The following article assumes some familiarity with roads in Pune. For those who are not familiar with Pune, the biggest complaint of the residents is the really awful state of roads in Pune. It’s really bad. I am lost for metaphors to describe the roads -- indeed, the roads in Pune ought to be the subject of a metaphor! One day I heard someone talk about the kind of music they like to play while driving. It then struck me that just like having the right wine with the right food, there should also be guidelines on the right music for each road. A short stretch of good, clean road (like Pashan Road) goes with a pop/disco number with a fast beat (’’Made In India’’). In a pinch you can probably do with a good quality remix like Leslie Lewis doing Piya Tu. The song must start quickly and build up the pace quickly -- you won’t have too much time! A nice long clean highway like Mumbai-Pune highway can probably do with either something like Child in Time by Deep Purple, or your favourite ghazal. The song can start slow and gentle and you have time to soak it in and immerse yourself in the song.
Other factors like the climate and who you are driving with will also influence your song. A bumpy road with lots of traffic lights and crazy auto drivers and suicidal two-wheeler drivers should probably do with a hard-core rap number, something that is preferably rated for adult https://lyrics. You can sing and swear at the same time.
Imagine singing with Eminem on Laxmi Road! I prefer some heavy stuff like Iron Maiden or Metallica when driving home via Swargate/Solapur Road. Feel like venting at people by getting out of the car and standing in the middle of the intersection and screaming ’’Why, why, why?’’ but since I am in a rush to get home, I just skip the idea. The supressed frustration goes well with the traditional heavy metal music. A gentle, slow number like Eric Clapton is good for MG Road. Anything else seems to give the impression that you are less than cool. I avoid playing pop/remix numbers on MG Road because then everyone will realize how awfully behind the times I am.
I feel old. Every once in a while, I let Dire Straits rip on my system at home and it’s wonderful (seriously). Had the neighbours drop in only once to enquire about what was happening (the drum sequence in Money for Nothing).