Mumbai:
Technology appears to have taken over our lives, with even the common man going on overdrive to incorporate advanced technologies into the fabric of his life.
A shining instance of this was witnessed on May 7 at around 8 pm at the Y B Chavan Auditorium in Churchgate. A video made by Raju Gada, a Grant Road resident, for his nephew Rhythm Gada's sangeet sandhya, was 'premiered' on a large screen to an 800-strong audience. As if that wasn't enough, he had enhanced the video with state of the art 3D effects.
Raju Gada, who is a garment businessman, said, "I have been preparing and screening 2D wedding videos for my special friends. I do this purely out of interest, and not for monetary benefits. Since this time it was my nephew tying the knot, I thought of doing something innovative. My relatives also had high expectations and were looking forward to something novel."
He added, "I showed this video at Rhythm's sangeet sandhya ceremony, which was titled Jodi Banayi Rabne. Guests were given special glasses to watch the movie. The entire concept of the 3D video, including the storyline and the glasses, was my brainchild. I did everything keeping in mind my nephew's tastes."
"The video had duration of 15 minutes, but the entire sangeet sandhya ceremony went on for more than an hour. The screening was interspersed with live dance performances by Rhythm's aunts, his fiancée, Bhumi and his mother. It was truly a unique celebration and everyone enjoyed it. I spent a sum of approximately Rs 4 lakh for this show," Gada said.
On being asked about the unique glasses that were given to guests, he said, "My elder brother has a stationery business, so we got card board punched in the shape of glasses. On these cut outs, we then pasted red and blue gelatin paper that is used for 3D glasses.
After I showed the technique to our factory labourers, they took it up and completed the process. Each pair of 3D spectacles cost Rs 7, and we gave each of our guests a set. I obtained the know-how for making these glasses online."
Groom Rhythm said, "I was surprised at the end product, although I knew that it was being planned. We had been practicing for this event for almost a month.
Raju kaka didn't even go to his factory for work, because he was so thoroughly immersed in editing, and writing scripts, taking retakes, and preparing for other aspects of the video. He really has a creative mind. Our family has now acquired a reputation for being innovative."
But Rhythm confidently said that his uncle would not be taking up other offers to make such videos, even if he received any. "He only did it as it was a family occasion. My fiancée was on cloud nine when she saw the video. I am sure something more spellbinding is in the offing for my wedding. We are a business family, but he has an ardent passion for all things technological," he added.
Two handy cams were rigged to a harness and used to shoot the video 3D glasses can be made at home with the help of cardboard and gelatin paper. Cut the cardboards into shape, punch holes in them. Paste blue gelatin paper on one side, and red on the other.