Drama, bold scenes, larger-than-life sets, plot twists, characters that keep you hooked and great cinematography — a recipe for great TV has never been this perfect until Game of Thrones. Since its release six years ago, the series has enjoyed a strong fan base in India. From organising GoT watch party — where a bunch of strangers bond over their craze for the show; shouting Valar Morghulis in the most inappropriate scenarios (let’s accept it) to baking cakes, we desis have done it all! With the seventh season of the series all set to premiere this weekend, Roshne Balasubramanian And Abinaya Kalyanasundaram highlight some hitherto unknown facts and give you ideas for a GoT-themed wedding
India’s GoT connect
Bright Roar, Widow’s Wail, Needle, Longclaw — do any of these ring a bell? Yes, they're swords owned by some of our most favourite characters. But where do these deadly swords and armours come from? India, of course! Dehradun-based Windlass Steelcrafts produces and exports equipment and steel craft for Hollywood films and TV shows and is the official supplier of swords for Game of Thrones. The factory started in 1943 produced ‘khukris’ for the Gorkha regiment of the British Army.
These were used by the soldiers in World War II. Now, their productions include films like 300, Lord of the Rings, The Mummy Returns, Quantum of Solace, Vampire Diaries, and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The factory also has license for armours including Jon Snow and Ned Stark’s ensemble. Among several notable testimonials praising the quality of the products, the most recent testimonial has been from Augusto Grassi, armour designer, GoT.
Visit: windlass.com for a collectible or gift
An article on ScoopWhoop pointed that the Valyrian steel and all its legendary traits are inspired from Damascus steel, a metal found in Tamil Nadu. The most lethal of swords in GoT actually makes use of this steel, and swords are characterised by their distinctive patterns. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering and capable of being honed to a sharp, resilient edge. It’s got Valyrian steel written all over it!
Not just the glorious swords and capes, but the GoT series’ formidable dragons were created in Goregaon, Mumbai. They are an Indian subsidiary of Prana Studios based in Los Angeles and are the ones that gave us the three fire-breathing beasts that will take Daenerys Tagaryen to the Iron Throne.
THE RED WEDDING
Themed and destination weddings are the current fad. But, why stick to the Hawaiian Beach or country-themed weddings? If you are a GoT fan, love weddings or are planning to get married soon, here’s how you can make your day into everything Dothraki!
Venue
Many of the scenes from the Game of Thrones are filmed in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Look for a venue filled with trees and use a make shift barn to take you back to the bygone century!
Wedding is coming
What are weddings without invites? Gold foil, black museum board, unconventional silhouettes and swords with the phrase ‘Wedding is Coming’ can make for a great save-the-date card.
For the bride
Who do you want to be — Cersei, Daenerys or Sansa? Dress up in a gold gown accessorised with a beaded neckline and crown for attire that befits a Lannister queen. But, if you prefer being a princess from the north, go for a pale grey gown; long and loose tendrils and braids that frame the tiara.
Noble houses
Create your own seating chart with guests arranged by their noble houses.
Sweet Iron Throne
Any wedding should have a sweet finale. A dramatic cake topped with Iron throne, a fire breathing dragon or a sword can wow your guests!
Got Mania in Chennai
A professional DJ and a visual artist, DJ Zen has been in the industry for more than a decade. A huge comic book fan and a Game of Thrones maniac, he owns a large collection of GoT collectibles. Join him and a whole other bunch of GoT fans this Saturday, at Secret Society, Treebo J’s Five Two Boutique Hotel, RA Puram, for a crazy Game of Thrones Cosplay, complete with themed drinks and cocktails — Fire and Blood and Winter is Coming — and an exciting range of exclusive merchandise! Gates open at 7 pm.
Mandatory RSVP at partybeyondthewall.com.
For details call DJ Zen at 9884209666
What do you think will happen this season?
Each dragon will get a rider, more people will die and Cersei and Khaleesi will meet
If there was one character you want back in the series who would that be?
Hodor
Who is most likely to die this season?
Theon Greyjoy, Davos Seaworth
Do you have any theories that you strongly believe?
Cersei will become the Mad Queen and Tyrion is a Targaryen
Which two characters do you think should get together?
Jon Snow and Daenerys
If there was one character who should have their own show, who should it be?
Tyrion Lannister
If you had a chance to play one of the characters who would you choose?
Bronn
Which house would you rather belong to?
Lannister
If you had to choose an Indian actor to play a character, who would you choose and for which character?
Irrfan khan for Petyr Baelish