Look who noticed us today

It is very much a Melbourne trait to look constantly for, and pay attention to stories that lift the profile of this quiet achieving city. You only have to look at big international events held in Melbourne, like the Australian tennis open, or the Grand Prix, to understand that us Melburnians like to know we are being noticed (that bully of a city up the road makes it hard sometimes). Plastered across trackside billboards, painted across sporting fields, fluttering in the wind on flags and banners, in big bold letters, is the word "Melbourne", just in case there was any doubt as to the location of these prestigious events. A possible alternative advertising strategy, and arguably more to the point, would be to simply replace the word "Melbourne" with "Not Sydney" - but anyway.

As a Melburnian, I have to admit, I am quite partial to a good "look who noticed us today" story, but I have to say, the latest one was somewhat unexpected. The most popular Bollywood film screening in India at the moment, is a film titled "Salaam Namaste", grossing $US7.5 million its its first three weeks. The film is set in Melbourne, and filmed entirely on location. The Age goes to great lengths to tell Melburnians about all the Melbourne highlights they show, including such big ticket attractions as Chappel st, and the La Trobe University Bundoora campus (!?) .. hmmm .. well, at least its Melbourne I guess. I for one was particularly surprised to hear that despite all the colour and flare that is so often attributed with Bollywood films, the infamous RMIT buildings on Swanston st didn't get a run. Apparently not even Bollywood wants them.

Of course, Melbourne can cash in on this new found fame, much like New Zealand has with Lord of the Rings. It is quite possible that millions of Indian toursists will converge on the city, on a Salaam Namaste pilgrimage. I just hope the number 86 tram to Bundoora is ready for the onslaught .... I am not entirely sure the new bendy trams are quite going to cut it.