CHENNAI: Govind Prasad, a true Chennaiite at heart and a music lover, was a contestant in the music reality show, Airtel Super Singer on Vijay TV. (Season 5). City Express had a chat with him about his love for Chennai. Excerpts...
How long have you lived here?
I’ve been here in Singara Chennai for 22 years.
What’s your favourite spot in the city, and why?
Sathyam Cinemas! Just for the mouthwatering bucket popcorn.
What are the places you still haven’t been to?
I would love to visit the Theosophical Society and the Broken Bridge.
Where would you take a friend who is visiting our city for the first time?
To the beach, Sathyam Cinemas and also the zoo.
What is special about your area?
I stay in Madipakkam. The tremendous development of Velachery has made this a thriving area now.
Can you recall an incident that made you smile and think, ‘This is Namma Chennai.’
I was at Marina Beach with a bunch of friends, and a guy selling sundal approached a couple sitting beside us. He asked, “Anna Sundal Venuma?” (Do you want Sundal?) to which the person replied, “No bro! thanks”. The guy selling sundal immediately responded saying, “Nee endha area payan dhane. Girlfriend erundha peter uduviya,” (You’re from the same locality as me, aren’t you? Why act sophisticated just because your girlfriend’s around?). It was hilarious, the slang and the spontaneity of the boy made me think, ‘this is namma Chennai.’
Of the beaches, popular shopping places, and historic food joints, which place do you visit often? Why?
I love the beaches and I often go there to unwind.
How would you describe your home and neighbourhood in a couple of words?
A very calm locality and a mini Mylapore filled with culture and tradition.
What’s the one thing you would like to change about the city?
There’s nothing I would like to change. I want it to stay the same forever.
Three words in Madras bashai that you would teach a person who visits Chennai.
Kundhu, Bejaaar Pannadha, Nashta Thundriya?