And she smiles again...

Long long time ago when I was really small, she said “Chane ke khet mein” and I said “Main Madhuri Dixit banna chahti hoon”! This post is dedicated to the greatest on screen dancer and my all-time inspiration, for her Ghaghra takes my heart away, all over again..

Twenty five years ago, she counted “Ek do teen” and in a flash of a second Mohini became synonymous to dream girl. She said “Dhak dhak karne laga” and I bet the entire generation of young men felt it too. She said “Didi tera devar deewana” and the counterpart generation of girls went backless! With “Choli ke peechhe kya hai” she pulled-off a deadly item song with her magical innocence. And then with “humko aaj kal hai intezaar” suddenly fishing nets became so sexy. With the numerous pieces following in Saajan, Raja, Prem Granth, Koyla, Dil toh Pagal hai, she was all set to break records and win hearts. But before anyone could frame her as the classical dancing diva, she set the stage on fire with dance master Prabhu Deva. And then with the numerous sequences in Devdas, which for the record no living or dead actress could have done justice to, she set new standards for dancing in Bollywood. Time passed, and just when we thought that the Dhooms and Beedis had taken over, she came back and said “Aaja Nachle” and filled new hope in the hearts of many aspiring dancers (well, not just in the movie). And now again with her seductive moves, evergreen turns, eye squinching expressions and the flowing Ghaghra in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, she has just portrayed that there is no age for dancing, for beauty or for grace!

Every time I look at her performing, I fall in love with her all over again. She has redefined seduction by comfortably blending it with the right amount of grace and charm. I wonder at times, what is it that clicked for her - her phenomenal acting prowess, her much talked about dancing moves, her scintillating beauty, her charming smile or maybe it was just her luck? Whom am I kidding, how is it that only the most talented people get lucky! It appears as if she was born to do this. I guess that is what perfection does to you. Sachin Tendulkar was born for cricket and Lata Mangeshkar was born to sing. But they really didn’t know it the day they were born. They learnt it over a period of time as they perfected what they really liked and ultimately became the best in them, so did Madhuri Dixit! Luck can give you a break but not the power to rule the hearts of millions of people for such a long time, be it Sachin Tendulkar or Madhuri Dixit. Having said that, “Main Madhuri Dixit banna chahti hoon” makes lot more sense. Not to be the dancer that she is but to be the perfectionist that she is!

-A follower of her steps (literally and figuratively)

As this road ends

As another of my closest friends left the green corridors of IIM Shillong today, it reminded me of those difficult yet memorable times of engineering when every train that left Nagpur Railway Station left a drop in the eye, holding to the rim of the eye like I would like to hold to the infinite moments small and big which made my college days extraordinary! I want to dedicate this post to the last two years at IIM Shillong, the stupendous times that I shared in this serene place with such Incredible people and all those nothings that added up to make something today!

To the few very special people who touched my life:

Ankita: I love you for being my constant support and the maturity you have shown in handling situations and people with your “maa to maasi tak ka gyaan”

Aritra: I love you for the absolute dedication you show in your work and the picture perfect ppts which gave me the incredible War Room experience J

Janaki: I love you for the simple yet bright, caring yet strong, charming yet homely human being and the perfect role model that you have been

Mallika: I love you for the way you lit every moment with your bubbly cheer, be it “Jab G met” or our trio girls meet or every time you peeked into my room

Nidhi: I love you for sharing your laughter with me and the immaculate creativity you put in every small-big task you do

Nimesh: I love you for your urge for learning and getting new experiences which motivated me to follow that path and experience a new way of self-driven learning

Noopur: I love you for the simplicity through which you smile through everything and also spread your smiles to people around you

Shalini: I love you for the boundless energy and enthusiasm with which you move around and are able to indulge others also into doing so

Shantanu: I love you for the enthusiasm you showcased in all the fun filled trips you organized and the amazing night long chats we had in your room

