uk film council export delegation to mumbai february 2009 ... - BFI

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UK FILM COUNCIL EXPORT DELEGATION TO MUMBAI
FEBRUARY 2009
BRIEFING PACK

Contents
1. UK Film Council Delegation and contact details
2. Hotel addresses and transfers
3. FICCI-FRAMES Entertainment Conference
4. The UK stand and meeting space at FICCI-Frames
5. The Delegation schedule and events
(i) Schedule
(ii) Meetings
(iii) UKFC & UKTI briefing and reception (Monday 16 February)
(iv) Panel: UK and India Film Co-Production Treaty: the gateway to success
in the international marketplace? (Wednesday 18 February)
(v) UK Delegation brunch (Saturday 21 February)
(vi) After FICCI-FRAMES – your time in Juhu (19-21 February)
6. Useful information, addresses, telephone numbers
(i) Consular help
(ii) Police
(iii) Airline
(iv) Banks
(v) Restaurants, bars and tourist attractions
7. General information for a traveller in India
(i) Health
(ii) Money
(iii) Doing business
(iv) Cultural advice
(v) Getting around
Appendices
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(i) FICCI-FRAMES programme
(ii) Map of convention hall
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1. UK Film Council delegation and contact details
Please note that UK Film Council staff will be purchasing Indian sim cards on arrival
in Mumbai. We will give you these contact details when they are in full working
order.
Assassin
Films
Atlantic
Film Group
Banyan
Films
Blueprint
Pictures
Dan Films
Ltd
Europa
Cinemas
Europa
Cinemas
Filmfixer
(Muso Ltd)
Hanway
films
Headline
Pictures Ltd
High Point
Media
High point
Media
5
Leslee Udwin +91 (0) 98 40 31 26
08
ludwin@dircon.co.uk
Alan Harris +44 7931 329 984 alan.harris@atlanticfilmgroup.com
Sulekha
Nath
Graham
Broadbent
Jason
Newmark
Fatima
Djoumner
Claude-Eric
Poiroux
Andrew
Pavord
snath@banyanfilms.co.uk
+44 7768 393 371 graham.broadbent@blueprintpictures.com
+44 7930 374 787 jasonnewmark@danfilms.com
+49 17 36 08 28 61/
+33 6 74 03 46 37
+33 6 03 44 05 49/
+33 6 74 03 46 37
fatim@djoumer.de
+44 7850 888 553 andrew@southwarkfilmoffice.co.uk
Tim Haslam th@hanwayfilms.com
Helen
Mackinnon
Carey
Fitzgerald
Ronald De
Neef
+44 7704 531 175 helenwhymant@hotmail.co.uk
+44 7908 633 755 carey@highpointfilms.co.uk
+44 7944 986 548
Inside India Jessica Hines +44 7842 900 070 Ishstyle@btinternet.com
Jinga Films Rosana
Coutinho
Lee &
Thompson
Olsberg SPI Jonathan
Olsberg
+44 7765 398 742 rosana@jingafilms.com
Lee Stone +44 7872 118 418 leestone@leeandthompson.com
+44 7770 328 879 jonathan@o-spi.com

Origin
Pictures
Parti
Productions
Prescience
Film
Finance
Sponsorship
by Design
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David
Thompson
+44 7802 212 068 david.thompson@originpictures.co.uk
Nisha Parti +44 7768 910 901 nisha@partiproductions.co.uk
Paul Brett +44 7958 991 575 paulb@presciencefilmfinance.co.uk
Simon Farley +44 7973 243 103 simon@sponsorshipbydesign.com
Tigerlily Natasha Dack +44 7973 624 981 natasha@tigerlilyfilms.com
UK Film
Council
UK Film
Council
UK Film
Council
UK Film
Council
Isabel Davies isabel.davies@ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
Stephanie
Little
Sarah
McKenzie
Corinne
Ranaraja
+44 7946 399 989 stephanie.little@ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
+44 7989 150 327
Sarah.mckenzie@ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
+44 7816 229 747 corinne.ranaraja@ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
Yaffle Films Trevor Ingman +44 7973 376 632 trevor@yafflefilms.com

2. Hotel addresses and transfers
The delegation schedule is split into two sections.
