HYDERABAD: Alpha-Numeric names have been in vogue in India even before the term ‘alpha-numeric’ was invented. Ask Dasaratha (remember the dude from Ramayana?) and he’ll tell you he was assigned the name ‘10 Chariots’ without any exposure to brands like 3M or 7Up. One of the reasons for ancient India’s fascination with the art of mixing alphabets and numbers was the preponderance of numerals in daily discourse.
The almanac was called Panchanga (five parts), life revolved around Ekadashis (11th day), the royals loved to play Chaturanga (four Armies), hymns were composed in Ashtapadis (eight steps), translators were called Dubashis (two lingos) and gods were appeased by chanting Sahasranamas (1,000 names). Such was India’s obsession with numerals that every married woman down South was blessed to procreate 16 times! The tradition of infusing a mathematical count in names is still visible in many parts of our country. We have states called Punjab (five rivers)and Chattisgarh (36 forts), districts by the name 24 Parganas, areas like Dasaswamedh Ghat (10 horses sacrificed), and public squares christened Chaupals (four doors). The infectious nature of the alpha-numeric trend can be spotted in surnames sported in the Hindi heartland. Dwivedi (two Vedas), Trivedi (three Vedas) and Chaturvedi (four Vedas) are classic examples of this genre. In southern India, it can be seen in first names. This is particularly true of Tamil Nadu where you can bump into Ezhumalais (seven hills), Arumughams (six faces) and Panchapakesans (five river hairs) in every pettai. Given this history, it is not at all surprising when one sees astute filmmakers milking the alpha-numeric cow for giving their movie titles, a zara hatke feel.
V Shantharam used the trick in the fifties when he directed Do Aankhen Baarah Haath (two eyes and three hands). People who heard the name must have thought it to be a film about mythical squids! Mr & Mrs 55, Shree 420, Bees Saal Baad, Ek Phool Do Maali, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Taxi Number 9211 are extensions of the same idea. Recently, 7 Khoon Maaf tried to latch on to this number bandwagon. Sadly for them, the audience didn’t turn up in large numbers.