Shipra: I love you for the way you come calling for me… “SOoooTI…” and make the day special by sharing few moments as genuine as the person that you are

Shukla: I love you for all teasing and leg pulling which made these two years a joyous ride and for motivating me to give a serious thought to marketing

Sunayna: I love you for being my alter ego and sharing my deep most concerns and thoughts in a way none can comprehend and reciprocate

Tarun: I love you for being the inspiration for giving 100% to whatever one does and excelling in everything with perfection

To the few special times which will be terribly missed:

Jab G met: All those full filled group G meetings when we started from scratch and made classic ppts with weird ideas, arguments and counter arguments being thrown from all sides only to be made more interesting by the background musical score by Debasish and the sound of Mallika’s laughter. Those times when I fought with Kamal, worked overnight with Shipra, presented those ppts with a touch of emotions, compared them with Group B and Group F ppts and reworked ours to match their standards.. Ohh.. I would so miss all those times!

@ IT Room: Be it the heated arguments for system upgrades, sending mails, meeting Basav or the IT Comm style parties which we initiated, this room and the people who participated in the proceedings there will always be special. As a rare occurrence, they helped me look into my shortcomings and work on them, to them I am highly indebted. With people so highly motivated, selfless, down to earth, emotional and simple, it was a unique experience of working in a team.

Club meet @ Gym: Now those were times when you wonder whether it is worth arguing for the time that you are killing, with someone as Piyush next to you, arguments were never a cake walk. Right from the time when Jitesh posed the option of flat hierarchy to the time when we met for deciding the name of the club, taking a decision never looked more difficult. But with passion we worked and with similar passion we argued, for each believed in his thoughts and had the conviction to turn it into action. There might be not be a very emotional connect but there is massive professional admiration which makes it an important part of the journey.

Green plate & more: The secret find of a delicious hangout place played a major role in making the tiresome primary research adventures with Shipra and Aritra bearable. With our hangouts going beyond Green plate, our friendship also moved beyond group work and competitions. The times we shared in Aritra’s room, watching God-Knows-What and discussing the whole world around will be terribly missed. Shipra calling out SOTIiii from a distance and then finding me half asleep on my bed, sending me songs to forward to Papa, cracking witty one liners on everything I say, will be missed. Aritra sharing ppt excerpts with me, me pulling his leg on his love life and at the end even being a victim to his overdose of cribbing, will all be missed.

E-2 & beyond: From the times we fought to decide who would open the door or fill water in the jug to the threats of non-cooperation movement at times of differences, the times spent in E-2 with Ankita were really close to heart. To list those times will be difficult for it is difficult to put to words how you cared for me at times of distress, brought up my spirits when I was low, wiped my tears when I was sad, and gave me life back when I was lost. Your constant companionship and support only made my 2^nd year sweeter and made it more difficult to part with this place. How much would I miss ordering someone to cook for me at any odd hour of the day and even night and expect someone to bring me a muffin every time I miss a meal and over sleep, which I do quite often!

Sleepless nights & late mornings: Ohh.. How I would miss walking into the next door to Sunayna, to check if she has slept at night and try to indulge her into a random conversation about life or to check if she has woken up in the morning to feel good that there is someone on a similar undisciplined schedule as you. Ohh.. How I would miss talking about something deep and random and getting that honest expression from someone that she feels exactly the same about the matter. Ohh.. How I would miss having a partner in crime for all the crazy desires and plans we made. Ohh.. How I would miss my alter ego, is beyond something even I or you can understand to be able to put it in words.

Evergreen Random Bakar: Well I had heard people say that many nothings can add up to great somethings which become important in life. For all the times shared with Colors Pariwar in Shantanu’s, Tarun’s, Shukla’s or even Nidhi’s room, reinforced the significance of this thought. The times when Shukla or Nimesh would endlessly pull my leg, when Sunayna would remain silent to avoid going against me in a discussion, Nidhi’s +1s and Shukla’s cribbing on them, Shantanu’s constant attempts to get us out of our rooms and Tarun’s passion for photography, Kopda and also beyond always kept us occupied with something to do and build memories about. Ohh.. What would be this life without these somethings is difficult to explain!