Your time at the Renaissance Hotel during the FICCI-FRAMES Entertainment
Conference and your time at the Sun-n-Sand, based closer to the film district. We
will move to the Sun-n-Sand on 19 February 2009.
The delegation pack covers your stay at the Renaissance from the 16-19 February
and from the 19 – 21 February at the Sun-n-Sand.
Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre, 16 – 19 February
Near Chinmayanand Ashram,
Powai
Mumbai-400 087
India
Phone: 00 91 22 66927777
Fax: 00 91 22 66928899
Sales fax: 00 91 22 66927077
Arrival information
Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 12:00
Express Check-In and Express Checkout is available.
A one way airport transfer, breakfast and evening drinks in the concierge lounge
are included within the UK Film Council package.
Broadband/ Wifi is available in the hotel.
Extra nights hotel rate
Rs14, 500 per night for a Concierge Room at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel
A one-way taxi journey to/from the hotel from/to Mumbai airport should cost
around
Rs 500.00
Hotel web address
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http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/bombrrenaissance-mumbai-hotel-and-convention-centre/
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Airport transfers
Renaissance to collect
Airport > Renaissance
14 February Flight arriving
Paul Brett 11:45 (BA0199)
Ingrid Von Burg 11:45 (BA0199)
Stephanie Little 11:45 (BA0199)
Corinne Ranaraja 11:45 (BA0199)
Ronald De Neef 12:40 (BA0139)
Carey Fitzgerald 12:40 (BA0139)
Dominique Murphy-De Neef 12:40 (BA0139)
David Thompson 22:45 (AI144)
Joshua Thompson 22:45 (AI144)
15 February
Graham Broadbent 11:40 (VS350)
Sarah McKenzie 11:45
16 February
Stewart MacKinnon 11:40 (BA0199)
Helen MacKinnon 11:40 (BA0199)
Lee Stone 11:45 (BA0199)
Simon Farley 11:45 (BA0199)
Sulekha Nath 11:45 (BA0199)
Fatima Djoumer 23:50 (AF134)
Claude-Eric Poiroux 23:50 (AF134)
Jason Newmark 00:40 (BA0139)
Rosana Coutinho 00:40 (BA0027)
Trevor Ingman 00:40
Andrew Pavord 01:35 (LH756)
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17 February
Tim Haslam 11:00
Nisha Parti 00:30 (Jet119)
Jonathan Olsberg 00:40 (BA0139)
Natasha Dack 00:40 (BA0139)
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Sun-n-Sand Hotel Pvt Ltd 19–21 February
9, Juhu Beach,
Mumbai-400049
India
Phone: 00 91 22 6693 8888 / 2620 1811
Fax: 00 91 22 2620 2170
http://www.sunnsandhotel.com/mumbai/about_us.htm
Arrival information
Check-in: 12:00 noon
Check-out: 12:00 noon
Package includes airport transfers, buffet breakfast, free internet in room,
and 1 hr cocktails in the Business lounge from 19:30 – 20:30.
Extra night hotel rate
Rs9, 500 per night at the Sun-N- Sand Hotel
Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel.
