Thaindian News

Jaipur, Jan 23 (IANS) For Satyanarain, books and authors have nothing to do with his love for the Jaipur Literature Festival. Unlike the thousands of people from across the globe who make the annual pilgrimage to one of Asia’s biggest lit fests, the 28-year-old barber has big business on hand.

Satyanarain is quite busy managing his makeshift barber shop at the car and two-wheeler parking outside the fest venue in Diggi Palace.

“Since Friday, I have given at least 600 people haircut and shaving at my shop,” Satyanarain told IANS.

He said most of his clients are drivers or helpers of those who are participating in the fest as speakers, delegates or just visitors.

“I used to have my make-shift shop earlier on the pavements. I found quite a number of cars parked at a ground near Diggi Palace. Thought it to be a good opportunity to be grabbed and see, I am earning much more,” he added.

“It is quite interesting to listen to these customers. I had an opportunity to give a haircut to the driver of a celebrated author whose name I can’t remember. The driver was telling me about his employer’s take on cancellation of controversial author Salman Rushdie’s visit. He said his employer thought it was quite unfortunate that Rushdie had to cancel his visit,” said Satyanarain.

Not only him, many others are also having a great business around the fest venue.

As over 50,000 people have visited the fest since it began Jan 20, these small-time businessmen are having a jolly good time.

Bhopal Charan is making at least Rs.500-750 every day over the past four days selling cigarettes near the Diggi Palace.

“I have hired a helper who calls out to people passing by my makeshift shop for getting cigarettes. I am overwhelmed by the response. It seems those who write and read smoke a lot,” reflected Bhopal.

He said police had to put up signboards inside the venue cautioning people against smoking as it is a public place.

“But this doesn’t seem to have made an adverse impact on my business, though police officials sometimes trouble us and direct us to go away from here,” said Bhopal.

Just outside the entrance, there is a guy selling pizzas and pastas, trying to woo delegates, especially the younger ones and foreigners.

Displaying his wares on a table, he is busy serving the hungry masses.

“I never thought it is going to be so good…I made lots of money thanks to this literature festival,” he smiled.

(Anil Sharma can be contacted at anil.s@ians.in)