Monday, January 23, 2012

Fits of Friendship!


I have this sudden urge to go back to Class V in school. Each one of us had a best friend (or multiple best friends) with whom we would quarrel every week and promise never to talk again…only to happily giggle n share an ice-cream the very next day! The twinkle in our eyes and that beaming innocent smile (stretching all the way to the ears) stuck on our face--implied 'truce'. Fun-filled happy school days!

In the words of Bernard Meltzer, "A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

As grown-ups, we rarely make up with friends the ‘Class V way’. These days, friends often drift apart due to trivial misunderstandings. We stretch a quarrel till it turns bitter and irreparable. Perhaps we are too complicated to let go of our ‘mighty ego’! Also, some people have the ability to drive you mad with their bouts of eccentricity. I belong to that club! I have alienated friends by being either insensitive or oversensitive.

If a friend I have annoyed is reading this note, I would say, let’s end the fight ‘the Class V way’!


Note: I wrote this as a Facebook note sometime last year.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Beautiful stories knit by music

There is no dearth of talent in our country-- especially in the fields of arts and culture. And my belief was strengthened by this brilliant play I watched at Prithvi theatre, Mumbai on Jan 8, 2012 called Stories In a Song.

Conceptualised by ace singer Shubha Mudgal, the play featured seven short stories- each unique in its characterization. The actors not just acted brilliantly, I was amazed at the way they sang! They were all professional Hindustani Classical vocal artists. Through this innovative play, the team portayed the evolution of different genres of music through the ages.


While there was one play celebrating the liberation of nuns through Buddhism (Songs of the Nuns), the portrayal on tawaiifs demostrated the spirit of patriotism among courtesan's in 20th century pre-independent India. The main protagonist in this play titled 'Mahatma Gandhi and the Tawaif Sabha' was a lady in Benaras who was charmed by Mahatma Gandhi's compassion towards courtesans and in his faith in their contribution to the freedom struggle. A special mention here for Ketki Thatte, who played the key role. Her voice is mellifluous and she rendered some classical thumris with perfection. The audience was overawed by her performance and the voice lingered in our minds long after the play was over. Such is the beauty of Indian Classical Music, especilly when performed by an artist who has mastered the art through dedication and a god-gifted voice. 

Chandni Begum and Bahadur Ladki narrated the story of Lucknowi music and the contours of Nautanki. While the former gave us an acocunt of folk singers and their plight while trying to adapt to a changing society, the latter expressed the emotions of a brave girl who fought with corrupt officials of the British rule to safeguard her honour.  

Whose Music Is It on the other hand described the concepts of 'gurukul' in music, copyright issues and presented an excellent example of how 'original' music is 'rechristened' and 'remixed' for instant money-making in this age of cut-throat ocmpetition.

Hindustani Airs showcased a brilliant account of the ladies from the colonial rule and their inquisitiveness to learn the basic tenets of Hindustani music. This was a beautiful and amusing encounter between Mansi Multani and Pia Sukanya which consisted of melody, wit, and a brilliant combination of cross-culture music. 

And finally, 'Kajri Akhada' aesthetically showcased the many nuances of the 'kajri' form of music, popular in North India since time immemorial. The team of actors/singers enchanted the audience with their impromptu acting and brilliant singing. Namit Das stood out due to his clear, robust voice and effortless singing. All the singers in the group were amazing and they left us bedazzled with this final act of theatrical extravaganza.

I hated to leave when the play got over and wished they presented some other forms of music too-- some amount of ghazals, tarana, and a touch of sufism would add to the richness of the theme. Nevertheless, I truly appreciate the effort and research that went behind this innovative portrayal. Hat's off to the singers and musicians for performing with perfect 'sur' and 'taal' and emoting the content of the songs beautifully while also acting on stage.

I look forward to attending more such unique musical plays in the city this year. 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

2012 | New Beginnings

I have been having this eerie feeling that 2012 is going to be a very positive year with opportunities galore and dreams fulfilled. I call this 'eerie' because I haven't had this feeling for quite some time.

2012 looks to be full of optimisim and sunshine. There are a few 'low-lying high priority' dreams that I have been trying to realize since long. But they were delayed due to my procrastination. This year, I aim to complete my pending (dream) tasks. After all, what's in a dream if it is not taken to fruition?

Setting the pace
This year began on a wonderful note with family and close friends. I was happy that my mother and adorable niece were in Mumbai with me on new year's eve. To add to that, we had a whole bunch of friends visiting us with their families from Thane, Pune, Kolkata, and Gurgaon. Could one get luckier? :). We had a whale of a time! 13 people in a 2-BHK flat in Mumbai partying till the wee hours of night-- it was awesome! The guys managing the kitchen made some awesome drinks and served delectable starters ;). Music was full-on and I 'finally' got to play my hero Salman Khan for a brief 10 seconds while the Dabaang soundtrack was playing :). My niece looked pretty in a lovely evening dress and she ball-danced with me along with her other little friends.

