A flashback to simpler ‘prints’ and purer vibes-Read

Mood Indigo 1987 was a celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and innocence, with star performances by Hema Malini and Astad Deboo. In contrast, the 2024 edition faced controversy over provocative sponsor slogans, raising questions about preserving the festival’s charm amidst evolving times.

By P Nagarjuna Rao

Mood Indigo in 1987 was an experience as pristine as the freshly developed photographs by its then-sponsor, Lazor – a name synonymous with the cutting-edge (pun intended) technology of photographic printing at the time. Back then, the darkroom was yielding to automation, and we Osmania University students – our team of ten brimming with enthusiasm – were armed with literary and mental skills, art, and quiz prowess.

The atmosphere at the Powai campus was electric, yet simple. There were competitions and workshops on photography conducted by masters in the field, where we learned the art of capturing light and emotion. Music filled the air, with performances and competitions in singing, and budding pop bands took the stage to showcase their talent. It was about ideas, creativity, and cultural exchanges, where students from across the country came together, not just to compete but to collaborate and create lifelong memories.

But perhaps the highlight of that edition was its spellbinding star attractions. The audience was mesmerised by a dance ballet performance by Hema Malini, choreographed by the illustrious Bhushan Lakhandri, whose every move seemed to weave a story of grace and artistry. In contrast, the festival also featured a captivating performance by the contortionist and pioneering dancer Astad Deboo, whose innovative blend of modern and traditional Indian dance left the crowd in awe. These unforgettable performances set a benchmark for what a cultural festival could aspire to be, leaving us both entertained and inspired.

From Lazor to latex: What a stretch!

Fast forward to today, and I must say, the ‘mood’ has dramatically shifted. This year, Mood Indigo found itself in a rather sticky situation, thanks to a sponsor whose cheeky condom ads were apparently dumped – pun intended – on campus overnight. While we enjoyed quizzing each other’s brains in ’87, the students of 2024 were greeted with slogans like, ‘Always up for a good screw,’ leaving everyone scratching their heads – not for answers, but for some decorum.

Perhaps the sponsors were only trying to ‘protect’ the festival’s fun factor, but IIT Bombay’s cultural fabric doesn’t seem ready for such ‘elastic’ interpretations of modern marketing.

A ‘safe’ bet gone wrong?

It’s ironic that the festival’s once-innocent charm has now become a battleground of appropriateness. While Lazor’s swift photo-processing back then represented progress and innovation, today’s ‘medical essentials’ sponsor has managed to snap quite a few threads of tradition.

The competitions and workshops that once inspired us to hone our craft have given way to bold slogans. I can’t help but marvel at how the times have shifted. Our stays on IIT Bombay’s Powai campus were about mingling over late-night chai (or beer and weed for the fun-seekers), soaking in soulful music, and exchanging cultural ideas – not questioning the fine print on provocative banners. One wonders, will future Mood Indigo festivals feature slogans even bolder, or will they find their way back to the timeless simplicity we cherished?

As someone who cherished the 1987 edition, I’m reminded of how diversity of thought and expression defined the festival’s spirit. By all means, let the sponsors support the show – but maybe next time, they could tone down the condescension. After all, some legacies deserve a softer lens.