

8. Hewlett Packard

9. Ustad Vilayat Khan

10. Winston Churchill, who had just been trounced in the general elections.

Joy Bhattacharjya is a quiz master, Director - Kolkata Knight Riders and author of Junior Premier League — The First XI

Follow Joy on Twitter @joybhattacharj

COMMENT NOW