I am a material girl

My love affair with electronics started back in 2006 when I was to get my second cellphone - the Nokia 3250. The "Ooh ah let the music play" phone, remember? The bottom half turned 270 degrees - 90 degrees to transform itself into what looked like a camcorder and 180 degrees into a music player. That TV ad had me enraptured like nothing else before. Also, convincing my parents to get me a phone worth 16k wasn't gonna be easy, so I spent hours and hours at the workplace going through the mobile forums. I did my homework. I infact took to my parents the print outs of the positive feedback I had read on the internet.

Now the thing about falling in love - with anyone or anything - is that once your heart is set on something, rationality can't do shit. I can tell you with certainty that I have contemplated more on what toothbrush to buy than the electronics I've purchased over the years. I saw a Macbook, I had to get it. End of discussion. (Not really, I asked tens of people thousands of questions) Did it cost 50k more than I wanted to spend on a new laptop? Yes, it did. Am I currently typing on it? Yes, I am.

One of the most emotional electronic purchases I ever made was in 2008 - my 4GB iPod Nano Video. After two very pine-filled years from the iPod's launch, I found a person at my office who was selling a brand new iPod for slightly cheaper than the market rate. Within 5 hours I gave myself my first expensive gift. 4 years later that thing still hasn't died on me. I can safely admit that I love that thin piece of hard drive more than I love most humans.

I saw my 2010-purchased MotoDroid for the first time at the Delhi Airport. I felt an instant connection with it, I kid you not! Apart from the fact that its looks appealed to me so greatly, I have this thing...I can't own what the mass population buys. So not buying a Blackberry was an easy decision. And how many people own a Motorola? Last year's piano was another super impulse purchase that I haven't regretted for a second. It justified its cost long long ago.

And as much as I love the joy of a new gadget for myself, what gives me greater happiness is gifting them to people I love most. Back in 2007 when my boyfriend hit CAT out of the park I decided, as a congratulatory gift, to fulfill his wish of many years - owning a chronograph. He barely remembered telling me that so the look on his face was priceless. Later when we broke up and he told me he had stopped wearing that watch, not to mention he had replaced it with a better chrono, a little piece of me wept for that hint of unconditional love I had managed to display.

The funniest was perhaps when I bought a mic for this vocalist junior of mine at MICA (as part of a senior-junior interaction) It wasn't so much out of any love for him, since I barely knew him, it was just that he resembled an asshole I was obsessed with. The jerk & I weren't talking, since he decided to pull a Jerk de Soleil on me, so I found an inexplicable comfort in gifting this junior the microphone, like somehow some sort of positive energy or the fact that I still cared would be communicated to the universe. You get?

Last year I was planning on gifting a Kindle to this guy I was seeing, since he reads extensively. I did my thorough research - reviews, total cost, shipment, gifting options & what not. Well, it didn't quite work out - the Kindle or the guy. I was sort of relieved, not because it would've been the most expensive thing I bought for anyone other than myself but because, for me, gifting electronics comes very close to some sort of a love confession. (Not love as in always romantic love but a very high level of adoration.) I would've been looking for a duvet to hide under had the Kindle not been reciprocated in a much less materialistic way.

Well, there have been other instances but this post has dragged on way too long. Not to mention my extremely heavy eyes. This Mac is so pweeetyyyyyy! =)

27 and never felt better

As I turn 27 in 3 days, I thought I'd look back at some of my most memorable birthdays.

1995
I can't remember much that happened on my birthday but I do remember the days leading up to it. I have mentioned my first crush in this post and how by sheer good luck he was my class partner that entire year.

You recall how as kids we could, for one day, dump our uniforms and don some jazzy clothes to school on our birthday? Yeah, so tragedy struck and about the same day as today, 17 years ago, my class teacher announced that the casual clothes were not allowed on birthdays from that day onwards. My entire world came crashing down (that happens rather often, doesn't it?). Only a day prior to that I had asked my crush what he thought I should wear - a pink frock or something else I fail to recall. I do remember asking him but not what he replied 'cause I'm sure it was something as inconsequential and very guy-like such as "I don't know" or "Whatever you like". However, the funniest part is that I was a 10 year old girl, asking a 10 year old boy, what I should wear to impress him (sounds like that dialogue from Notting Hill no? I LOVE that movie.) The year prior to that I made my parents buy me a dress for 500 bucks (and 500 bucks was big money back in '94) so maybe he would notice this white blob. Man, that guy was something. He drove me nuts. For 6 whole years.

