Journalism of Courage
My most memorable Valentines Day was bunking college to watch Legends of the Fall in Delhis Priya Cinema in 1996. Alas,it wasnt a romantic date,just three friends celebrating their unattached status by drooling over Brad Pitt. I remember a single stemmed red rose cost Rs 15,a princely sum for a flower fourteen years ago. And there were enough sentimental young couples lurking around Archies in the buzzing Basant Lok Complex of Delhi,brandishing such gifts.
Of course,back then,people were just about adjusting to Valentines Day. Now,its well entrenched in Indias popular culture. Judging by the flood of SMSes Ive received on the great deals at restaurants and sales on jewellery gifts,V-Day is here to stay. But from what I can see,so far,theres an essential difference: in India the gift giving ritual seems to be more in the younger lot or in the courtship stages of relationships,while in the West,all age groups seem swept up in the frenzy of this day. I dont know many 40-somethings here who buy gifts for their partners,but I am invited to a Valentines party tonight where the host has promised to put killer aphrodisiacs in the food.
I dont know enough 17-year-olds who confide in me about their elaborate plans for February 14,but one told me shes baked a heart shaped cake for her boyfriend. She didnt find it horribly cheesy and uncool to admit it. While she didnt exactly specify,it is clear that shes expecting a darned good gift in return. This is the demographic that will ensure that Valentines will be equally big in India in the years to come. For the rest of us jaded,slightly outdated,and possibly narrow minded souls,we can join one of the 171 anti Valentines Day groups on Facebook. Or you can enjoy a marathon movie session. Zee Studio is showing classics like Breakfast at Tiffanys,Love Story and Sweet Home Alabama today. Happy Valentines. (hutkayfilms@gmail.com)
