Express News Service
CHENNAI: Daniel Thomas Mathew, a 23-year-old producer and voice artist in 94.3 Radio One loves to travel. Being a dog-lover he spends most of his time at the Blue Cross. In his free time he watches a lot of movies.
What’s your Chennai connect?
I grew up here. I started my career here.
One thing about namma ooru that you fancy?
I love the beaches here. I have a lot more connection with Besant Nagar beach. I love the beach for the breeze, saltiness in the air, a puff in paati kadai, and of course, Cozee to grab some food.
What can you find in Chennai that cannot be found in any part of the country?
Our food, our culture of welcoming everyone and also nothing can beat our childhood picnic spot, Mahabalipuram.
Your favourite hangout spot?
It is and always will be Broken Bridge at Besant Nagar.
Three stereotypes about the city and the people here that make you roll your eyeballs?
Chennai will teach everyone a lesson in the way of leading one’s life.
The city of idlis, dosas and rice.
The city where movie heroes are literally worshipped.
Where would you take a person who is new to the city and Why?
I would take him/her to our world famous Marina Beach just for Sundari akka’s kadai. I suggest any newcomer to the city to try Sundari akka’s fish fry.
What would you do to prove to someone that you are a true Chennai vasi?
I will do the Chennai makkal in adaiyalam (Chennai-ites identity), dance in the street for saavu melam.
A Chennai-based celeb or any personality, whom you would like to date or go out with?
I would date Revathi ma’am for her phenomenal acting in the movie Mouna Ragam directed by the guru, Mani Ratnam.
Two Madras bashai words that you would teach
a newbie?
Dhoom thatha and Vera level.
A Tamil movie dialogue/song which describes
Chennai?
The only song that strikes right now is petarap song from Kadhalan, it says everything about the city and its people.
What would you take from Chennai to any place
you travel?
I would take all of my memories to cherish and our very own ‘Amma’ water bottle.
If you had to draw a comparison between Chennai and any other city/country…what would it be? and why?
I would compare Chennai and God’s own country, Kerala for their parotta and beef curry and also in the case of weather, Kerala is the best.
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever wanted to do in the city? And where?
I know it’s super crazy but I always wanted to do ring every other doorbell of all the buildings in Poes Garden.
If you would like to install another statue at Marina Beach, what or who would it be about?
I guess there are enough statues but still if there is a possibility for another one, I will definitely suggest T Rajendar for his energy and body rhythm.
Describe the city in your own words and style.
Chennai has its own style, its own colour, and its own swag. People can come to Chennai from any part of the country, but they’ll eventually become one among us as ‘Chennai-ite’. Keep calm and just say, “Chennai endru sollada, thalai nimirnthu nillada.”
Source: The New Indian Express