Airport transfers
Sun-n-Sand transport to collect
Airport > Sun-N-Sand
15 February Flight arriving
Alan Harris 00:40 (BA0139)
Isabel Davis 00:40 (BA0139)
Sun-n-Sand > Renaissance
16 February Time
Alan Harris TBC
Isabel Davis TBC
Renaissance > Sun-n-Sand (times to be agreed on site)
19 February Time
Leslee Udwin
Alan Harris
Sulekha Nath
Graham Broadbent
Jason Newmark
TBC
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Fatima Djoumer
Claude-Eric Poiroux
Andrew Pavord
Tim Haslam
Stewart MacKinnon
Helen MacKinnon
Ronald De Neef
Carey Fitzgerald
Dominique Murphy-De Neef
Jessica Hines
Rosana Coutinho
Lee Stone
Jonathan Olsberg
David Thompson
Joshua Thompson
Nisha Parti
Paul Brett
Ingrid von Burg
Simon Farley
Natasha Dack
Stephanie Little
Sarah McKenzie
Isabel Davis
Corinne Ranaraja
Trevor Ingman
Loretta Pinto
Sun-n-Sand > airport
21 February Flight departs
Tim Haslam 13:35 (IT7)
Leslee Udwin 21:15
Natasha Dack TBC
Stéphanie Little TBC
22 February
Stewart MacKinnon 13:35 (BA0198)
Helen MacKinnon 13:35 (BA 0198)
Ronald De Neef 13:35 (BA 0198)
Carey Fitzgerald 13:35 (BA0198)
Dominique De Neef 13:35 (BA 0198)
Lee Stone 13:35 (BA 0198)
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Paul Brett 13:35 (BA 0198)
Ingrid von Burg 13:35 (BA 0198)
Nisha Parti 02:35 (Jet 120)
Sulekha Nath 02:40 (BA 0138)
Jason Newmark 02:40 (BA 0138)
Fatima Djoumer 02:40(BA 0138)
Claude-Eric Poiroux 02:40(BA 0138)
Rosana Coutinho 02:40 (BA0138)
Jonathan Olsberg 02:40 (BA0138)
Corinne Ranaraja 02:40 (BA0138)
23 February
David Thompson 07:10 (AI191)
Joshua Thompson 07:10 (AI191)
Alan Harris 13:35 (BA0198)
Isabel Davis 13:35 (BA0198)
Graham Broadbent 13:40 (VS351)
26 February
Sarah McKenzie 02:40
3. FICCI-FRAMES Entertainment Conference
FRAMES, which is organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce
and Industry (FICCI) brings 1,800 Indian and 800 foreign delegates from across the
media and entertainment industries together in Mumbai. The event provides a
unique opportunity to meet key commercial and independent Indian film and media
industry players over three days.
The conference programme includes a wide range of seminars focusing on film,
digital entertainment, television, animation, visual effects, radio and gaming. The
full conference schedule can be found at this web address and within the appendix
of this pack.
Further information can be found here: http://www.ficci-frames.com
A detailed delegation itinerary is included in this briefing pack.
However, important things to note are as follows:
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1) The UK Film Council and UKTI have organised a briefing and reception on
Monday 16 February. More details about this can be found in section 5 (iii).
2) You will have received your personal meeting itinerary from Sarah McKenzie
which details when and where to meet your Indian counterpart.
As part of our special rate with the hotel we have access to the Concierge
Lounge in the Renaissance to hold these meetings. There are also a number
of bars and restaurants around the hotel complex. These are listed in section
6(v) along with their contact telephone numbers.
3) As you will be aware, the UK Film Council is hosting a seminar on coproduction
between the UK and India utilising the new treaty, which will also
promote the UK’s strength within international film sales. You are expected
to attend this seminar as we will use this opportunity to introduce the UK
delegation to the audience.
This seminar will take place on 18 February at 11:00 – 12:15 in Ballroom 3.
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4. The UK Film Council stand and meeting facilities at FICCI-FRAMES
UK Film council staff members will be managing the UK Film Council stand 8 and
the meeting space in the Concierge Lounge throughout the conference.
For all stand/logistical queries please contact: Stephanie Little
For all meeting queries please contact: Corinne Ranaraja
The stand will include a number of information sheets including:
• UK Films and Companies Listings full list of all UK films for sale and a contact
list of companies in the UK delegation;
• A clip reel showcasing the trailers and clips from the UK delegation.
• Information sheets on the co-production treaty and the cultural test.
Picking up messages
You will be able to leave and pick up messages at the UK stand (booth 8), near the
registration desk in the FICCI-FRAMES convention hall (see the map in Appendix ii).
Screening facilities on UK film delegation stand 8
A plasma screen will be set up at the stand with DVD player, headsets will be
available if you would like to use this facility to screen promos to potential buyers.
