A show gone sour

What8217;s hot in the midst of May? Not so much the summer heat, as much as the fervour of May Queen Balls read as contest. By now, an annual ritual with most social clubs in Pune, lots of teenagers participate, with stars in their eyes. Hoping to adorn the much sought after crown, they come from diverse fields 8211; all young things between 15 and 21 generally.

Are the May Queen Balls held in high esteem? Not so much, going by the last few years8217; record, which smacks of disorganisation. With the exception of a couple of clubs going through proper procedures like registering participants, days before the finalists will parade and holding preliminary roundsPoona Club is a fine example of this, entries are accepted upto the last moment. This results in sub-standard participants with the audience going through the torture of the evening.

Last year, film celebrity Deven Varma, who was one of the judges for a May Queen contest remarked that May Queen balls have become a Midsummer night8217;s nightmare!8217; Not really far-fetched, as we had some ill-dressed and ill-prepared contestants causing embarrassment in public by their sloppy talk and walk. Some of them could not understand even simple questions asked by the judges, ending up only to stutter and stammer.

Considering this event is well-attended by the club members and guests, it would be so much fun if the May Queen Balls are systematically held.