But hold on, the worst part was, apparently the news had not yet been communicated to the entire school, as it turned out, the kids who shared their birthdays with me were wearing casual clothes while I stood there in the school assembly beating myself up for following the goddamn rules. 

2005
As luck would have it, I met with an accident two days prior to my birthday. Let me elucidate. I was riding pillion with a friend on a motorcycle when my right leg felt rather stiff on that foot pedal. So I decided to stretch my leg. When I was to keep my foot back on the pedal, I miscalculated and ended up putting my foot right between the spokes of the in-motion rear wheel. (Yeah, I know) Thankfully, no bones were broken but there was a massive soft tissue injury that left me invalid for 2 weeks and that would take 6 months to heal completely.

My bf tried to make it better by singing me happy birthday robot style at midnight but it could only do so much. During the day I fell asleep out of sheer depression/boredom. I was woken up by my mom only to see my room filled with my best friends! They got me a cake and gifts and no sympathies, only joy. That day is unforgettable. I'm sure my eyes welled up, and if they didn't they really should've.

2010
My MICA friends are quite possibly the closest people to my heart. Above my family and past friends (Don't judge me) They perhaps know me more than I know myself. So I wasn't surprised (but I was!) that at midnight my room was filled with chicken tikka, tandoori chicken, jello shots and as my gift, a carton filled with my favorite things to eat.

Unfortunately, my friends were tanking up on bhaang while I attended some other people who came to wish me and so some were in such a bad shape, they had to retire early. That was better than Ms Aditi clicking pics with a fictitious camera and asking us to pose for it. And after battling the wild cats in our hostel who were attacking all my chicken, we finally gobbled up all the food and hit the sack. But not before I wrote this.

2011
Last year's birthday was unexpectedly quite awesome. I have partially described it here. Besides that my family was surprisingly calm and everyone got along famously without any annoyance or fights. Quite possibly the perfect day, like packaged with care by a higher power.

This year is going to be regular thoroughfare from where I see it. But that ain't bad either. I meet a school friend after years and then there's the customary family dinner. Though I don't like to make my birthday a big deal, there's always a part of me that wants to be made feel special and if that doesn't happen I get pissed :P Here's to happy times. Cheers! (There'd better be alcohol involved)

Clarification, Observations and Updates

Clarification
Oye hello...just because I'm writing frustrated blog posts does not mean I am depressed. When I write, it's an exaggerated reality. Cynical love blogposts are about milking (attempted) poetry from the hurt experienced eons ago. Work frustration blogs about pre-good appraisal times. So relax, there's no cause for concern :)

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Observations

Uno
When you go out to a bar and don't know what to order, just get an LIT. Saves you the time to look at the menu, decisions regarding "What alcohol base would I prefer?" and definitely takes lesser time to get high. A little of everything, I say. An LIT. Lifesaving Insane Tonic.

And so that's what I did this Saturday night. After a coupla those, I got my freak on. So much so a stranger boy told me (twice) that I dance really well. Anyway this is not the first time my "high spirited" dancing was appreciated.*hair toss*

I do remember saying "I miss MICA" on repeat.

Dos
Boys, as a rule, girls are needy and clingy. There are various degrees of needy and clingy, but those are completely dependent on how much a girl is willing to show. The idea is not to run away from the needy and clingy, the idea is to work around it, like Iranian film directors. Do they stop making movies 'cause the government places such high censorship on their creative work of art? No. (I assume) They enjoy it, they revel in it. Their industry is one of the biggest in World Cinema. All because there was so much censorship they had to work around in creative ways to narrate!

So the moral of the story is, you can manage to handle a girl despite whatever BS she gives you. (That's if you are into her that much) If she ain't needy and clingy, she probably don't even want you so bad :P

Tres
Just two weeks back I got the shortest haircut of my life. It has been received surprisingly well with the general community. But when I met this one particular friend (he who shall not be named or referred to) after a long time, he had his own theory regarding it.

Let's call it the Haircut Theory.

According to him, when people go for radical haircuts it's because their lives are so boring, they want to do anything they can to shake things up. And when people go for a full headshave, they are trying to rediscover themselves. (Ok this is one of those "you had to be there" times. His animated hand movements and clear sarcasm is the icing and a bit of the cake too)

I have to admit, while I was getting a haircut, there were a few seconds I contemplated shaving my head off. Gulp. Needless to say, he received a few punches from me.

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Updates a.k.a. *narcissism alert*

Uno
You know how you sometimes feel stifled with your limited knowledge of something you love? Like not knowing enough about the lives of your teenage children, or struggling to learn enough at the workplace because of a shitty mentor.

That's how I feel about music and my inability to play an instrument.