Two chairs and a coffee table are available at the stand for meetings and viewings.
Please speak to Stéphanie Little if you’d like to schedule a meeting a the stand.
The UK Film Council team at FRAMES are:
Export Development:
Sarah McKenzie: Senior Executive, Export Development
Corinne Ranaraja: Export Development Co-Ordinator
International Co-Production
Isabel Davis: Senior Executive, International Co-production
Communications
Stephanie Little: Marketing and Events Executive
and
Uma da Cunha: UK Film Council India Consultant
Loretta Pinto: Uma da Cunha’s Assistant
Meeting facilities
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We recommend that you schedule your meetings to take place in the Concierge
Lounge in the Renaissance. The Concierge guest rooms that we have booked for
you provide access to the Concierge Lounge (only guests staying on the Concierge
floor are allowed to use the lounge). As an alternative there are also a number of
bars and restaurants around the hotel complex. These are listed in section 6(v)
along with their contact telephone numbers. There is also one meeting table at our
stand, booth 8 (please speak to Stéphanie Little to book it).
5. The delegation schedule and events
5(i) Schedule
Monday 16 February - Renaissance Hotel
17:15 Delegation get-together, Velvet Lounge
18:00 UK Trade and Investment Trade briefing and reception, Velvet Lounge
Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 February - Renaissance Hotel
Various meetings with Indian film companies.
Final schedule to be supplied on 16 February.
Wednesday 18 February - Renaissance Hotel
11:00 UK and India Co-Production Treaty: the gateway to success in the
international market?
All to attend to be introduced.
Location: Ballroom 3
Thursday 19 February
11:30 – 15:30
Visit to Adlabs Facilities and Film City (tbc) and for interested members of the
delegation.
Apart from the Adlabs/Film City tour (if you wish to attend) your time is free to
schedule as you wish. If Uma receives requests for meetings she/we will of course
forward them to you so you can decide whether you wish to take them
Friday 20 February
11.00 Round table meeting for relevant delegates: UTV, UTV Offices
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17:00 Round table meeting for relevant delegates: Shyam Shroff, Fame
Adlabs (Distribution and Exhibition)
Meetings still to be confirmed are with Reliance at their offices, Cinema Capital
Venture Fund
Saturday 21 February
11:00– 14:00 UK Film Council Brunch
Aurus, Ground Floor, Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz,
Mumbai 400054
5(ii) Individual meetings – to be provided on 16 February at the briefing session.
5(iii) UK Film Council and UKTI briefing and reception
Monday 16 February 2009
17:00 UK Film Council briefing
Velvet Lounge, Renaissance Hotel
18:00 UKTi briefing
The UKTI team in Mumbai to give delegates an economic and political briefing
19:00 UKTi reception
Our contact at the British High Commission in Mumbai and one of your Indian
referees,
T. R Giridhar (Giri), has scheduled a welcome reception for the UK Film Council
delegation only. This is an opportunity for you to meet your fellow delegates
5(iv) UK and India Film Co-Production Treaty:
the gateway to success in the international marketplace?
11:00-12:15
Ballroom 3, Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre
*Please attend this seminar.
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In partnership with FICCI-FRAMES, we are hosting a seminar to discuss coproduction
between the UK and India utilising the new treaty and its benefits. The
seminar will also promote the UK’s strength within international film sales.
Subjects to be discussed include:
‐ How can working with the UK can help to increase the international value of a
film?
‐ What financing opportunities are now available in the UK?
‐ Who are the partners in the UK for your project?
‐ Creative partnerships between UK and India – what are the stories we can tell
each other?
The panel will be chaired by Jonathan Olsberg [Olsberg SPI] and will include
filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, Tim Haslam [HanWay], David Thompson [Origin
Pictures], Dina Dattani [consultant], Mr VB Pyarelal [Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting], and Isabel Davis [UK Film Council]
Jonathan Olsberg will use this opportunity to introduce the delegation to the Indian
audience.
