Salaam Namaste

Like religious worship, it seems the cult of cinema pervades the life of all Indians. From the screaming pirate DVDs keeping passengers awake on busrides in the night, to every damn channel on the state and national TV networks, Indian films beam out to audiences in all corners of the country, at any given moment during the day. Studios operate in most states to cater silver screen narratives for local audiences, though the Mumbai works are the only ones capable of attracting audiences in Europe and beyond, notably not only amongst expat communities. A visit to a local blockbuster cinema in Bangalore showing the recently released „Salaam Namaste“ reminded us of the spontaneous nature of audiences in this part of the world. Where there was humour, the audience replied cheering, where there was singing and dancing, the reply came with more cheering, and when clothes were stripped at the romantic climax, the crowd response came close to that to a golden goal at the FA Cup final. We were glad to be seated near the front row – those under the balcony tend to be showered with popcorn and Pepsi.
But then again, we were screen veterans by the time we got to Bangalore, so we knew our way about. A few days earlier, in Fort Kochi, we had passed by a fashion boutique on a morning stroll in town and found ourselves promptly ushered in as extras for an advertisement being filmed for Mothood Bank, set to be released on AsiaNet in Kerala. The cast of actors belonged to the whitest of Indians we had come across during our travels, a feature very typical in both print- and broadcasting media for advertising and entertainment. And yes, we did feel out of place on a film set in stained t-shirts and bermuda shorts, but it was exciting nevertheless. Fundamentally, however – being the professionals we were during that brief period of screen fame – for the generous reward of a chocolate bar, we had contributed to the future success of Mothood&Co by our western looks before the day had reached noon. We had been officially made; we joined that cadre of silver screen deities the mere mortals dare not even dream of in India. Now, this is what I would like to think India offers the curious traveller at its best: an adventure under every stone you turn.