(MUMBAI) There is nothing like getting a shout out at an international conference to cure you of jet-lag. Here I am, sitting in the main ballroom, listening to Stewart Beck, High Commissioner of Canada to India and Bhutan, just one of about 800 delegates packed into the seemingly endless room, still trying to figure out what day and time it is, when His Excellency makes my day by mentioning Hauka Films as one of the rather healthy contingent of firms from our home and native land attending the show here in India. Beck goes on to detail some of the strengths of the Canadian cultural-communications sector and the natural ties between Canada and India. Canada is co-sponsoring this conference and the Maple Leaf is front and center in the main exhibit hall. So is Mr. Jinnah, as you can see from the picture. Lots of interest, but the real show is tomorrow when all the official business meetings take place. That’s also the day I am supposed to speak at the panel on co-productions (I have to sound intelligent for about five to seven minutes, which, if we throw in the standard number of puns, ought to be something of a stretch, but I have great hopes…).

I met Mr. Beck and many of the Canadian contingent here last night at the government reception held at the Trident Hotel, closer to the downtown of Mumbai that the convention centre where FICCI is being held. I saw my first Brahma bull and only had to close my eyes twice as the cabbie weaved in and out of the Mumbai rush hour traffic. Lanes here are more of a guideline than a rigid rule and signaling is pretty much unheard of. But I got there and back alive and now, it’s time for lunch. After that, lots of fascinating workshops, networking and (hopefully) deal making. More a bit later…