So about 10 days back I joined piano classes. I *cannot believe* it took me so many years to do that. 2 classes down and I'm turning out to be quite the maestro! My teacher says I'm already at a normal person's 10-12th session! I'll be skipping Grade 1, 2 and 3 exams! He says and I quote "This is to you like a fish to water" AND AND "You have the music in you" *blush*

Dos
I seriously thought I would be fired. SERIOUSLY. But that darned appraisal went so well, I'm pretty sure my lower jaw was comfortably sitting on the floor for a few minutes. I was so overwhelmed with their remarks, I even teared up twice!

It could be because they thought I was good, it could be because they both got promoted the day before.

Of course my genius friend had to make a wisecrack and say "So basically now you will hang on there longer, no? Heh." I'm predictable.

Tres
Have you listened to "You are a tourist" by Death Cab for Cutie? There has been no song in recent times that has spoken to me quite like this one.

"If you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born, it's time to go"

Cuatro
I am on the brink of finishing reading my second book, which is quite an achievement 'cause my laptop ensured my reading habits went for a toss. GayDAD, my friend (?), philosopher (!) and guide (?), has been dictating the terms and conditions of my reading habits. Thank you, loser.

Have you reached here, reader? Congratulations.

Updated 0 seconds ago

I've been wanting to write for quite some time. Not poetry, but just write. A little pressure from the MICA batchmates who only recently discovered the awesomeness that is me or it could be because so much is going on in my life I feel there should be a chronicle to capture everything. I mean, a few years down the line the autobiography would need some hardcore content, right?!?! Heh.


Another problem was the theme. Somehow the best ones struck me either in the Metro or my bed - late night or early morning - but the Metro's too crowded and my quilt way too cozy for me to find a writing device and pen down the train of thoughts. So well, all those themes are gone. Boo-hoo.


But S reminded me that it's merely a blog and more importantly, it's MY blog and MOST importantly, no one really cares, so I'm just gonna go with the flow, 'cause apparently the flow knows where to go (copied from a friend's fb status, originality's overrated)


So the previous month has been über fantastic! (for the lack of a better word) I was the compere of the half yearly Marketing meet and that went better than I imagined (my compering i.e, not the 24 powerpoint presentations we had to sit through) You know, when stranger uncles and aunties come and tell you that you remind them of their daughter, it feels nice. And warm and fuzzy. 


Alright then, shaking off the pansyness.


Immediately following this was a MICA friend's wedding to another MICA friend so the entire MICA junta landed up in Delhi for the festivities. I barely remember anything from those 2 days, majorly because there was such fantastic alcohol at all the functions, but here and there I get flashes of it being quite a grand affair. I don't doubt it at all. Though there are some embarrassing tales that involved my sari stinking and getting torn so I'd rather not put it in digital ink 'cause when you are having 5 shots of that pink vodka you probably think "Hey! How potent can anything pink be?" DON'T LET IT FOOL YOU! Especially not after you've already had Wine and Schnapps. And especially especially when the bartender is a mad crazy fucker who tops up your drink 3 times with Absolut. Yes, I counted, but did I care? Also, if anybody asks, I wasn't there. What's better you have no pictures to prove otherwise. Hah!


Moving on.


I still hadn't got a chance to miss my friends when the MICA reunion happened. So we happily packed our bags for Gujju land. I also carried my laptop which people initially made fun of but ended up using it eventually. Ha-hah! 8 and a 1/2 months apart and it felt like I never left. Or I was dreaming. Either way, it was a great way to achieve closure.


If all this wasn't enough, one of the most successful JVs of our country divorced. And of course, I am employed by that company. I swear, I had no role to play in it. They split amicably but I think there were irreconcilable differences. Oh wait, or was that Britney and her 3rd husband? 


All this lead to a flurry of brainstorming sessions and I can't tell you how much brains I have put to use since last week. New name, logo making, copywriting...it's like when my boss tells me "Stop making taglines and start creating campaigns!"


Apart from all this my parents finally got the courage to bring up the M word. To which I realized how much I actually detest the whole concept of it. There's so much to lose and so little to gain. For 5 years of regular sex I ain't gonna be miserable for 50 - boredom, stress, lack of freedom, having to keep the new family happy, kids, a compromised career, a husband that comes late from work just so he doesn't need to help out with household chores. And such men after 25 years of marriage say how women are still a mystery to them! I don't blame them, it's hard for them to understand anything beyond food and sex. And evolution and nagging has still not made them enjoy shopping. A shame, really.


