The New Girls & Boys on the Block…
Gone are the days when Asif Bhamla, Rahool Kanal, Sudhakar Shetty, Agrawal and Jaiswals from Nagpur, and so many other such “non-Marathi” people came, conquered, made their mark, made a few good friends among politicians and bureaucrats, and eventually left the scene.
These guys actually never leave the scene. They simply take a step back because they have achieved what they came for.
Some promote an NGO. Some use RTI. Some own restaurants. Some become “Samaj Sevaks.” Some become businessmen and contractors. Some post photographs on social media and still cry for attention. Some merely become “handlers” and “hustlers” of their friends’ money. And some even get awarded by their own friends’ NGOs.
But some of them become genuine messiahs for their areas.
Take Kanal, for instance. Though he switched from the Thackerays to Shinde, his doors are still open to all Bandra-ites. He never shies away from helping anyone. His new venture, “Sach,” is his stepping stone into real estate. It is amazing to see that, at this stage of his life, he too is jumping onto the real-estate bandwagon without any support.
Asif Bhamla’s daughter, Seher, is making news with her presence at almost every prestigious event in Mumbai. I would say she is one step ahead of her father in the sense that she is building confidence and earning respect among leading politicians’ wives, children, and the next generation of politicians and businessmen through her social work. Her NGO events are attended by everyone from actors to politicians.
But one thing I want to tell you: Kanal and Bhamla might get old in the market, but one name that will never get old in every circle of Mumbai is our very own—Shaina NC.
Though she belongs to the Shiv Sena, she still maintains excellent relations with people across political parties.
Now, replacing these people—actually, “replacement” is too small a word—the ones taking the baton forward from these people are the new kids on the block.
One name I hear is Avi Mittal, a boy who loves life and is now considered a trustworthy businessman in Mumbai. I also heard that he recently underwent a health scare and has lost oodles of weight. My advice to him would be: brother, if you are setting foot on these grounds, make sure you stop the “other” activities, such as sleeping late at night!
Another hero is Varun Bafna. God knows where he comes from, but I have heard some amazing things about him, as opposed to what people say about him—wanna BET?
People say his predictions on any sport or event are bang on. I wanna lay my BET on this one…
The next name making a name for himself fast in this space is Vivek Kothari.
Let there be anyone. Thousands come with a dream of being called the next big thing in Mumbai’s circuit.
My only concern is that these boys and girls are stepping into a world where people are keeping—and will continue to keep—a close “watch” on them. Social media speaks more than what people appear to be, and, ultimately, it is what people say behind your back that matters. The choices they make and the way they choose to lead their lives will surely become a point of gossip.
So, friends, watch every move from now on…
Another one is a first-time corporator from the BJP from suburban Mumbai. Looking like a copy of Spot Nana, he has joined hands with a Congress MLA’s person and is making a few calls to all the rich people in his constituency. People are reportedly shocked to hear the “tone” and “demands” of this first-time BJP corporator. I have heard that the city BJP chief is also miffed with him over the complaints reaching him.
My advice to such first-timers is simple:
Brothers and sisters, I have spent way too much time among politicians of all ages and from all parties.
Don’t blame me if your tie-and-suit attitude takes a fall. These politicians and bureaucrats are never truly yours if you think that one expensive LV bag as a return gift or a Rolex can buy them.
Ask Kanal—“Kitne papad belne padte hain.”
Today, they may talk to you. They may smile with you. They may even take your calls.
But when it comes to getting the work done, you new kids on the block will have to face your own Agni Pariksha.
And believe me, no “joint,” no “drink,” and no “BET” will solve any of your issues or worries.
Your sympathiser,
Vikrant Meena Hemant Joshi