Competitions & beyond: Right from the time Shalini and I hit the jackpot with TVEs to the awe inspiring War room moment in Mumbai, competitions were always challenging as well as bakar fun. The time spent Ideating with Nimesh on Britannia case, ufff.. What crazy time with those one liners and out of the box concepts! Then wacky ideas! He made fun of us but at the same time showed us path. Competitions remind me of the most random trip I made with Jasdeep and Tarun to Laitlum. What scenic beauty with the clean blue sky and fresh cool breeze, it was my first tryst with the natural beauty of Shillong! As I walk into the corporate world, I would so miss working with such a unique mix of people on random business challenges and believe that together we will be able to handle the situation.

Footsteps & the Reminiscences: I remember the first assignment of 10 pager we got during footsteps. That was only a start to the roller coaster ride we had during that one sweet horrible week. Ohh.. How much we struggled to complete those 10 pages! That Harish’s speech with 4 F’s, Jitesh’s knowledge sharing sessions, friend requests from seniors and the following rumours, Hustle-bustle of Club Committee induction, the return trip to Hyderabad with seniors, those Ranbhoomi days and the overnight badminton rounds, Kopda and the cheering, masti on the Golf Course, random outings to PB, infinite trips to enjoy nature, those birthday celebrations and GPL and Salsa, the bon fire and the DJ parties, that classroom drama with Natalie’s nursery sessions and Joshi’s Boardroom role plays, those night classes before exams by experts which helped us pass, those claps in class and those tch tch tch tchs…

Too much to gather, too much to fathom.. I rest my emotions for I can go no longer.

10 pager sounds easier! Now if I recollect, I can go on and on without count, on my life @ IIM Shillong itself. That is what makes it so special. Ohh.. I would so miss this place.

Who's the lucky one?

“Seriously, what did you see in him?”

Radhika was not being asked this for the first time. With those perfect curves, a beautiful face which is no less than a delight to watch, and the smile which glows up the entire room, she was an eye turner for sure. Nitin on the contrary was a sleek, unattractive figure who seemed to have lived carelessly without the slightest knowledge of muscles throughout his life. No matter how mismatched they looked, it seemed like they were deeply in love.

“He makes me laugh, I am happy when he is around”

Anybody who knew Nitin would agree with this. He was the most hilarious person many would have known, with humour flowing every minute of his presence. A humour devoid of sarcasm, a humour devoid of tantalism, a humour so pure that it could hurt no one but only make them laugh. In spite of his odd humour, people used to laugh with him and never on him.

It had been a decade since the two got married against their families’ wishes and were staying in Mumbai without any children as per the Almighty’s will. Nitin worked in the media industry as an analyst and was very happy with his job, no matter it was in his nature to be happy about whatever he did. Radhika gave up her high paying job as a senior consultant just a few years into marriage when she found it becoming challenging and realised she wasn’t able to spend time with Nitin. She was asked the same thing then, “What do you see in him?” And her reply was the same, “He makes me happy”.

Yet with so many hurdles and inadequacies they seemed to be the happiest couple around. People envied them but never really understood why, for they had nothing which others could not have.

“I think I will never be a mother”, Radhika faced her worst fears one day as she buried herself into Nitin’s arms, weeping.

“Mother Teresa was never a mother, but none could have found a better mother than her. She was the symbol of impartial care and love, immovable faith and hope, unfathomable motherhood.”

Radhika stopped crying and looked at Nitin.

“You know why I am telling you this?”

She nodded gently wiping off her face.

“Because you represent gentleness of that remarkable level. You take care of ME when I act childish.”

She smiled faintly.

