Last evening, SR and I trudged down to Crosswords – Juhu where Sonali Kulkarni’s book “So Kul” was being launched. “So Kul” – an abbreviation of her name is collection of essays from her weekly column in Loksatta.

Sonali in addition to being writer, actor etal is also presenting our show “Art Beat” on popular Marathi & Gujarati Culture in Mumbai on Samay Mumbai, and a genuinely nice person.

(Sonali Kulkarni shooting for Art Beat, production still)

At the book launch were the who’s who of Mumbai’s creative talent – Atul Kulkarni, Swanand Kirkire, Satyendra Dubey, Shiv Subramaniam, and the Management of the Express Group – Shekhar Gupta & Kumar Ketkar.

Nana’s comments have got reported today, but just in the part that makes for snappy headlines. There were a couple of other points that were equally valid – and they possibly didn’t get picked up in the English Language Press because he said it in Marathi (editors, please ensure that your reporters know some local language – it helps in getting a more comprehensive story 🙂

Referring to violence in civil society in general, and the incident where Kumar Ketkar’s home got vandalized, he said most of us were horrified, wanted to do something, but did nothing. He said that, in retrospect, he felt napunsak (depending on context either neuter or impotent) . He said that then he began speaking up when his conscience was disturbed, and said that it was better to face brickbats (literal as well as words) than to cower like a coward. He said, to the audience’s amusement, that have a shrard on a daily basis would be boring ! Even the crows will be put off.

Kumar Ketkar, quoted Nana saying that he is also a Bihari, a Punjabi, A South Indian, Hindu, Muslim — and in that comprehensiveness. his soul thrives 🙂 (believe me it sounds better in Marathi )

It was a evening full of genuine bonhomie. Sonali’s reading of her piece on multiplexes – from the taking an oversized bag with a bottle of water, and a shawl to the behaviour of cinema goers – had people smiling and gently chuckling away …. so much more enjoyable than canned laughter 🙂

And Finally – the event was gathered by print and electronic press. Paparazzi has truly arrived. clicks and screams by photographers & cameramen, that drown out the participants conversation. I wonder whether channels appreciate the fact that their crew represents them, and their uninhibited enthusiasm – can be construed as bad manners !

(the book So Kul, is available at various bookships, it costs Rs.300 and is in Marathi)