Since the Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) flash mob video went viral, her phone hasn’t stopped buzzing. Giving interviews and answering numerous calls through the day seems to have become part of Shonan Kothari’s routine. “I hadn’t thought this would create such an interest among people,” says the 23-year-old CSR consultant, the brain behind the flash mob.
What started as a fun idea has now become a huge hit online. With over 3,000 likes on YouTube and umpteen numbers of shares on social networking sites, the video has struck a chord. Even Abhishek Bachchan tweeted, “NOW THIS IS COOL!!! Next time I wanna join too.”
“I wanted to communicate through a fun way. I had seen a couple of flash mob videos and thought, why not in India? That’s how it all started,” says Kothari, a researcher at Harvard Business School. She had to run from pillar to post to get the official nod to perform at the crowded CST station.
The public announcement system or PA system was shut down for eight minutes, while the music was played for the dancers. “We didn’t expect the flash mob would create such an impact on the Internet,” says Natasha Kewalramani, a participant.
And now it seems like the madness is set to continue. The video is inspiring youngsters to initiate flash mobs across the country. “I spotted my 55-year-old economics teacher in the group. I couldn’t believe she was moving like that. It was so funny. But I think it is one the best ways to communicate and I would love to be part of such a fun thing,” says Sami Austin, who now lives in Bengaluru.
While for a few it is just the kick of indulging in the dance movements, for many others it has made them think seriously. “The video looked similar to international flash mob videos. But now we must dare to take it to a different level, where we give a message to the onlookers. This particular one ended a bit abruptly,” says client solutions producer Ambika Rao.
The next flash mob to look forward will be this weekend in Bengaluru that marks the beginning of the SlutWalk.