“Okay, you don’t believe me. You forgot our neighbour Padma’s daughter, she couldn’t let go of you. And your friend Rekha’s kids, they were inseparable every time she left with you to take care. And my Chacha’s son Bapun, your kaka’s daughter Simi, your Hyderabad aunt’s nephew, my distant cousin Rita’s daughter, your own loving sister’s kids….”

The tears had vanished and Radhika very well understood what Nitin was trying to do but that didn’t prevent her from smiling.

"… Also your phuphere mama’s daughter’s son Kittu, our last landlord Shyamji’s daughter Nippo, my friend Jessica’s brother’s kids Momo and Yoyo, oh yes and how can we forget our old neighbour Radha’s twins Rock and Roll, how they used to dance for you whenever you called them by these names that you game them. Rock ‘n’ Roll!?!? Seriously what were you thinking!”

“Well, I have seen them grow and it was surprisingly funny that in spite of all the physical resemblance, one wouldn’t move while the other kept on crawling, rolling all the time. I can’t believe they still have these names on all their twin clothes!”

And they both started laughing so hard without stop for a long time and the room was filled with laughter. All their worries and troubles had this secret passage made up of happiness and laughter to guide themselves out of their lives.

Today that passage was destroyed as was Nitin’s strength and Radhika’s cheer. Their journey together had shockingly come to an unwanted end. People stood around as the room was filled with what seemed like a never ending silence. There was nothing anyone could have done, for it couldn’t have been a more tragic end. Radhika was hit with a speeding car while coming back from the market and took her last breath on the way to hospital. As she lied bruised motionless on the floor, Nitin’s eyes were filled with deep regret and helplessness. Today was the first time she hadn’t laughed, today was the first time he wasn’t trying to.

No one knew what to say, it had always been Nitin’s job to comfort people, to cheer them up.

“How are you holding up man?”

He didn’t move, tears rolled down and he couldn’t stop them.

“It will be okay.”

He still didn’t move. It was like end of world for Nitin.

Finally his voice broke, “All I had lived for was to make her laugh.”

And people realised what she saw in him.

Relationships are not about having, they are about giving. One is only as happy and as lucky as the other half.

Happy NEW Year!

“Why can’t I go if anna can?” Sahiti argued.

It wasn’t the first time that she was denied permission to go out.

Angry and dejected with none yet all, she sat next to window looking at the unending darkness. A silent drop rolled down her cheeks as the clock struck twelve.

And then the answer dawned upon her; something her parents had never mentioned but was always implied, “Because you’re a girl”.

“Happy New Year!” she whispered and mocked at the irony.

Wondering how long will girls be made to suffer in this society endorsing fake equality! 

New awakening for women rights – you want it, you fight it

I am a woman. A woman with desires and aspirations, with strengths and limitations. I am competitive, I stand in the board room with men today, listen to them and argue with them and have even out shone them in many respects. I learn from them and also teach them. For the society to take note, I even earn more than many of them. I sincerely undertake my duties as a wife, a mother, a daughter and a daughter in law. I offer my daily prayers for the wellness of all. I laugh with my family and at troubled times cry in a dark corner. I am the source of love and care for my family, I am the source of positivity and energy for my friends, I am the source of patience and compassion for my colleagues and I am the source of goodness and wellbeing for all my fellow human beings. But in spite of all that, I am a woman. A woman who is vulnerable because of her misplaced belief that she is living in a world which reciprocates her goodness.

The recent incident in Delhi has shaken the entire youth, men and women alike, to stand for woman rights, yet again. History has it, together we have fought for human rights. We eliminated the Sati system, we eliminated child marriage, we have fought for gender equality for long now. And look where we have reached. We now have 33% reservation in many bodies and organizations including the Parliament, we are getting equal opportunities of education, we are getting high paying jobs in multi-national companies and we are getting married at our willful age. Looks like everything is falling in place. But look closely, is it really? Are we still safe to enjoy our rights? From being raped by policemen in police station (refer Mathura rape case) to being raped by own father in law within the four walls (refer Imrana rape case), where are we safe now? And to say the least, what trust will we have on our government if we cannot be safe in the national capital?

