‘We play by the rules, but the rules are ours’

Santhosh Kumar Subramanian is the co-founder of Bambaram Toy library and passionate about learning through play, toys and games. This ‘authentic Madras boy’ tells us why Chennai is his home...

So, what’s your Chennai connect?
I was born here, brought up elsewhere and am now making up for those missed years. 

One thing about namma ooru that you fancy?
Public transportation. If they can have waterways and a flying taxi, I think everything will be covered.

A Chennai-based celeb or any personality whom you would like to date, or go out with? 
Mani Ratnam, pre-MNM Kamal Haasan, actress Parvathy, Thirumurugan Gandhi, Vishy Anand...it’s a huge list. 

Three things here that can’t be found in any part of the world?
Mylapore (like the Vatican city, it can be considered a country on it’s own), Tamizh (the different dialects), and home food.

Your favourite hangout spot?
The beach. Period.

Three stereotypes about the city and the people that make you roll your eyeballs?
The accent, Lungi dance (where did Rohit Shetty come up with that?), south Indians are intelligent (I beg to differ).

Where would you take a person who is new to the city? Why?
We’ll head to nearest Murugan idly shop and then plan the rest of the day over podi idly.

Two madras bashai words that you would teach a new bee?
Aahan ba (Yes, dude). Utalakadi (I like the sound of it). 

A Tamil movie dialogue which describes Chennai?
Take it easy Urvasi. Though it is not relevant today, considering the ruckus we got ourselves into.

Two things from Chennai that you would take to any place you travel.
Books (Kalki Krishamoorthy and Ki.Ra.) 

If you had to draw a comparison between Chennai and any other city/country...what would it be? Why?
Based on the limited travels I have done, I couldn’t find any place as good as this.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever wanted to do in the city? And where?
It’s a long wish list. I want someone with young blood to take over and run the show, requesting the actors to only act. I want the city to be clean, the schools to be more playful and people to treat others as they want to be treated.

Describe the city in your own words and style.We strictly play by rules. But the rules are ours.