Jun 3, 2009
Marriages are made in heaven but are solemnized on earth. This is an oft-heard saying which with little improvisation sounds like Mangalorean marriages are made in heaven, solemnised in Mangalore, sanctified in a church and commemorated in a richly decorated hall - courtesy a certain Bannu.
The name Bannu in Mangalore is synonymous with the art of creating backdrops. For Mangaloreans a backdrop is that grand setting on which the bride and the bridegroom share the stage as man and wife for the first time in their lives. As a symbol of this new bond they tie the mangalasutra, drink a glass of red wine and even share a peck on the cheek. That memorable day of matrimony is made special by a gleaming backdrop which adds awe every time you open your wedding album to rekindle those memories.
Bernard Fernandes fondly known as Bannu has had a fair share of contribution in making many a Mangalorean wedding rich and colourful. He has provided the backdrop for innumerable weddings in Mangalore. What began as a hobby for Bannu turned out to be a full fledged business bringing him both name and fame. Bannu’s hobbies include collecting coins, artifacts and even discarded items from dustbins!
DESPERATE ACT
Bannu has come a long way in his eventful life with many ups and downs. During his early years Bannu actively dabbled in politics and was even offered a ticket by Janata Dal to contest the 1996 corporation elections. But fate had other things in store for him and in the same year he quit politics and turned charismatic. With change came hardships. Financial hurdles, lack of a stable job and the added responsibility of looking after his wife and child made him go crazy. Desperate to do something in life he borrowed rupees 25 from a friend to purchase thermocol and set up his first backdrop at Hotel Pentagon and since then there has been no looking back. Says Bannu, “It was purely god’s writ that showed me the way to overcome adversities”
In the good old days the concept of backdrops was non-existent and the nearest thing to a backdrop was a bunch of balloons neatly tied to walls around the hall decked with crape ribbons and sarees covering seats. Then came the era of thermocol wherein big screens of thermocol were artistically cut, colourfully painted and erected on the dais to symbolize the function. . Bannu’s radical idea of having backdrops made of plywood and bamboo was an instant hit and the orders came pouring in. Bannu even had the bright idea of having backdrops resembling the invitation cards which really clicked and people didn’t mind shelling out extra amount in return.
Today Bannu can cater to 25 weddings at a time but he takes orders for a maximum of 4 events a day which a policy he has been following religiously. Some of Bannu’s memorable backdrops include the main entrance passage for the Canara Konkani world convention, a backdrop for PVS centenary year celebrations and one for the 2005 Eucharistic Sammelan. He even recollects having made a ship and the Udaipur Vilas Palace as backdrop for weddings as well as a bridge across the pool at hotel Mothi Mahal. The backdrop for the white dove’s troupe is an annual affair. Mention may also be made of the 24 different backdrops he created for a programmme at Kalangan and a centre-piece with doves instead of the regular confetti.
BALD AND FRIENDLY
Looking the bald and unassuming man the first thing that strikes you is his close resemblance to the character Mugambo essayed by Amrish Puri in the hit movie of 90’s Mr. India. But don’t go by the looks as Bannu is a very friendly but reserved character who loves to talk about his artifacts and his journey as a backdrop man. The numerous albums and files are a testimony to his love for the bygone memories. His office is full of artifacts, pots and statues he collected over the years. Some of the artifacts are gifted to him in recognition of his work. He has a dining table made of bullock cart wheel, a tea-poy created out of the pulley that was used for drawing water from wells in olden days and even a set piece made from wild mushrooms that grew in his compound! Another interesting aspect of Bannu is his love for pets especially for birds. He is a regular competitor at the Udaya Parivala Tournament, a unique tournament. The rules of the tournament state that the dove which stays in the air for the longest duration wins the prize. Bannu has won the coveted prize many times with one of his doves hovering in the sky for a record 12 hours and 47 minutes!
Today the backdrop business has about 100 players but none can match the creativity and variety provided by Bannu, who, over the years has carved a niche in the fiercely competitive field. Bannu has a team of 20 dedicated workers who render a helping hand in running the show. He has orders booked in advance for a year with December and January being the peak season. Apart from Mangalore he takes orders from Bangalore and Udupi. Recession has had an impact on his business as well with a few bookings being cancelled at the last minute. Rainy and lent are off seasons for his business with hardly any bookings during these months.
BUNDLE OF TALENT
Bannu is a multi talented personality whose creativity is not restricted to making backdrops. One of his worth mentioning talents is his ability to pen hymns. He has even written a few Konkani plays. In the year 2004 Bannu opened his flower shop named 'Good Times' at Kadri. Most of the flowers here are obtained from Bangalore. But backdrops will always remain his first love so much so that he sketches a backdrop every time he comes across something inspiring while on the move. From church essentials such as kneelers, vases, bridal bouquets to hall requirements such as garlands, bridal chairs, centre-piece, bar setting and many more, Bannu is the answer for all your requirements and good times. As a parting note Bannu points out “whatever I am today is due to the support and trust bestowed on me by Mangaloreans. Whatever I have achieved is mainly due to their patronage and encouragement”.
With his creativity and penchant for innovations Bannu will continue to surprise generations of Mangaloreans with his creative and artistic backdrops and bring smiles on the faces of those who treasure that special day in their lives.