Without spewing any more poison on marriages, maybe for the career zone, I'd let this article speak for its articulate self.


iPhone and Android users, download Angry Birds. What a delightful little game!


OK so right about now I am tucking myself in. Good night or hope you've had a good night's sleep last night. Whatever works for you. 

New and Improved

Lately I've being searching far and wide for new music. Some of the ones on my iPod have been residing there for the past 2-3 years! I think they need to be trashed for more reasons than one -

a) Life has changed
b) Influences have changed
c) This musician needs new inspiration
d) Some songs remind you of times where you don't wanna go again

So I feel it's my moral responsibility to share some of my current favorites. Now these might not be exactly critic friendly and Mr. Existentialism, after reading this, will probably go - Where is that candor piece on coitus, men? - but well, fuck you.

I don't have a particularly favorite genre so here's a mix.

R&B Soul
Jazmine Sullivan - Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles) and Bust Your Windows
This woman has a beautiful subtle-husky voice with emotions sprinkled in sultry sexiness. Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles) is currently in the Billboard Top 100 and if you watch Glee, you must've seen Mercedes do a superbly choreographed cover of Bust Your Windows. Both songs - like a vocal jellyblast in the brain. Get your forks out.

Rihanna - Te Amo
The last time I liked Rihanna was like three years back with Umbrella, though that got old too soon. When you hear (and read the lyrics of) Te Amo you will realize why her latest album is named Rated R. Very earthy and without the annoying (nasal) vocal frills that have been rather characteristic of her lately. Hello sleep time music.

Usher feat. Pitbull- DJ Got Us Fallin In Love
Pitbull reminds me of MICA. Alcohol reminds me of MICA parties. This reminds me of MICA parties. I miss MICA parties. I miss MICA.

Country 
Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
I'd like to thank Air India for introducing me to this song. I remember going home and google searching the lyrics to look for what bloody song it was! Draws out memories, and the boy-girl duet with their respective stories makes it deliciously painful.

Miranda Lambert - White Liar
You'd fall in love with her when you watch the music video. Or you can listen to absolutely any song by her. The honesty in her music makes me hate the genre, that has to have the words 'mama', 'beer' and ol' in every song, a little lesser.

Rock/Alternative
Paramore - Ignorance and Decode
Hayley Williams has that super infectious energy and the skill for simple but clever songwriting. Makes me want to burst out with this in the Delhi Metro! Just the song to get you up and about on lazy winter mornings. Decode is my mobile ringtone, I look forward to getting more phone calls.

Happy listening! Let me know how you liked them.
Have some songs that I can't give a miss? Please share in the comment box.

Triumph of the Kill

I remember this one specific Culture and Communication class during my first year at MICA when we were being taught about Nazi Germany. The reason I will never forget that one is 'cause no class, in my history of classes, and trust me those have been a lot more than what I consciously signed up for, has ever reduced me to tears, as my favorite prof narrated the entire process of Jews being brought to concentration camps to their eventual fate in the gas chambers. After watching half a dozen to a dozen "Nazi movies" I knew this subject was going to be something that would remain with me even post my academic life.

So a few days back I decided to go book-hunting. Now, I haven't been able to read more than 2 non-textbooks in the past 3 years (not that I read textbooks either) and one of them include Two States (don't kill me, it costed 99 bucks!), so this was sort of me being very adventurous with my understood intellectual capacity. When I entered the book store, I was trying to figure out the genre I was looking for and as I stumbled on stacks of books on the floor of the narrow alleys, I was reaching the fag end of the store from where I could faintly read the word HISTORY. Unchartered territories, I thought to myself. Be brave and act casual. But no luck with the book. I strutted in with arrogance and walked out trying to merge with air.

Finally after another such store, which practically gave me a slap in the face by being shut altogether, I decided to make a trip to the only other one I knew, a tiny little place around the corner. It's obviously not going to have it, I assumed, maybe I should buy The Lost Symbol and the book that said "You have got to read this if you've read The Lost Symbol!"

However magically, as I made my first head turn in the store, staring me in the face was "THE RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH" Words fail me now that I'm trying to describe the instantaneous feeling. It was very "Hallelujah!-Shahrukh-sees-Sushmita in Main Hoon Na" I don't remember how my feet flighted and reached the shelf to pick it up.

The top view:

Nice, no? The picture is a shot from the movie "Triumph of the Will" by Leni Riefenstahl, which I have been dying to see since forever but haven't yet laid my hands on.

Now, the side view:

Apart from my worry about how much time it will take to finish reading this, the real issue was the price. Hold onto your horses women, it was a thousand bucks. I thought (again), let's get out of here. Forget this obsession, think about your track record. Two States, TWO STATES. What's more, bitch you even liked it! But after my 10 minute contemplative monologue ended, I headed towards the cash register.