5(v) UK delegation brunch
Saturday 21 February
10:00 – 13:00
Aurus, Ground Floor, Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Before Reid & Taylor
Showroom, Juhu, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai (ma
guest list will be given to you on 16th February,
If you wish to invite established or new contacts that you make in Mumbai, please
give Stéphanie Little their name and email address before the reception. Stephanie
will also provide you with a few invitations at the UK Film Council briefing on the 16
February which you can distribute at your meetings if you choose.
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5(vi) After FICCI-FRAMEES – your time in Juhu
FICCI-FRAMES ends on 19 February and the delegation will then move to the Sunn-Sand
in Juhu. Here you can continue to schedule meetings. We have booked the
Anchor Room which is a large meeting space with separate tables and you are
welcome to arrange for your business contacts to meet you at this location.
Whilst in Juhu we will also host a brunch reception for you to network with key
contacts and to relax in the surroundings of one of India’s new ‘Bollywood’ star
hotspots. Details found on p12).
Should the Film City visit go ahead, those of you who plan to visit Film City will be
transferred from the Renaissance Hotel to the Sun-n-Sand AFTER the trip.
Transfers from the Renaissance to the Sun-n-Sand will be arranged by the Sun-n-
Sand: we will confirm this with you on site.
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6. Useful information, addresses, telephone numbers
Time zone: GMT+5.30
Country dialling code: +91
Area code: 022 (dial an extra 2 before making a local call )
Voltage: 240 volts, Ac 50 cycles.
6(i) Consular help
British Embassy in India
Naman Chambers, C/32 G Block Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) Mumbai 400
051
www.ukinindia.org
Tel: (91) (22) 66 50 22 22
Emergency Duty Office: (91) (22) 66 50 23 24
Email: postmaster.bomba@fco.gov.uk
Office hours: Mon-thurs: 0800-1600; Fri 0800-1300
Office of the British Deputy High Commissioner
Maker Chambers, 222 Jamnanal Bajaj Road, (PO Box 11714), Nariman Point,
Mumbai 400 021
Tel: (91) (22) 2283 0517
6(ii) Police
www.mumbaipolice.org
The nearest police station to the Renaissance is the Powai Police Station
Rambaug Junction, A.D. Marg, Powai, Mumbai -72
Tel: 25 70 26 90 / 25 70 24 92 / 25 70 01 18
The nearest police station to the Sun n Sand Hotel is the D.N Nagar Police Station
D N Nagar Police Station, New Link Road, Andheri-(W), Mumbai
Tel: 26 30 38 93 / 26 30 40 02
Airport Police Station
Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Santacruz, Mumbai
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Tel: 26156315, 26156309
6(iii) Airline contact details
Air India (22 79 66 66; Air India Bldg, cnr Marine Dr & Madame Cama Rd, Nariman
Point)
British Airways (22 82 08 88; 202-B, Vulcan Insurance Bldg, Veer Nariman Rd,
Churchgate)
Virgin Atlantic (228 12 89; Marine Dr, Churchgate)
Jet Airways (22 85 57 88; Amarchand Mansion, Madame Cama Rd)
Kingfisher (56 46 99 99; domestic airport)
Spice Jet (98 71 80 33 33; www.spicejet.com; domestic airport)
6 (iv) Banks
ATMs are everywhere in Mumbai, so withdrawing money won’t be a problem. It’s
also easy to change money in the hotel, though the rates won’t be as competitive as
elsewhere.
The nearest HSBC branches to the hotels are:
http://www.hsbc.co.in
Renaissance
52/60 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mumbai 400 001
Sun-n-Sand
Eden Square, Plot No. 3/1, N.S. Road No. 10, JVPD Scheme, Juhu, Vile Parle (West),
Mumbai - 400 049
The nearest Citibank branches to the hotels are:
Renaissance
Chakala Rd, Andheri East, Mumbai
Sun-n-Sand
Meghna Apt, Santacruz (West), Mumbai 400054
HSBC: 24 hour lost card line 08456 007 010
Natwest: 0800 33 11 33
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Barclays: Customer Service 0844 811 9111 (24 hours); lost card line +44 1904 544
666 (24 hours)
Lloyds TSB: +44 1733 347 007.(24 hours)
Co-operative Bank: Lost card line 0845 600 6000
6(v) Restaurants, bars and tourist attractions
The Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre
A Bar
Lunch & dinner
Live music and a subdued ambience
Dress code: Casual
Tel: +91 22 6692 7570
Bombay Express
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Casual contemporary deli serving pastries, pies, gateaux, chocolates, meats,
cheeses, etc.
