Q.Is Goa ready to host international events in the near future?
A. Absolutely. We’re fully prepared where infrastructure is concerned. The general consensus is in our favour, since the setting is just right. Goa is recognized in India and the world over as a tourist state. Goa has all the right ingredients to attract and favour international events, so there is no reason why Goa cannot host them as well. We have the right exposure, ambience and infrastructure and yes, there is a desire to get going. We all know that tourism is the economy’s source of employment and wealth generation. We need to build upon our strengths and strengthen our natural wealth.
Q.Which key areas in Goa’s entertainment industry need attention for improvement? Do you think the Sound Ban Act could dampen Goa’s image as a tourist/cultural hot-spot?
A. There are two areas that call for attention. Firstly, we need to create an environment which enables people to enjoy their stay in Goa. I think this area needs immediate attention, more so in the light of the sound ban which, in my opinion, has to be reconsidered for Goa. I don’t think a blanket sound ban is conducive for Goa’s cultural and entertainment related activities. I agree it has to be looked into and worked upon. One way to do this would be to segregate tourists by enabling special zones that are away from the general population, like an entertainment zone, without disturbing the general peaceful ambience of a community. Another area that needs to be looked into is to create avenues for spending. I think promotion of event spots to facilitate activity zones is important. This will create depth in content for tourism and give a boost to more activities. We definitely need a to promote eco and adventure tourism, a marina for yachts would be fine as well in order to create different types of experiences.
Q.What would be Goa’s strategy to attract international brands as an international venue for international events. Do we have the support systems to facilitate these development?
A. Our strategy is to create better infrastructure, improve civic facilities, provide wide roads, facilitate open spaces, shopping complexes, safer coastal zones, build a marina, in short promote beach related activities, since Goa is universally known for its sand and sun. Goa has already witnessed a 30 % increase in air travel. We need to build upon these strengths. Goa needs international convention centers to host international events of large scale and attract international brands. This in turn will help Goa promote her entertainment and heritage tourism. Fontainhas is one such valid example.
Q.You’re perceived as a no-nonsense tough guy and yet you maintain a high media profile in the face of controversies. What’s your opinion on SEZ and do you see this issue as a wet-blanket syndrome hampering Goa’s coming to birth as a `model state’?
A. The government is very much alive to this issue. And yes, it is our intention to get all the stake holders together and debate the best solution. There is a high level cabinet infrastructure committee which will examine the whole issue. We don’t want to jump the gun, but wait for the committee report for what is best in the interest of Goa.
Q.Are you a cinema buff? Who’s your favourite Indian director and what’s your take on global cinema.
A. I’m an average cinema lover. But my favourite is Nagesh Kuknoor. I like his films. My favourites are 'Hyderabad Blues' and 'Dor.' Being a young director, he has drive and the energy. His interpretation of Generation Next is sensitive. Being an NRI, he understands the issues of Indians living abroad. His films are perfect examples of the crossover genre. His films cross-over from being art films into commercial films. India produces the largest number of movies in the world. There is tremendous potential here, we need to exploit this potential and get something big and good out of it.
Q.Does Goa have the necessary manpower and expertise to support a Film City?
A. The Film City will help in promoting brand IFFI, which will in turn will promote film culture in Goa. The Entertainment Society of Goa is already one step ahead in promoting locations of Goa under the brand `Film Goa.’ Once the necessary infrastructure is put together, then we will put our head to sort out the nitty-gritty of building it. |
