Goa is so full of joie de vivre

Goa is so full of joie de vivre that it should be obvious that the entertainment industry is a well organized one. With song and dance coming so naturally to a Goan, could the organization of the same be difficult?

But, if you take a closer look at the scenario, it is obvious that one of the only reasons why the entertainment industry is thriving in Goa is the fact that Goans are entertainers deep inside their spirit. There cannot be a dull moment in a Goan home when friends and family get together; when there has to be laughter, lighter moments and all that lightens the spirit. It is this infectious feeling that lightens the Goan spirit and everyone that participates in it.

So, if the Goan air is so full of camaraderie, spirit and joyfulness, why is it that our entertainment industry is so disorganized? The fact that not a single Goan company has yet managed to get the overall contract at the International Film Festival of India is testimony to the fact that something is gravely wrong. And frankly, there is no dearth of talent when it comes to creativity and talent.

It would be easy to blame the government for the state of affairs but that would be the easy way out. It is obvious that people in the entertainment industry refuse to look beyond their own backyards and are happy to run their own mom and pop outfits. While it is nice to protect your own turf, there are times when we have to see the larger good of Goa and aim for something bigger.

It would be futile to talk of ideas in this column simply because Goans are such intelligent people and ideas seem to flow from a Goan mind as surely as the sun wakes up in the morning! However, it is quite visible that what is lacking is finance, administration and leadership. It would not be out of place to suggest mergers and acquisitions, which will bring about consolidation in the industry and in the bargain create entertainment companies that will have the muscle and fire power to deal with anyone from across the borders. And the only reason I am suggesting this is that entertainment will be better rooted in the Goan culture and once that happens, it does not matter who organizes it as long as the Spirit of Goa prevails!

So, if finance and administration is lacking, just go for tie ups and work on economies of scale. Because, once the vehicle is strong and stable, it is just a matter of time before it reaches out and conquers all around it.

Read more articles