The Hindu Business Line : Happy Birthday!

Incidentally, that means your column Mumbai Mosaic also completes one year of wheeling around Mumbai, and we would personally like to thank every one of you who reads it.

A year ago, we said we would "seek to take a bird's eye view of the happenings, events, personalities and, of course, the advertising that shapes, makes, and sometimes mars this exciting industry. The comments might sometimes be made tongue firmly in cheek but never with any intent of malice."

We believe we have firmly adhered to all that we stated.

The past one year has been a rollicking Victoria ride through the bewildering maze that this industry can be, and yes, we have sometimes commented tongue firmly in cheek but, we wish to reiterate, there has never been any hint of malice. En route, we have been able to share many sneak previews with you, notwithstanding the obvious constraints a weekly supplement poses in terms of early deadlines.

We fervently wish you have enjoyed reading this column as much as we have writing it.

Zee Astitva Awards

The little bird we spoke about did fly into the Zee Astitva Awards function held at the NCPA complex in Mumbai. The show was supposed to honour "women of substance." In the bargain, the Pradeep Guha touch ensured a fair dollop of song, dance and celebrity entertainment. From Sivamani to Shekhar Suman (in a stand-up act) to Diya Mirza, it was all there. When asked if anything could be improved (the world loves to read that something was lacking), one was told that the master of ceremonies, Cyrus (not Broacha), and the script he was made to read off the teleprompter was so amateurish, it could have been for a show crafted for children, not women.

Well, we live and we learn.

Incidentally, one was told that one of the promos shown on the giant screens had Subhash Chandra (of Zee) himself walking stylishly on a beach and mouthing something inspirational. Well, with his charismatic looks, designer clothes and carefully set hair, he is definitely actor material. Who knows, his presence might actually do for Zee's TRPs what several "stars" have not been able to do.

Young Creatives Contest

The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) completed its search for the young team that will represent India at the Young Creatives Contest at Cannes this June. The contest was widely publicised (it helps to have The Times of India group as sponsors) and it appears the response was pretty good. A jury consisting of Piyush Pandey, Balki (yes, both of them) and Ashok Kurien was convened by Chairman Ramesh Narayan and the winning team of Rishabh Kaul, Shahrukh Irani and Saumitra will be going places, literally. Their trip to Cannes should really give them prime exposure, and if they win the Young Creatives Contest, one can start looking for them in outer space. Best of luck, youngsters! Bring back a Lion from Cannes and cover yourself and all of us in glory.

The AAAI has done its good deed for the year. Mr S. K. Swamy can take a bow.

Creative lions

Balki

Talking about our own creative lions Piyush Pandey and Balki, they seem to have their plates full. Pandeyji has been globe-trotting. He was on the jury for the D&AD at London; he was spotted presenting awards in Sweden and will be speaking at a convention in Portugal. June, of course, is reserved for Cannes where he will be making a presentation this year. Keep the tricolour flying, Mr Pandey. More strength to your creative arm.

Piyush Pandey

Meanwhile, Balki must be sharpening his pencil getting his script and plans ready for his foray into feature films. One hears he has got dates from the Big B and Tabu for a continuous 40-day shooting stint early next year. His Hindi feature film should be ready for release in a year's time from now. All the very best, Balki. We shall enjoy reviewing your film. We are sure the film will reflect the seriousness and arty appeal that you project. And please do enter your film for all the awards tinsel town has to offer.

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