( Taken in November 2016)
Patratu valley is 45 km away from Ranchi, and provides a quick respite from the hectic city life. It is currently being developed as a tourist spot, with plans for a Film City in the future.
As I reach there, the crew of a local movie shooting set out the movie set . The director and assistant director roll out the camera.The director, a burly chap in sunglasses, gesticulates his exact requirements. The actors act out a brief movie script. The lead lady overacts a bit, almost as if jumping off from the valleyside. Drama over, she walks away, head in hand. The actors and crew end the shoot and move off, chatting and joking amongst themselves.
Selling Golgappas by the edge of the hills, the vendor sits patiently and pensively , waiting his turn for customers. Soon, he gets a clutch of customers, gorging away on the Golgappas , which are tasty and provide respite from the heat of the day.
It is an eclectic crowd of tourists, movie shooters , vendors and onlookers here at Patratu, far far away from the maddening crowd. It is an enjoyable day, and provides relief and relaxation. It is indeed fortunate that such a beautiful place exists so close to the city, and provides a quick outing to weary city-dwellers.
