Random Ramblings
So there we were in what reminded me of the good old days where we had theatres like ‘Ganga’, ‘Akash’, ‘Relax’, ‘Topiwala’ (I swear these are real names). The hall was dimly lit and there was chaos all around. There were vacant seats but people next to those told us that they were ‘reserved’ for their friends / relatives. We had no choice but to trudge upstairs….Upstairs ??!!!! Yes ! Balcony !!!!…..the function was going to happen in the Stall and the audience was split between the stall and the balcony !! Upstairs was more chaotic, hot and dark and Pavan was visibly excited on spotting some famous directors like K S Ravikumar (I can’t remember the others) who were seated right in front of us and seemed to be enjoying the chaos. Welll the wait seemed never ending..you could hear instrumental versions of old Shankar Jaikishan songs being played !!!!!!! Finally after an hour of sweating and cursing, they screened 2 songs form the movie by which time my son had had enough ! So had to get up and leave but not before I came downstairs again and said a Hi to D-Man who seemed equally amused.
Again, no offence meant but I cannot still understand why doesn’t the Tamil industry take a leaf out of the Bombay industry’s book and get these things done in style. I’m no bollywood fan but you have to give it to those guys. Forget the content but the packaging is all very chic. I still remember the Jodhaa Akbar music launch at the Grand Hyat where dignitaries from the Royal Family of Rajasthan had been invited. Everything was so well planned and organised…I have the same grouse about publicity strategies (if there is one) of the Tamil industry. No promos, teasers or publicity about a movie or the music and they expect people to go and buy the music and watch the movie. if I chose to not watch it in a theatre (hey, didn’t i write about the mulitplex saga earlier?) and preferred buying a dvd a month later, I won’t get it….why ? Sold out?? ille saar….not released yet. Probably they will release it a couple of decades later and the stores will directly list it in the CLASSICS section -:) - I’ve added a new entry to my list of ‘I would like to be reborn as……’ - A Film Publicist in the Tamil Film Industry (no work machhi !!)
On another note, I had my first experience of dining at a rooftop restaurant last night at citicentre. Nice ambience though they were in a hurry to take down the last order at …………………………..11 PM !!!!!!!!….hahahahahahahahahahhah…………
Hi Vij !
You do write straight from your heart. Really honest and straight to the point narration of the events and I can fully understand your anguish after living for so many years in the most professional and practical city I have come across (Bombay for you).
I have been all along a PUNEite but got opportunity to stay for 1 year in Mumbai in 1994-95 and that really changed my life forever. I learnt to respect time / space and most of all efficiency of a person irrespective of his religion or from where he comes from.
Mumbai was / is and will be forever yours. You have to just try the new place for some more time before taking the reverse decision. We will support you always.
best regards
Dinesh Vaidya
Pune ( July 15, 2008)
You’ve got to be kidding me! Ok, aint that bad.From Grand Hyatt to Sathyam Cinemas, life has come a full circle for you. LOL. Maybe guys there swear by SC. Dont act like a foofoo*. Giggle. You got to meet D-man again na. So all maaf.
Nevertheless, once again today, I’ll thank my stars (and my folks) for having lived most of my life in the marvel that is Bombay. Sigh.
It’s pouring here and I just had steaming hot vada pav from Trushna. Will have one for you too.
P.S. Don’t hate me much.
example of a foofoo: someone who asks for mineral water in an Irani restaurant or…say…Trushna. Get the drift?
Dhenuka
(Why does this thing need an ID!!!!!???!!!)
hi vij,
I was there at the event too… This was the first time I was attending a music release function, so i have nothing to compare it to… but i felt it could have been organised a lot better…. There were lots of celebs including D-Man, but the what was missing in the event was, as you say, style!
hope the industry grows up!
Aravind
The event was my first of its kind for me..it was messed up..no doubts on tht..but still…anything for the boss..Just a glimpse of him..makes up for everything else….thanks VJ..
PK