The city is a large machine, like a behemoth, with many moving parts. The parts do not necessarily talk or interact with each other. There are conflicts and sometimes a lot of wear and tear, but the city endures and keeps working. The people of the city give it character and colour. The dreams and aspirations shape it and give meaning. The structures - social, cultural, legal and environmental are fabrics that bind people together and give the city a sense of society.
I HEART BENGALURU is almost an ode to the city that is so grand and incredible. The four posters - Go, Dream, Eat, and Revel represent the city as I have seen it.
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GO
“Hello there, my friend. I’ve come to talk with you again. I see that you’ve moved on quite a bit. Shankar Nag is disappearing from the faces of the autorickshaws and the modest bicycle doesn’t have a heartbeat. And that is quite unnerving to know. I’ve heard of this Metro Rail and I hear that it’s gonna be big; it will take another fifteen years they say. I’m not sure where you’re going with all this.
“Hello there, my friend. I’ve come to talk with you again. I see that you’ve moved on quite a bit. Shankar Nag is disappearing from the faces of the autorickshaws and the modest bicycle doesn’t have a heartbeat. And that is quite unnerving to know. I’ve heard of this Metro Rail and I hear that it’s gonna be big; it will take another fifteen years they say. I’m not sure where you’re going with all this.
I’m not complaining really. I like travelling your streets. I like looking at the litle gorgeous things you give me. I mean, where else would you find such a nice looking bus pass.”
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DREAM
“I had a dream. Imagine that you cleaned all your clutter for just one day: the concrete would disappear, the traffic signals will go away, the vehicles will not come out, advertisement hoardings and banners would become public spaces, there would be people everywhere—on the streets, in coffee houses, in the innumerable parks and gardens and the grass would still be green, and in impuslive acts of affection, compassion and adventure—and that would be quite breathtaking.
Would you be the Garden of Eden, the Jannat and the Paradise that you promised you would? Would you do that for me, just for a day?”
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EAT
“You’ve really spoiled me for choice here. And trust me, I do get hungry. It’s all the travelling and yearning that you make me do day in and day out. I heard that you have like two hundred joints of this coffee making chain. What makes you think I drink so much coffee? You’re not exactly a hill station anymore. Well let’s say that this untenable accusation is in indeed true. What makes you think I even want to drink that specific kind of coffee? You should’ve asked.
And let’s not begin discussing why you’ve choosen to give out all your food in two or three places. Well, people elsewhere are hungry too you know.”
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REVEL
“I have been in many a conversation, but none like this one where the big questions are asked and I will mostly get all the answers. Sometimes more than just answers.
“I have been in many a conversation, but none like this one where the big questions are asked and I will mostly get all the answers. Sometimes more than just answers.
Alcohol is probably one such thing that you give out quite fairly, thus bringing about equity. It is both funny and ridiculous. The gods and godesses and other people adorn your walls and guide one through some turbulent times and fill up many an awkward moment. You should know this by know.
Oh dear friend, you and beer make a heady cocktail. What’s that? It’s eleven thirty already?”
Oh dear friend, you and beer make a heady cocktail. What’s that? It’s eleven thirty already?”
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