Colin was the voice of a generation and top writer
IT’S hard to describe the impact Sunday Tribune/ Post journalist Colin Roopnarain had on people’s lives. He died this week, aged 34.
Kind-hearted, witty and selfless, he was a credit to his profession. In a world where Donald Trump is a leader and the bad people keep on winning, Colin was a joy to be around.
Having been his protegé in the media business, I’d like to thank him and hope I did him proud.
He was also a good friend, one of the few in the industry I could call on for help whenever needed. In recent weeks, he became my sounding board for ideas, the person I could vent to on a bad day.
When I finally agreed to play tennis with him, after not having played for 11 years, I ended up looking forward to our matches every week at Westridge Tennis Stadium, playing three-set thrillers.
Almost every game came to deuce (40-40), then he would win the final two points and get the game.
The last time we played, we were both sick. I had bronchitis and he had the flu. We laughed at how terrible we were and our sniffles. I didn’t know it would be the last time we would see each other.
I was grateful he was back in the country and had me playing tennis and working on my weight.
Now that he’s gone, Game of Thrones just won’t be the same without him. He introduced me to great television. Few in the office didn’t watch shows he suggested.
I only watched the final season of Parks and Recreation, one of his favourites, this year. He was shocked I had put it off for so long.
The last show he told me to watch was The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which he promised was the best thing since Parks. It is.
We shared a love of so many TV shows. It won’t be the same watching them without him.
Colin was one of the best writers I’ve met, a true voice of our generation.
He was one of those who told me that just because I was an arts and lifestyle journalist did not mean I was inferior. He was a champion of the local arts scene, but wasn’t afraid to say Durban’s theatre scene needed transformation.
He was passionate about entertainment, along with many other things.
It’s unreal that he is gone. I know he lives on in the lives of the many he touched. Seeing the outpouring of love from so many, I wonder if he knew he was so loved and appreciated. I hope so.
He never put himself first, which infuriated me but was his finest quality. Farewell, my friend. I’ll miss you. – Bee-weezy