'Mutalik, you can't scare us'

Young professionals refuse to be cowed by Sri Rama Sene chief's threats to ruin Valentine's Day

LOVE is in the air and the sparks are sure to fly. Pramod Mutalik has reiterated the Sri Rama Sene's determination to play spoilsport on Valentine's Day. While people who party refuse to be cowed by his threats, pub/lounge bar owners are focusing on security.

Rohit Barker, RJ and MC, says, "I think any excuse for inducing more love in this world is good. There's too much angst. Valentine's Day is a perfect day to celebrate love. This has nothing to do with western culture. It's got to do with humanity and love. In fact, China is reportedly changing some of its zebra crossings to heart painted crossings! I definitely have plans to spend a romantic evening with my wife."

Aamir Sharif (30), a hotelier and a regular pub-goer, says, "We shouldn't allow people like Mutalik to scare us.

Such people have no business to interfere in our lives. Of course, I will party with my girl friend at a posh pub or club."

Ananth Narayan, owner, Nyks and Fusion Lounge, says, "Valentine's Day is a big day for business. But we are undecided on the celebrations this year. The problem is that the chief minister himself is talking of banning pub culture. In fact, it's hard to make sense of what he's saying. On the one hand, he assures people of security, and on the other, he says, pubs will be banned. Only if the police assure us of high security, will we go ahead with our plans for Valentine's Day."

Ivan, popular DJ, says, "The party scene already is so sad in the city. I will probably be in Bangalore on Valentine's Day because I like the big nights in the city. But, right now, it's a wait and watch policy at most places."

Harinder Singh, GM, Lalit Ashok Hotel, says, "After the Mumbai terror attacks, security has become our main focus. We spend a great deal of time, money and effort ensuring high security. We will celebrate Valentine's Day but with all security measures in place."

"We have put a comprehensive security system in place. Our corporate policy is to safeguard our guests at all times," says Pinky M Padmaraj, manager (communications), Oberoi Hotels.

Arnava Mukherjee, manager, Olive Beach, says, "Security has been tightened already. We have a special dinner menu on Valentine's Day and will go ahead with our celebrations as planned."

A representative of Fuga, who did not wish to be named, says, "A group of goons had tried to attack our pub three weeks ago, but we made sure nothing untoward happened. We prefer to keep our plans for Valentine's Day celebrations at the pub under wraps."

Nitienaa Arif, head PR & corporate communications, Leela Kempinski, said, "Anyone who walks into our hotel will know that we have very high security. When it comes to groups like the Ram Sene, we prefer not to comment."
A blogger has the last word. "...On second thoughts, a very happy Valentine's Day to you, Mutalik. May the spirit of St Valentine make you realise your follies," he writes.

Aamir Sharif
We shouldn't allow people like Mutalik to scare us. Such people have no business to interfere in our lives. Of course, I will party with my girl friend at a posh pub or club

Rohit Barker
I think any excuse for inducing more love in this world is good. There's too much angst. Valentine's Day is a perfect day to celebrate love

Ananth Narayan
Valentine's Day is a big day for business. But we are undecided on the celebrations this year

Harinder Singh
We will celebrate Valentine's Day but with all security measures in place

DJ Ivan
Right now, it's a wait and watch policy at most places