Me - Pleeeeeease tell me there is a discount on this! *puppy face*
Cashier - Yes, there is! 10%
Me - I'LL TAKE IT! :D

And boy, I'm not regretting it. Though I'm just a few pages down I can tell this would be my read of a lifetime. AND since my brother's reaction to every interesting thing I read is Hmm. Hmm. Listen, I'm playing FIFA. So stfu, I thought I'd bore you guys instead.

You know, these people's personal lives were strange (Though only few can match Woody Allen's in barf-worthiness) For instance, Hitler's dad's last wife (Adolf's mom) was his foster daughter during his first marriage not to mention she was his own second cousin, and even Hitler's apparent "one true love" was his half-sister's daughter.

Did I mention 485 tons of records of the German Foreign Office from 1868 up till 1945 were recovered!
Did you know Hitler once worked as a building laborer and was rejected by art school and was told to apply to Architecture school instead?

I feel wise. I'll go read some more :)

So long...inspiration

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Best because I FINALLY see myself getting over nagging pains, worst because those were my biggest writing inspirations. So this post is dedicated to two of my biggest recent romances.

MICA

I fell in love with the place when I first heard about it back in 2005. Since then it had been my dream school. 5 years hence I'm still dreaming, but for all the right reasons. Though initially I felt I did not fit in, I realized no one else did either! And that's how we all came to belong. They gave me two most precious years to make it my own and now that time is up.

I wanted to love it more. But, so more could, it let me go.

An obscure place

in the middle of nowhere

you found me

or I found you

who cares.

I think I was born to be

a MICAn for life.

Mr.You-know-who-you-are
It's been so long I barely remember your face but I still remember a few events and words exchanged, however the feelings behind them have now blurred in my head. Though I've spent the past two years of my life in complete and utter misery, if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would not change a single minute of me being helplessly drowned in you. Where others derive their inspiration from your work, I got mine from The You! And I can't thank you enough for being my muse for as long as you have. But being cooped up in bed for 15 hours everyday thinking what's the point of even getting up? is not the way one should live their life.

You are a mystery I no longer intend to solve. So, I'm letting you go.

You play memories in your head
sometimes even fictional ones
hoping if you'd play them often enough
they just might come to life
and you replay
and replay
and replay
'til one day
you stop.

                               Meg, thanks for this. You're a doll :)

Uninspired writing is like a river without water, dull and cracked in places, not to mention useless. So I'm out scouting for something to excite me again. Till then, I will mostly be talking about how I want to drink espresso out of miniature bone china cups or how UTV World Movies and NDTV Lumiere are rocking my world. I will not stop my monologues for anything :)

Au revoir dearest "confused positioning" B/C-school

Of non-possibilities.
All of seventeen syllables
Describe this place.

Frankly, I don't think I can get myself to write much about it.

These days have been all about scampering through memories, thinking aloud the countdowns and then hush-hushing the other person when they do, hogging our favorite food items at the canteens, drinking and confessing, having loved and realizing, distracting ourselves from thinking we have less than 72 hours now. As I was emoting all that I wanted to say through Somewhere Only We Know at our very last cultural night last night amidst that batch that fervently applauded each of my performances over the past 2 years, I kept dreading the moment when I will walk out of that gate and turn back for one last glance. Leaving with my parents, I will feel like acting like that grumpy little 5 year old who wants to fake a stomach ache 'cause she doesn't want to leave home.

You've given me enough space to be myself and opportunities to do what I never imagined possible. I have and will never say this to anyone, but MICA - You complete me. (Beware of the waterworks)

Things you don't do during a medical test...when you're 25

Doctor: Do you often feel the need to get up at night to use the washroom?
Me: Nope. I do it before sleeping.
Doctor: *weird quizzical look, almost a duh*
Me: What?!?! My mom taught me when I was young.
Doctor: *rolls eyes*

***

Girl: The Pap Smear test is required only if you're married or sexually active.
Me: OK
Girl: I don't need it.
Me: OK
Girl: *waiting for an answer*
Me: Umm
Girl: *hands slightly going up in the air*
Me: Umm. ME NEITHER! Let's get outta here :D

Q&A

As I see you

Sitting half-grumpy

Scratching your face absentmindedly

Sniffing ‘cause of that cold you caught 

Shifting uncomfortably in your chair

And saying words that make so much sense

Despite the nasality and the slurring

And the unintended comic timing

I giggle

And accept your answers without questioning back

She nudges my arm

Her eyes speak

Be more professional!