Dress code: Casual
Tel: +91 22 6692 7567
Emperor's Court
Lunch & dinner
Cantonese cooking overlooking the Powai lake.
Dress code: Shirt required
Tel: +91 22 6692 7561. Reservations preferred.
Fratelli Fresh
Dinner
Italian wine & food overlooking the Powai lake.
Dress code: Casual
Tel: +91 22 6692 7556
Lake View Café
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Lake View Cafe is a three meal dining option with a lake view and offers Continental
and Indian cuisine. The restaurant offers an international buffet, and a complete a
la carte menu.
Dress code: Casual
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Tel: +91 22 6692 7550
Nawab Saheb
Dinner
Tradition Indian menu consisting of kebabs baked in a traditional clay oven,
authentic curries, biryani and Indian breads.
Dress code: Casual
Tel: +91 22 6692 7558
Velvet Lounge
Dinner
Trendy lounge destination, which transforms itself from a lounge bar to a night
club.
Tel: +91 22 6692 7577
Dress code: Casual
Colaba (approx 23km)
A popular tourist district that includes museums, The Gateway of India, a slew of
shops and vendors on the Colaba Causeway and the Sassoon Dock. Attractions
include The Regal Theatre, a popular cinema showing a mix of Bollywood and
Hollywood films, The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) and The Jehangir Art
Gallery. A long walk down the Marine Drive promenade will take you to Chowpatty
beach (a sight to behold in the evenings, with fairground rides, street performers
and food hawkers) taking in the Flora Fountain, Hutatma Chowk (Martyr’s Square)
and the St Thomas Cathedral. Nearby is the Bombay Stock Exchange building and
the Jewish David Elaiyahoo Synagogue and David Sassoon Library, as well as the
Elphingstone College buildings.
Elephanta Island is about an hour’s boat ride from The Gateway of India and
features the stunning Elephanta Caves, which date back to 600AD and attract more
visitors each year than the entire city of Mumbai.
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
www.ghandi-manibhavan.org
Mahatma Ghandi once lived in this simple, two-story building, which is now a
museum, library and research center dedicated to Ghandi's life.
Banganga
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One of Mumbai’s holiest sites - a group of temples surrounding a pool of water
believed to be from the Ganges.
Haji Ali Mosque
Sitting on a jetty overlooking the Arabian Sea, this spectacular white mosque was
built to honour and house the remains of the Muslim Saint Haji Ali.
Shopping
Depending on what you want to shop for there are many specific markets. Zaveri
Bazaar in Bhuleshwar is good for gold and silver jewellery, Mangaldas Market
(23km) for clothes and fabric, Chor Bazaar (see below) for antiques, and the Bandra
Linking Road (13km) for designer goods. There is a small shop called Avante just
opposite the Regal Cinema at Colaba, which is good for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Chor Bazaar (22km)
Literally translated the name Chor Bazaar means ‘The Thieves Market. Originating
as a place where stolen goods were traded, the market now has a flea-market feel.
Rummaging
through jostling crowds and chaotic streets it is possible to find hidden gems at
throwaway prices, though the shopkeepers are used to hiking prices up for tourists.
Fashion Street (8km)
A massive array of cheap (if you know how to bargain) clothes.
The Sun-n-Sand area
Tian Resto Bar (1km)
48 Gulmohar Road, Juhu
Stylishly decorated restaurant serving Chinese, Korea and Japanese food.
Tel: +91 22 6691 4425
Vie Lounge and Deck (1km)
102 Juhu Road
A high class bar & restaurant with excellent views
Tel: +91 22 2660 3003
Spices & Flavours (11km)
9th Sunvilla Building, Dr Annie Besant Road, Worli
A vegetarian restaurant serving Indian and Italian food.