We live in a society where we offer our prayers to Durga and Laxmi and fear the Kali, yet we are not able to respect the dignity of women. I myself have been audience (observed as well as victimized at times) to many cases of eve teasing and grab-hit-flee and yet, time and again, I fail to understand the mentality of such men who are not able to respect the sanctity of womanhood, in spite of being born to a female and giving birth to a female. I wonder what I as a female can do to prevent this from happening? I have a voice, I can raise it for sure. But it has to be loud enough that this entire class of insensitive inhuman creatures hear it and fear it. Let us all take an oath to object, revolt, raise voice against any indecent act towards woman around us. For somewhere it might be our mother, sister, wife or daughter facing the same ordeal. I urge all my friends, male and female, to stand for this cause. For I can only hope that the government will do something concrete to avail women of their rightful place in the society.

Reflections in Silence

It looked like a beautiful necklace with glittering gold studs. In spite of the numerous long drives I had been on, I never noticed the perfection with which it was built. The nitty-gritties which used to bother me seemed completely redundant now.

I was amazed how distance could create such a drastic change in perception. I sat through the window wondering if it applied only to highways and bridges or also to people.

My first flight journey indeed changed my perspective to life a little more than I expected!

(Inspired by the Mute Spectator for this wonderful concept of 100 words short story!

http://reflectionsinsilence.wordpress.com/)

Life@IIM Shillong - So far so good and yet to come..

When I walked into the gates of IIM Shillong a year back, I had a dream. A dream to make  the most out of these two years, get a good job, repay my loan, take up challenging tasks unlike my last IT job, rise the corporate ladder, give an interview for a leading newspaper, make my parents proud and others envious, blah blah blah.. Not sure if everyone came with the same intentions but first few weeks into campus and I could see different kinds of people, some smart - some trying to be smart, everyone trying to get noticed and survive the pressure of performance at an IIM.

A term passed by with these dreams being replaced by new ones, to have fun, make the most out of being in Shillong by discovering its natural beauty, make good friends, travel with friends to the remotest possible beauty spots in Meghalaya before leaving this place, talk to people and understand their perspective,, do things differently – no matter how weird or wrong it might look like, learn by yourself – be it in classroom or in life, blah blah blah.. Not sure if everyone saw their dreams changing but one could surely notice the desperation of getting noticed fading away!

I had walked in with dreams but had expected the least; dreams redefined but had only hoped they would come true. Now a year passed by and I am already living most of them. Explored the beauty of Shillong with insatiable hunger still burning inside – from the mystically captivating sacred grooves to the absolute divinity called Cherrapunji, from the adventurous rock climbing in Nongstein to the morning walk in the just beside Smith Village, the journey has been exhilarating. Friends? – Well, there were just 6 in F.R.I.E.N.D.S, but here we have 105, one of their kinds and each one is special (yes, like every child is special)! Friends to rely on, friends to share troubles with, friends to gossip with, friends to bitch about other friends, friends to go on treks, friends to party with, friends to celebrate birthdays with and the list goes endless, because friends are there for just everything.

Learning? – I guess my group mates would be in a better position to comment. I am not sure if they learnt from me or I learnt from them but we all definitely grew together. With one of the awesomest library present, I had a lot to learn from – I used it effectively or not is a different story (anyways we live in the hi-tech world and google has answer for everything). Understanding people and different perspectives? – I bet!!! do you even have an option here. Job? – Oh, I should be last one complaining about it. Already living the dream of many in a top class FMCG company, there is no dearth of challenges, as far as you can take them. Making parents proud? – I guess they already are and the IIM tag will suffice for the dummy community around (this is with the hope that the RG will be dropped sometime soon down the line!). Interview for a leading newspaper? – I guess that still remains a dream but yeah, you should surely have some dreams unfulfilled to motivate you to live on!

Life@IIM Shillong rocks, can’t wait to get back to it!!! :)