I smile back at her

And think to myself

They say I am out of everyone’s league

But you are so out of mine

I won’t even try

Wish we had more time

Still, that’s alright

‘cause you give me hope

There might be more like you.

I played my part

The theatre scene at my college is well, quite fabulous! The people who started it now have their own theatre company Evam. You must’ve heard of them, they have been performing “Five Point Someone” around the country. If you haven’t, you will observe from now on. So the fact that someone as average as me could get a chance to play the lead on our theatre society's 10^th anniversary was un-fucking-believable.

Acting is not just awesome ‘cause you get to play someone else for a few minutes, but also ‘cause you get to give to it a little bit of you.

So while I was looking back at all those years of playing myself through someone else’s words, here are the plays I did.

8^th grade (1997): The Christmas Carol (?)

I played Ella, the lead guy’s wife. Interestingly I had been offered the role of Fredericka, the maidservant and the role was definitely bigger but the guy playing the lead was my crush at that time and I needed an excuse to spend more time with him so I fought with Liza, the original Ella and the director of the play, that I be offered Ella instead (I said I found that role more like-me as I could not play a docile, coy girl which, and I still stand by it, might actually be true) Since it was rumored that she too had a crush on the same guy, I presumed it was because of that very reason that she tried convincing me against Ella. But hey, I wasn’t the one to give up! I went to my English teacher, begged and pled, and got the role. And when Liza wasn’t watching, I did a Ha Hah! to myself. *evil smile*

9^th grade (1998): Some play, who cares

We were 7 and the roles were 6. It was purely bad luck I was absent the day the roles were allotted, so when I came to school the next day I was role-less. (I think it was karma that was playing out in the same lifetime, refer to grade 8) So what did I do? I wrote my part. Bahaha :D In the actual play the robber doesn’t get caught in the end, so I thought why not make my role a catalyst that helps put him behind bars! *shrugging my shoulders*

1^st yr Engineering (2002): Oedipus (Hindi)

Ah! The one that got me to BITS Pilani’s Oasis. Ismene was the second daughter of Oedipus. All I remember of my part was that I was wearing a big puffy pink gown with a tiara over my head. Regal! That was fun.

But what happened backstage was even better! Evidently one of the guys in the cast had a thing for me and he was eww-so-creepy. He not only made small talk with me every now and then but also somehow got ways to find me alone so he could creep the hell outta me. During practice sessions Mr. Astrologer would be adamant to read my hand. To make matters worse he suspected I was having a thing with another guy in the troupe and started spreading rumors about us. Now we were not gonna take this face down so Mr. S asked me if I wanted to have some fun with it. Then followed times when I used to pretend sneaking away with Mr. S right after the play practices. It was alright till astrologer guy got violent one day and started kicking and crying. Don’t judge me but boy, was it funny!!! But don’t worry, he did try to make me miserable when he became the director the next year and replaced me from every play during his tenure. Thankfully that opened up some new opportunities for me.

3^rd year (2004): Street play on some household issue

I had to hit a guy, as hard as I could. I don’t remember why. Frankly, I don’t care ;)

1^st year MICA (Jan 2009): Let’s have Sex!


What we did in-between practice

According to the directors, when the play is called “Let’s have Sex!” my audition is not required. I gave it nevertheless, they laughed, I got the part of the Girl. One of the most random things you will EVER read! However, it has a unique psychological twist at the end when the truth about the characters is revealed.

Won 2^nd prize at IIM-A for it. The only problem was telling my parents the name of the play :P

FYI, guys in IIM-A can be as creepy as anywhere else’s. When a guy comes to you three times and says “Let’s have sex eh” with a funky smile, it’s not funny or flattering. Ok a little funny and a little flattering.

2^nd year MICA (July 2009): Smoke Scenes

Thank God for mutual refusal of a stage kiss.

51 acts in 10 minutes. If you thought “Let’s have Sex!” was random, you’ve got to read this.

