Winter is coming

The fact that temperatures are soaring and the heat is getting unbearable has little to do with the city’s excitement for winter. A dedicated bunch of television fans across the world are waiting with bated breath for the chills to strike (possibly the most famous) international television series at the moment — Game of Thrones. For fans in India, the wait ends tonight — two days after their US counterparts on Star World Premiere. The run-up to this big night has been elaborate if you know anybody bitten by the GOT bug, what with merchandises, events, screenings, not to mention Indian cover versions of the theme song, filling up our social networking timelines.

On April 23, Improv Comedy Mumbai, a group working on improvised comic sketches, met for a show centred around the show. The idea was to get the audience involved in making up stories and situations on the spot, inspired by the Game of Thrones. Says Yogesh Upadhyay from the group, “The idea was to make the show coincide with the season premiere. A lot of the audience stayed back to tell us that they immensely enjoyed the show and the theme. The only other story that can work on a level of this sort is the Mahabharata.”

If you thought having a Game of Thrones themed improv show was crazy, wait till you read about beer inspired by the show. The Barking Deer Brewpub in Lower Parel concocts a special Scotch ale called The Ale of Heroes, in honour of one of the popular show. “We’ve brewed this ale to coincide with the Game of Thrones premiere in April for the past couple of years,” said Saloni Sancheti, marketing coordinator at the pub. “The name of the ale itself is based on wordplay from themes in the book.”

Other pubs in the city too are not far behind. Hoppipola has organised a screening for the big night tonight, at many of their city outlets. Apart from the screening, it may include discussions on some of the most daunting questions plaguing fans since the end of season 5 — is John Snow is alive or not, what happens to Arya Stark and what will happen when winter is finally here.

Kritika Kamra, actor Favourite character: Tyrion is my favourite character. Isn’t he everyone’s favourite Tyrion has to be the strongest character.

Never say die: Cersei. It will be interesting to see how the character develops this season after all that she has been through.

John Snow — dead or alive: It’s quite possible Jon Snow won’t come back. I really hope Melissandre can make him come back to life, though I would not want him to be back as a direwolf.

If you were GRR, a twist you’d introduce: I hope to see Tyrion’s meeting with Daenerys and hope to see Khaleesi in Westeros, so most main characters can be in the same place at once.

Who will ascend the iron throne : Daenerys is the strong favourite to ascend the Iron Throne, but I hope it’s Tyrion who gets it in the end. Westeros has not seen a smart ruler for very long, and he has the brains for the job. Everything has been unfair to him always. Getting the iron throne would be the ultimate reward for him.

Sorabh Pant, comedian Favourite character: I’m not a fan of the pretty boys of the show like Jon Snow. The meaner characters are more realistic and relatable to me. People can’t be idealistic like the Starks and therefore I think the Lannisters are my favourite on the show, especially Tyrion, because he’s a short man making it work and is also funny. That gives the rest of us some hope. I like Jaime too because he’s unapologetic for being an a**.

Never say die: Hope Tyrion does not die. Everyone sees a little bit of themselves in Tyrion, a person who hasn’t got his dues from society. If he dies, there will be a mass exodus from the show.

John Snow — dead or alive: Not a big fan of Snow but I know for sure he’s going to be back. In all probability he’ll lead an army of the dead himself against the other armies.

If you were GRR, a twist you’d introduce: I’d love to watch Arya walking into the Hall of faces and then suddenly it turns into Sasural Simar Ka. Even if 300 people get the gag, it’ll be worth it. Or I’d like to see Daenerys dying and the dragons just setting everything on fire.

Who will ascend the iron throne : Danny looks like the strongest contender for the throne, but I hope to see her getting killed on the cusp of her ascension and the throne going back to Cersei, completing the circle of life.

Rishi Kapoor, RJ Favourite character: Lord Varys and Samwell Tarly are my favourite. They both use their brains, one in a wicked and one in a sweet way. Never say die: I hope Margaery Tyrell won't die. She's currently locked up in a cell by Cersei but I hope she'll come back and take vengeance. I also want to see the Sand Snakes alive in Dorne. They're smart and sexy and make for a good plot point.

John Snow — dead or alive: My heart says he’s alive but my head says he’s gone. People have been talking about the colour of his eye when he died, but I don’t think any of that will fly, we all know how George RR Martin likes to toy with our emotions. He has no reason to be brought back, now that the Wildlings are past Castle Black.

If you were GRR, a twist you’d introduce: I hope Cersei manages to put the High Sparrow in his place. Another great twist would be to see Westeros armies go head on with the Wildlings. Who will ascend the iron throne : Sansa Stark. It’s like the makers are keeping her alive parallel to the main characters of the show just for this. She's waiting and watching and might just be the person to finally sit on the throne.

Raftaar, rapper Favourite character: Tyrion Lannister. He’s high on wit and intellect and has his head held high even when he’s mocked for his dwarfism. Another character I really loved was Eddard Stark but he was killed quite early in the series.

Never say die: I really hope that Arya Stark doesn’t die. The makers kill just about anyone and I am really scared. John Snow — dead or alive: I fully trust the makers to brutally murder all the favourite characters and I think Jon Snow will die.

If you were GRR, a twist you’d introduce: I have a weak heart. I cannot put up with any more twists and turns in the series anymore.

Who will ascend the iron throne : Tyrion is my favourite but his chances to conquer the Iron Throne are very bleak. However, if not him, I really wish that the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen sits on the Iron Throne. Hail woman power.

Samir Kochhar, T.V host Favourite character: Jon Snow — He is a quintessential hero according to me as he constantly battles to find the greater good. He has to always contemplate on what is the right thing to do in the most difficult situations and that's what makes his character all the more heroic.

Never say die: Tyrion Lannister. He is one of my favourite characters. Despite his physical disabilities he manages to dominate anyone with his sharp mind, quick wit and his straightforwardness.

John Snow — dead or alive: It’s hard to tell with the show being so unpredictable but I have a hunch he is still alive.

If you were GRR, a twist you’d introduce: I hope the Starks reunite and avenge their dead family members. They have been scattered since season one and it will be great to see the Stark family reunion.

Who will ascend the iron throne : I’d like to see Daenerys on the throne. She is powerful, she has the empathy and the bloodline to be a good potentate and the prudence to be a good advisor. After all that she has been through she deserves to be on that throne.