Tel: +91 22 65535235
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Jewel of India (13km)
Dr Annie Besant Road, (next to Nehru planetarium), Worli 400018
Specialising in North Indian and Hyderabadi cuisine
Tel: + 91 22 24949204
Tourist attractions
Siddhivinayak Temple (9km)
One of India’s most famous temples, built in 1801 and believed to house Lord
Ganesh.
Worli Fort (9km)
Built in 1675 by the British as a look out for pirates and enemy ships.
7. General information for the traveller
7(i) Health advice
Please note that if you get ill, please try to let Stéphanie Little know
Vaccinations and malaria
We thoroughly recommend that you take advice from your doctor/practice nurse
before leaving for India. They will be able to give you advice on what vaccinations
you may require and will be able to tell you whether a) you need to take malaria
tablets; b) if you do, which one would be best for you to take.
Travellers’ diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is the most common bane of travellers. It is essential to replace the fluids
and salts you're losing, so take lots of water with oral rehydration salts (commonly
referred to as Electrolyte in India). If you can't get hold of rehydration salts, use half
a teaspoon of salt and eight of sugar in a litre of water.
Bear in mind that oral drugs, such as malaria pills, and the Pill, are likely to be
largely ineffective if taken while suffering from diarrhoea.
Pharmacies can usually advise on minor medical problems, and most doctors in
India speak English. Also, many hotels keep a doctor on call; if you do get ill and
need medical assistance, take advice as to the best facilities around.
It's worth knowing that if you are ill and can't get to a doctor almost any medicine
can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
Hospitals and chemists
Bombay Hospital
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12 New Marine Lines (Close to Fort and Colaba)
www.bombayhospital.com
Tel: 22 06 76 76
Breach Candy Hospital
60 Bhulabhai Desai Rd, Breach Candy
www.breachcandyhospital.org
Widely regarded as one of the best hospitals in Mumbai
Tel: 23 67 28 88
Royal Chemists
89A Maharshi Karve Rd, Churchgate
Opening hours: 8:30am-8:30pm
Tel: 22 00 40 41-3
Sahakari Bhandar Chemist
Colaba Causeway, Colaba
Opening hours: 8am-10pm Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm Sun
Tel: 23 64 84 35
7(ii) Money
Currency
Don't accept torn banknotes; no one else will be prepared to take them, though you
can change them at the Reserve Bank of India and large branches of other big
banks. Don't pass them on to beggars; they can't use them either, so it amounts to
an insult.
Large denominations can be a problem, as change is usually in short supply. You
shouldn't expect shopkeepers or rickshaw-wallahs to have it. Larger notes - like the
Rs500 note - are good for travelling with and can be changed for smaller
denominations at hotels.
One lakh = 100,000 Rupees
One crore = 10m Rupees
26

A word of warning - the Rs500 note looks remarkably similar to the Rs100 note.
Baksheesh (tipping)
Tipping is commonplace throughout India, either as a small reward for a small
service (anyone from a waiter to someone who lifts your bags onto the roof of a
bus). Large amounts are not expected - ten rupees should satisfy.
Entrance Fees
The Archeological Survey of India has a double-tiered entry system, with foreign
visitors required to pay $5-20 or its rupee equivalent to enter major archeological
sites. This means that foreigners can find themselves paying 40 times the entrance
fee levied to domestic visitors.
7(iii) Doing Business in Mumbai
For the visiting foreign businessperson, the principal advantage is that English is
the lingua franca. This is despite, or perhaps because of, the large number of
languages that are spoken in India - there are 18 official ones and some 1,600
minor ones.
As India's largest, most multicultural city, Mumbai is a fairly liberal place and its
business culture tends to be informal and friendly—Mumbaikars are famous for
their “chalta hain” (laid-back) attitude. However, traditions still hold in many areas
of behaviour, and it's wise to be prepared.
