MUMBAI BUCKS THE TREND TO MARK A QUIET DEC 31 NIGHT
MUMBAI: For many young Mumbaiites, New Year’s Eve was marked by quiet celebrations as they chose to spend time at home
Smit Hindocha, a 24-year-old cop ywriter with a leading advertising agency, said since this had been a month of celebrations for him, he chose to keep the New Year celebra tions low key. “We splurged so much overthelongweekendonchristmas that the New Year seemed more like an expensive affair than some thing to look forward to. Some of us friends got together and decided to watch old movies,” he said.
Despite having many friends in the city, Bangalore-based Devaashish Savant, a marketing communication manager who was in the city for work, did not staybacktocelebratethenewyear’s Eve. “There were different reasons year-round to party, but, given the differences in geography, spending time with my family doesn’t hap pen as often. Thanks to the extended weekend, I got a chance to bring in the New Year with my parents,” said the 26-year-old.
Fearing police raids at house par ties, Anindita Roy, group manager brand strategy with a social-media marketing firm, spent the New Year Eve under a blanket of stars. “This year, I avoided house parties for the fear of police raids. My friends and I wanted to avoid overcrowded clubs so we ended up at a star gazing camp in Kolad,” said Roy.
Many people bonded over music on the New Year’s Eve. “Two guitars and people singing old classics set the party rolling for us. The idea behind this was to involve everyone in the celebrations. Right from old English rock to Bollywood songs, we made sure that everyone sang their all-time-favorites,” said the 27-year old Ritwik Ghosh, a freelance assist ant director.
Mark Benjamin, 31, creative director with a television chan nel, welcomed the New Year with his family. “I am not very fond of crowded places. My family and I spent the evening at home while listening to our favourite music,” said he said.