Annaswamy Mudaliar Road, Rukmini Garden

Which Nallah? What Drain? Tamil Heartland

So our Chief Minister makes a gamble that seems to have paid off for now. The Thiruvalluvar statue that faces the green Ulsoor lake and stands close to where the Nallah from Shivajinagar reaches the lake, has finally been unveiled. Today, the day after, the security blanket around the statue is thick and the entire area is a vinyl poster-fest with everyone from Ajith Kumar Fans Association to the Government of Karnataka shouting for attention. Thiruvalluvar, about whom I know very little, sits with marigold garlands around his neck and has an expression that says, 'Get me out of this mess da dai!'

Around the corner, Benglur's most famous graffiti - 'Read The Holy Thirrukural' with the addition 'And then the Da Vinci Code' has been untouched.

However, the roadside star-struck small businessmen and women of Rukmini Garden and surrounding areas continue with their business while proclaiming their fan affiliations loud and clear. Like this lady who sells sticker, temporary tattoos and posters out of a shack bordering the Nallah. She is an MGR fan.

Also see, the Shivaji Ganeshan Fan on the parallel cross - here.

St John's Road, Rukmini Garden

Last roar of the Tiger echoes at Rukmini Garden. 

At this humble newspaper stand, the headlines, and the language it is written in, changes according to the news of the day. However, there's one thing that will never change. The pictures of Shivaji Ganeshan that decorate the walls of this wooden box. The owner, who used to work  for 30 years in a cinema that played mostly Tamil movies is probably Shivaji Ganeshan's biggest fan. 

The Which Main? What Cross? The Exhibition - Is on until May 31st.

F&B Restaurant, Papanna Street, St Marks Road (on the right, soon after SBI).
Ph: 080 - 40 333 888

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