“It’s a tiny revolution. Then again, ‘revolution’ might be too big a word. But there is a churn and a gradual change of mind,” shared an author-filmmaker friend of this columnist who is often on panels at poetry and prose reading sessions held across the city
One must add here that the mushrooming of activity hubs and cultural spaces across Mumbai, and their openness towards such events has helped organizers to think out-of-the-box. “Earlier, we would see a trickle of people; perhaps those who had absolutely nowhere to hang out on a Saturday evening. But of late, the numbers have risen to 50, and at times, 75! It’s fascinating to see Mumbaikars come out to discuss Ghalib, share their curiosities about writing on Twitter or try their hand in an amateur poetry-writing session. Nobody judges you, and no brownie points for asking the smartest question,” revealed our panelist friend, adding even more insight into this development in the city. Giving more cheer to this emerging phenomenon is the willingness of trendy gastro pubs, lounges and eateries to offer their spaces before rush hour for such shows.
It’s a sign, and one that we hope continues and burgeons into a larger, seismic shift — a real revolution. The cherry on top will be if all such folk are able to put their heads together, find a common ground, and create an annual celebration of the written word, of course, backed by a steady sponsor. This platform can become a free-for-all oasis where bright, untapped writing talent gets their deserved place in the sun. Mumbai would become a richer space, for sure.
The writer is Features Editor of mid-day
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