• Do not expect western levels of speed and efficiency. Getting a document
delivered by courier, sending a fax, or simply gathering colleagues for a business
meeting can all take far longer than seems reasonable. The same goes for
punctuality: if someone promises to meet you in ten minutes, expect arrival in 20.
• Mumbai's traffic is notoriously bad: allow ample time if you need to cross the city
to get to a meeting.
• A handshake is the most common form of greeting, but some women prefer to
press their palms together in a traditional namaste greeting. A man should wait for
a woman to extend her hand before extending his, particularly if she is wearing
traditional Indian clothing.
• Bring plenty of business cards; you will be handing them out frequently, and not
having enough is considered rude.
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• Mumbaikar professionals tend to speak good English, though often with a heavy
accent, imaginative grammar and liberal doses of local slang. Asking someone to
repeat himself is perfectly acceptable; correcting his or her English is not.
• Indians often over-promise in an effort to please: admitting a job is difficult to
get done is often considered rude or weak.
• Breakfast meetings are rare; the working day tends to begin around 9.30-10am.
Business lunches tend to be leisurely affairs: 90 minutes is not uncommon.
• Particularly when money and data are being discussed, some Indian terminology
is commonly used, such as lakh (one lakh = 100,000) and crore (one crore = 10m).
Doing business in India involves building relationships. Indians only deal favourably
with those they know and trust - even at the expense of lucrative deals. It is vital
that a good working relationship is founded with any prospective partner. This must
take place on a business level, ie demonstrating strong business acumen, and at a
personal level, ie relating to your partner and exhibiting the positive traits of
trustworthiness and honour.
7(iv) Cultural advice
The right-hand rule
In India, as right across Asia, the left hand is for wiping your bottom, cleaning your
feet and other unsavoury functions (you also put on and take off your shoes with
your left hand), while the right hand is for eating, shaking hands, and so on.
You should not eat, pass food or wipe your mouth with your left hand. This rule
extends beyond food. In general, do not pass anything to anyone with your left
hand, or point at anyone with it either; and Indians won't be impressed if you put it
in your mouth. In general, you should accept things given to you with your right
hand - though using both hands is a sign of respect.
Food & drink
Standards of hygiene and sanitation in India have increased over the last decade or
so. Even so it is worth being cautious about what you eat and drink, avoiding street
food and being aware of the potential dangers of untreated water.
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Indian tap water is NOT safe to drink. Avoid ice in drinks, raw fruit and vegetables
as they may have been washed with tap water and use bottled water when cleaning
your teeth.
India is a vegetarian’s paradise. Most religious Hindus, and the majority of people in
the south, don't eat meat or fish. Veganism is not common, however; if you're
vegan, you'll have to keep your eyes open for eggs and dairy products.
Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims shun pork, so you'll only find those in a few
Christian enclaves such as the beach areas of Goa, and Tibetan areas. Note that
what is called "mutton" on menus is in fact goat.
Wherever you eat, remember to use only your right hand, and wash your hands
before you start. Try and avoid getting food on the palm of your hand by eating
with the tips of your fingers.
7(v) Getting around
We will organise the following for you:
• Your pick up for the airport to your hotel upon your arrival to India
• Your transfer from the renaissance to the Sun-n-Sand
• Your trip to Film City
Although some trips will be organised on an ad hoc basis; all other journeys will be
your responsibility. Here’s a little information to get your started.
Taxis
Taxis in Mumbai are painted black and yellow and tend to be rather battered. With
luck, the driver will agree to use the meter; in theory you're within your rights to call
the police if he doesn't, but the usual compromise is to agree a fare for the journey
before you get in.
Auto-rickshaws
The auto-rickshaw, that most Indian of vehicles, is the front half of a motor-scooter
with a couple of seats mounted on the back. They are cheaper than taxis, better at
nipping in and out of traffic, and are usually metered (again, in most places they
probably won't use them and you should agree a fare before setting off). Be wary of
drivers offering you a lower price in exchange for making a few stops on the way –
they will want to take you to friends’ shops, where you may be pressured into
buying.
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In general it is best to avoid rickshaws that hang around outside more upmarket
hotels, they’re more likely to overcharge.
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