2^nd year MICA (Nov-Dec 2009): Silence! The Court is in Session (originally in Marathi “Shantata! Court Chalu Ahe”)



Day two

I had not cut my hair for 6 months ‘cause my director visualized them long. My auditions weren’t going well, I was supremely disheartened. I get a call at 2am to come for my final audition. Call it bad timing - I was attending a party - was semi-drunk and had experimented with the bong for the first time. So when I ended up getting the part I remember bawling in front of my director-cum-friend being so bloody overwhelmed, and not just because the wonderful role etched by Mr. Vijay Tendulkar was so freakishly me but because it came at a time when I desperately needed something to hang onto. And what a fabulous month and a half it was! Though it didn’t seem like it that time - screaming out dialogues out in the nice vast expanse at 5am in the last week of November (then attending classes at 9am), teeth chattering as your head peeped in and out of your thickest jacket synchronized with the timing of your dialogue and muttering abuses under our breath, never mind the rest of the cast never failing to fall asleep during my final 10-minute monologue, I think seeing your face on billboards all over the city, people paying to watch you perform, and to see their laughing/crying faces from the stage as the lights sweep across them every now and then, not to mention the standing ovations and applause(!), the countless hands I shook, the feet I touched, it’s all the high one needs. What was particularly exceptional was that my big fat family minus dog came to our last show in Delhi and according to my ex my dad was pretty dumbfounded after the show and my mom actually cried during my dialogues! Can you imagine! (This apart from the fact that some hot St. Stephens drama guy was asking about me *wink wink*)

We had 4 shows of the same but it was the second in particular when I forgot where Leela Benare ended and I started, where tears had to stop with my final dialogue they just couldn’t. That very moment will stay with me forever.

2^nd year MICA (12-13^th March 2010): In the Beginning

When the directors told me I will be playing Eve, my instant reaction was to warn them about my oh-not-so-awesome nakedness. Thankfully as it turns out that is not required. And as I leave in a few minutes for practice I realize that this might be the last play I will be performing, as will be the last song I will sing a few days hence on my beloved stage that’s more home to me than anywhere else.

It’s a good thing I’m not scared of change. But what if I don’t want to let go? 

Sigh.

To those who make our lives livable, everyday

Though class divides
the women sweeping sunny mornings
they shine like gold dust.

So Long

Our second original together! This one's close to my heart 'cause I semi-wrote, semi-composed and well, fully sung it :P And we did it in 30 minutes flat! What's more is that we performed it in college right after, in front of an audience of about 400!

I have this theory that Gaurav (Chatterji), Prateek (Dubey) and I are three lovers that can't create music without each other (with the exception of Gaurav, our next A.R. Rahman) None of us are really complete without the other :)

Anyway this version was supposed to be a dummy version, just a simple acoustic. Proper recording will happen later since my lovers and I are parted by distance.

Hope you enjoy it! (or don't hate it)



If you liked this, you might want to listen to Blue Butterfly

The "Talk"

A few confessions
require caution in indulgence,
the morning-after.

Fun Mistakes

Before

After

What we made of the wall last night

must be painted over;

to mask the ephemeral art

that drew itself under spirits

of the unusual kind

Kisko pyaar karoon, kaise pyaar karoon?

It's a funny thing when you're single. There comes a day you wake up and say "Yaar, what the hell. How long can I possibly be happy or sad about my own issues?" So, you decide to fuck all this I'm independent, I don't need a guy to make me happy BS and declare to the world that you're officially single and this time definitely ready to toss up the dormant shizzle.

Since it doesn't take for a genius to figure out I'm talking about myself here, I will tell you my summarized tale about trying to look for love or otherwise.

So started a fervent search by my girlfriends in trying to find me a decent guy (whatever that means) Often, I'd see them chew their nails, staring at me and dart at me with an almost Eurekan expression "I know a guy who would be perfect for you!" as the following conversation would prove almost disappointing.

Exhibit (a)
A friend recommended an old friend of hers who did his MBA from one of the best B-schools in the country in finance. Almost immediately I drifted to the time when I was still with my ex. Going from engineering to MBA during our erstwhile 6-year old relationship our conversations evolved from "Our relationship is like F1 car's chasis..." to "Our relationship is like home loans..." which I later deduced must be about the sub-prime crisis, I retorted with a NO! No finance guy.

Investment Bankers. Out.

During this process I have made a new best friend who seems more than willing to be my guy contributor. She has 17 ex's whose profiles range from Neurosurgeons to Drummers to Mechanical Engineers to History Majors. I'm not even kidding! Hooking up with either of them wouldn't even be as interesting as it is when she talks about them.

Exhibit (b)

(during one of our regular conversations)
Japanese Princess: Archie, how about a film maker?
Me: Where do you find such guys?
JP: He's really hot and very sweet.
Me: Hmm.
JP: And he's really really good in bed.
Me: He's not much into alcohol and smoking up, is he? I want a fun guy, you know, a fun person like me.
JP: (stares)
Me: So! He's really good in bed or what?
JP: (pursed lips, nods in slow motion)

The other day a batchmate of mine told me as he blushed that I am his ideal "take home to mom" type. I almost cried, with joy. I would've hugged him if we weren't in the train between two coaches near the toilet area.

