Rain and grey skies did not deter fans in Mumbai. Bengalureans sacrificed their slow Sunday and teens in Hyderabad arrived at stores early. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , the eighth part of the saga from J.K. Rowling hit the shelves, and for many, it was time for another ‘Potterfest.’ Those who turned up, wand in hand, at the last Harry Potter book launch in 2007 were now adults and a bit embarrassed to show up in wizard gear. Yet, new fans had stepped in.
In monsoon-hit Mumbai, Potterheads queued up for their copy early. As soon as the stores opened, the book on Harry Potter in the world after Voldemort just flew off the shelves. Crossword and franchises sold over 8,000 copies across 93 stores nationwide.
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The nine-year wait for Rowling’s latest had many of Mumbai’s muggles excited not just for the story, but also at being able to pay for the book themselves for the first time.
Rishi Redkar, 25, of Worli was a pocket money-saving fan nine years ago, but this time, a salaried adult. He was at Crossword at Kemp’s Corner at 7.30 a.m. — a ritual he followed for each release. “I have read all Harry Potter novels. I bought the seventh book with my parents’ money. It is exciting to stand in the queue for your favourite book and pay for it yourself,” he said.
In India’s Silicon Valley there were many takers for the paper version, though there is a Kindle option. Bengalureans were hanging around Blossom Book House on Church Street at 7 a.m. A 45-minute delay in arrival of copies caused anxiety for fans.
Potter “mania” was absent in Delhi, but many fans were thrilled.
“I am looking forward to reading about the grown-up Harry Potter who has kids and a different life,” said Manogna Neelam, a corporate employee in Hyderabad.
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