Thousand plates of biryani for free if Argentina wins the football World Cup. This was the promise made, ahead of the football World Cup, and kept by a Kerala hotel owner and die-hard fan of the South American team. Shibu, owner of Rockland hotel in Pallimoola area of Thrissur district of the southern state, had before the commencement of the grand sporting event promised to provide 1,000 plates of biryani for free if Argentina wins the cup.
However, on Monday -- the day after Argentina won the final against France -- a huge crowd, much more than he ever expected, turned up at his outlet. Apparently not one to back away from a promise made, Shibu not only kept his word but also upped the number of free biryanis by an additional 500.
Visuals on various channels showed the long serpentine queue of people, including school and college students, waiting outside his outlet since morning to get in. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I had not expected such a huge crowd so early in the day."
When asked if he would be able to cater to them, Shibu responded, "I have increased the number of free biryanis by 500." Congress MLA Shafi Parambil, who was also present there, told reporters that Argentine fans were waiting for this win for the last 36 years.
"The 36-year long wait is over. Our years of waiting for this moment was more than Messi's age. We were fans of Argentina when they lost and we were fans when they won. For us, it's a passion," he said.
Shibu too spoke along similar lines and said he was celebrating the end of an over three decade long wait by giving away the delicacies for free. "I am sharing my happiness by giving away the free biryanis," he said. Those who sampled the fare praised the taste and said "it's awesome".