So yes, all hope is not lost. All this apart from the fact that I have now planted friends in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore who would hook me up depending on where I would get a job. 3 months and this girl is going to paint *insert the city here* red. Weehee!

P.S: All references to my ex could be exaggerated. He's a damn neat guy and still single too. Anyone wants his number? I recommend him personally, 100%.

And immortality shall flourish...

                   Exactly how many times do you get such treatment?

 

                          Dual purpose pic: Shaadi.com plus YRF

The cast

Our play review!!!

Publication: Times Of India Ahmedabad;

Date: Dec 7, 2009

Courting reason 
SD Desai


    Theatre does not need great directors and actors to create its magic. In Sankalp’s ‘Silence! The Court is in Session’, Archita as Leena Benare, projected by young directors Neha and Gaurav in the centre in front with the red spot pinpointing her and those on the ‘frozen’ mock court dimmed and silenced, one with her character, during her intense 15-minute monologue at the climax of the play held the spectators transfixed, many with eyes moist.

    Transformed into an individual embodying all those women at whom society has been pointing an accusing finger, she could not hold back tears. One understands why Sulabha Deshpande, who was cast as Leela for the premiere of the play in Marathi ‘Shantata!’ had asked for this piece to be specially written so that she could give expression to her seething rage at having to silently take all the accusations society had made, locking her up in the dock. The actor will remain an individual empowered by theatre, even if with this single performance, all her life.

    Sankalp fittingly celebrates with the play its evolution in 10 years. In Priya Adarkar’s English translation of the original ‘Shantata! Court Chaloo Aahe’, here were both a challenging form of mock trial with an undercurrent of satire and a theme of social significance. For other characters, anchored by a shared human interest of scandal-mongering and tendency to sit in moral judgment, particularly against women, there are zestful budding actors.

    Abhishek’s cunning lawyer, Udhav’s bloated moralistic judge, Rahul’s quirky scientist, Gaurav’s narcissistic actor, Aditi’s middle-class ‘Iknow-it-all’ stereotype, Nikhil’s overpowered timid son and Utsav’s small-town naïve but sensitive Samant, all hypocritically as society, and farcically in their effect, turn on ‘the unmarried mother’ for her ‘sins’. Their collective cussedness refuses to recognize her as an individual.

    In the climax, Benare speaks the unspoken ‘defence’ of a woman seen as an inferior member of the humankind. The irony is she is made of a tender human stuff. Taking creative liberty, the playwright has her burst out in the monologue. “I offered my body on the altar of my worship,” she tells the jury, as it were, in the auditorium, “But he wasn’t a god. He was a man. For whom everything was of the body, for the body!”

    Before Sankalp goes to Delhi, the flows of action and speech rhythm in the first act, which anyway has a loose structure, need to be made brisk and more natural, compositions livelier and Sanskrit lines spoken more carefully.

Artistes perform at Natrani

YAY YAY YAY!

Dude! The first day went off so well! :D 3 hours of dressing up and make up and hair were totally worth it! I mean, how many times do atleast 5 girls fuss over how you are looking? And guys tell you they will fall in love with you if they don't stop looking at you :P And seniors from other cities come to see YOU perform!

(Secret: I did not take my make up off till 1am! It's not everyday I look like THAT.)

Man! People told me I gave them goosebumps and made them cry with my monologue!!! One even told me that I did my role as well as this NSD chick she saw once doing the same role in the same play some time back! But still the high is not as great as when singing on stage :) Oh but I sing in this too :P (I really need to dial some friends who would be willing to listen) And I cleaned my room. Now it looks hospitable for human consumption.

3 more shows to go...Everyone's going frantic as Delhi show gets nearer. Family's going to be there, watching me on stage trying to seduce a guy in the opening act. Gulp.

Somebody call me. CALL ME. I am super excited. I should be sharing it!!! OK, I'm going bonkers :P I have been trying to be modest since last night. I need a release!

P.S: I will never call this blog a shit piece of url again, all my precious data is here! Otherwise I would be crying over my dead hard drive right now.

Life as we know it

As luck would have it, my laptop hard drive has been destroyed. I guess I will lose all the data I amassed over the past year and a half. Oh well. Maybe this is nature's way of asking me to start afresh.

On a brighter note, today is the FINALLY the first day of our theatre production, after a month of practice. Pictures of the rehearsal have come out beautifully and will try to post them as soon as possible.

So for a while it's going to be very few visits to the blog and more book reading and studying for a change. Well, till then, wish me luck!