Earllier that afternoon, the whole gang had been to Bandra Band Stand. Nothing like the sea welcoming you with open arms on New Year's. There was so much of freshness and energy that I had this strong gut feel that 2012 is going to be a year to make dreams come true :). Newness is always attractive and 2012 exuberates that charm of newness.

So far, January has been awesome fun! It was my brother's birthday in the first week and another round of madness and enjoyment followed. I had so much fun on that day that I wished it went on forever.

Pleasant Surprises! 
I still cannot believe Raju drives!! While I was in Kolkata, she drove me around and even dropped me to the airport. It was incredible to see Raju behind the wheels perfectly parking the car or accelerating on the bypass. And we lived our own little dreams too while driving around together ;). The simple things in life always are the most memorable and make us the happiest.

Priyanka came to visit me at the airport with her adorable little daughter. That was another pleasant surprise and the smile just didn't want to leave my face :)

Positive Vibes- New Places, New People
Actually, not just 2012. August 2011 onwards, life has been very kind to me. I travelled considerably within Maharashtra and to North and East India. Mahabaleswar in August, Kolkata during Durga Puja, Himachal (Manali, Rohtang, Solang etc) in October, Pune in December, Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule in December -- we made the most of every little holiday/long vacation we got.

Take One| Mahabaleswar: The weather was pleasant and the hills overlooking the valley made the ambience perfect for a holiday. There was a mild drizzzle and I enjoyed a lot of 'strawberry crush' in the autumn embracing this hill station. I met new people, saw new places and overall returned very satisfied and pepped-up after the mini-vacation during the Independence Day weekend.

Take Two | Kolkata: I had a gala time in Kolkata during the puja vacations in October-- people, places, food-- what a combo! Legend has it the the Goddess visits her parents home each year around this time and showers blessings and happiness on us mortals. Revelries and merry-making characterize this festival. Each year, visiting home during the puja brings solace and mental harmony.

Take Three | Manali: In October 2011 again, we were off to Manali--heaven on earth. Manali is picturesque. Bright flowers, puerile Beas river, spectacular sunrise, breathtaking landscape, infinite greenery amid woods, and more. A real treat for nature lovers, writers, and photographers. I wouldn't mind spending the rest of my life somewhere in the Himalayas near Manali. We also travelled in and around Himachal and returned via Chandigarh- Delhi.. again awesome places to visit during a holiday.

Take Four | Pune: In December, we made a short weekend trip to Pune- just like that. To visit friends and relax. The city always feels like home to me :)

Take Five | Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule: In December 2011, we discovered another beautiful place--this time in the outskirts of Maharashtra. Ganpatipule's scenic beauty will leave you stunned. Beautiful flowers, unique leaves, magnificent coconut trees and of course-- the sea. The white-sand beach there and the sea again made me philosophical :). Paulo Coeho's books always leave a deep impression in my mind and every time I am close to nature- his writing makes even more sense to me.


The sea-side love story was followed by a quick visit to Ratnagiri-- the terracotta red earth reminded me of Bishnupur in Bankura (West bengal). Outskirts and rural areas always manage to look naturally beautiful and there is an unfathomable magic in the fragrance of the wet earth. One feels like lazing round amid nature doing nothing. After lots of clicks and gorging hungrily on my favorite 'Surmai' (fish) fry at Ratnagiri, we were back in Mumbai. And I almost forgot to mention-- the Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule. I did not know till I went there that it is among the most revered places of worship in Maharashtra. So, we went there for a quick 'darshan' too. And came across the huge 'mouse' statues (also found at Siddhivinayak temple, Mumbai). People say, if you whisper your wish to the mouse, it gets fulfilled :).

New Beginnings
2012 seems to be welcoming me with new friends and friendships. I messed up one friendship in 2011. Due to whatever reasons, I lost a friend. And it became worse as I tried to revive the friendship after it was no more. That was a mistake-- big, HUGE! By the time I realized, moments had already become memories. I got a bit disillusioned for sometime. Then, instead of grumbling over a lost friendship, I started treasuring the memories :). And now when I look back, I know there is no going back...only moving on with positivity towards new horizons. New beginnings, new friends, and new adventures. Indeed, life is a journey, never a destination.

Wish-a-holic!
And yes, I must get a doggie. I have lived without dogs and their warm licks, friendly bites, damp noses, fake cries, crazy snuggles, lazy snores, and lively roars for 5 years now! Every time I see a dog at someone's home, I want to bring one home myself. Animals always make us smile. There is so much warmth in their body language, it is amazing.


The two top things on my agenda are to complete my book (long pending!) and to shed a few kilos. Tough but possible :p.

On that wishful note, I wish a very Happy New Year to eveyone reading this post!

'Once we have overcome the defeats - and we always do - we are filled by a greater sense of euphoria and confidence. In the silence of our hearts, we know that we are proving ourselves worthy of the miracle of life. Each day, each hour, is part of the good fight.' - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist