Darjeeling - of Hindi films, tourism and politics

She has been the backdrop of many a stories of Bombay cinema. Her arms were wide open since celluloid's first superstar Rajesh Khanna drove his jeep through the meandering Himalayan Railway route romancing Sharmila Tagore in the adjacent toy train singing Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu (when will you come my queen of dreams?) in Aradhana (Shakti Samanta, 1969). The majestic Kangchenjunga- the third largest mountain in the world (8586 m) and Darjeeling alias Darj, known as the queen of hills in West Bengal, accomodates tourists, film crews, songwriters and people from various cultures. But is the present political turmoil making her a tale told by an idiot? 

Macbeth's witches may not chant the trouble song here but certain political leaders may have just left the state in dire straits. According to a Darjeeling daily, problems started creeping in when people in the region asked for development, better infrastructure, better education facilities. Why should they not ask is the question. One of the finest travel destinations- Darj does need maintenance and finance is a necessity. Not only across India, her devotees are spread over the world. 

Apart from the natural beauty of Kangchenjunga- the British colonial décor of various buildings, restaurants, mansions and dilapidated houses sing an old classy tune. At one point of time, the Bengali aristocrats used to send their wards off to St.Paul's School to make their education and lifestyle at par with the Britishers. 

The school is situated beside the cantonment area but more than military personnel, one will find a fleet of tourists gaping at the architecture and clicking pictures throwing their arms in the air- courtesy- Shah Rukh Khan and his Main Hoon Na (Farah Khan, 2004) gestures - the school shown in the film is this one. 

Among other Darj-related activities, lies the practise of lighting up a cigarette to combat the deadly 5am shiver in the morning at Tiger Hill, the point which provides the best view of sunrise. Very few places in the world have a toy train track running adjacent to the road... one has to be aware of the whistle while doing the balancing act on the fish plates. 

Amidst all this, from where does the Gorkhaland conundrum seep in? Well, Darj is also about a sense of belonging, warmth in the minus one degree climate, love of a community and one should respect them for what they have been doing for generations. Apart from leading a normal life, they have been serving tourists for years now. 

Keventers, the 100-year-old rooftop restaurant, still serves the traditional English breakfast. If you are wondering which place is this, refer to Barfi (Anurag Basu, 2012) and the scene where Ranbir Kapoor proposes to Illeana D' Cruz. 

Hence, if the localites are mistreated and not looked after, it is humanity's loss. From those women at Simaana (Nepal border) to Ghum railway workers (the highest railway station in India)- everyone has a role behind making the place what it is. However, Vikas Pradhan, manager of Revolver (a Beatles theme hotel in the town and a much sought after one) said, “things are getting back to normal and the bookings are on”. 

But “there is definitely a lull, we are expecting all problems to be solved by next month,” he added. 

The charisma of the region is in the world of Lepchas, tea gardens, ropeway and Chowrasta, better known as Mall Road. Street musicians are seen entertaining people with violins, acoustic guitars with a bottle of brandy. Guitar riffs reach the crescendo in the otherwise quiet arena during the Tea and Tourism Festival. 

This is a Darj lover's request, save the queen before she is dethroned. It will be painful to see another Raju leave his hometown in order to be a gentleman.