To start off, this note does not only imply to Iron Maiden. It implies to every other metal or classic rock band which is big on the international scene.

So why wont they come to Pune. The answer is pretty simple actually. (I’m gonna make a fake story to illustrate why they wont come)

Pune is pretty big on the rock scene (supposedly). So Maiden’s band manager sees this and decides to pay Pune an unannounced visit. He reaches the airport. By the time he’s in his suite in Le-Meridian his hopes are “back broken”. I meant literally! The cab driver took him in all the pot-holes possible. Then out of sheer enjoyment he decides to take a ride in the famous auto-rickshaw. And finds out its the biggest mistake of his life! Every ten meters he goes he sees a student running with a stupid “deisel” bag(mind the spelling!). So he wonders, so many students?

He gets out his laptop. Starts the Wi-Fi. Searches “Colleges in Pune”. The first result he gets is 138 colleges. (i counted the colleges myself and the does not include my college so 139 colleges!)

No good roads, no rock fans, is this even a city? Lets not come here aye, Bangalore is better!

PS. “wish iron maiden would come to Pune!” If this is your dialogue everytime you see them in Bangalore, then probably you’d help make Pune better in whatever way you could!

PS*. I’m not an activist!

On 13th Feb 2010, one of the most famous and oldest cafe in Pune was burnt to the ground. As TV showed the clippings of the place i couldn’t recognize wondering whether it was the same place i visited so many times in the last two years. Most might remember the bakery for the delicious apple pies and croissants. For me, i remember it for many things - for its mocha coffee, or the masala chai. College bunks ended up being trips to German Bakery. It was our refuge for the late starting movie in theatre. It was better the CCD, Barista, Coffee Jar, and every other coffee joint in my city.

So when i heard that its no longer there, i wondered with heartfelt regret whether i visited it lesser than i was supposed to. It was part of the heritage of my city. I miss it dearly. :(

Queen’s necklace - Marine Drive, Mumbai