Hobbmob is the way to be...!!!

#Art
#Hobbmob
#SomethingFunEveryDay


I have often read that there are no co-incidences in life. Whatever happens, is what we have attracted into our lives, by being on the same thought-frequency.

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

And there are few better teachers in life than ART. 

Art is a way to escape into your wonderland when you have to stay put where you have to. It is an effortless means for time-travel. It is a way of dusting off the staleness and boredom from the regular, mundane everyday. It is what re-introduces you to yourself, and makes you more aware - of yourself, and everything else around you. 

It helps you find the biggest item on your wish-list: Peace of Mind. 

And then it takes you to that place where nothing else matters.

I am a big fan of this teacher called Art and whenever I am asked about my sole purpose in life, despite being a relatively lost soul, the one thing I know for sure is that I want to make this world a more beautiful place to live in.

Maybe it was this thought-frequency of mine that led me to this beautiful awesomeness of a girl called Rajvi - Founder and CEO of HobbMob - The entrepreneurial venture that is dedicated to providing you with the best Hobby Experience with your friends and family. Active in the cities of Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune, Calicut and Kolkata, a Hobbmob workshop is something you have to attend to know what it tastes like. And once you do, you reach that creative spot from where there's no coming back.

Since Interviews are a big thing on my radar currently, there was no way I was missing this opportunity of doing this with Rajvi. And she was absolutely instrumental in rekindling my love for the creative sway of the hand and in the goodness called humanity.

Below are some glimpses of this sunshine spreading the cheer and excerpts from her interview.

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1. Please tell us about Yourself.

My name is Rajvi and I run a company called Hobbmob.

Hobb: hobby
Mob: group of people

Hobbmob tries to bridge hobbies with all of us :)

A part of me always knew I was going to be an entrepreneur but never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I’ll run a brand focused on Hobbies.

I love anything that’s offline and outdoors. (I LOVE THIS!) 

My favorite night is board games night and I’m obsessed about trying new stuff and experiencing things first hand.


2. Something about your educational and family background. About past jobs.

After completing high school in Indore, I moved to Boston where I studied Finance and Accounting for about 7 years. I worked there as a Financial Analyst and always found fun stuff to do over the weekend. From Macaroon Classes to Clay Modelling, I really utilized my weekends to create memories with my friends.


3. When did you realize that Craft was your calling. How was Hobbmob conceived.

When I moved back to India, I realized it wasn’t the same kind of India I left when I was 17. We were more connected and so much more aware of our surroundings and the world but our social experiences were still the same. Movies, dinner and clubs were the only way we decided to spend time with our loved ones, that’s when I knew there was a change that needed implementation and the idea of creative nights hence Hobbmob was born.


4.  Was HobbMob a part time thing that you took up as a Passion-project while retaining your day job or did you plunge into it head-on.

It was always a full time thing. I knew I needed to focus all my energies into this.


5. Do you have any mentors. Please tell us something about them.

I really look up to my sister. She’s younger than me but she makes my life more purposeful. She is my biggest critic and has a really different perspective.


6. What goes into the preparation of your next show. How is the idea conceptualized. What is the thought process. Please tell us about the physical/emotional challenges.

Every time we plan an event, the biggest challenge is to prep the artist and visualize the experience we are trying to put together. We always work with different artists and try to create a one of kind experience for all our participants.


7. Are you an early morning person or a late night-er. What time of the day are you at your creative and productive best.

I’m definitely not an early morning person. I work best when there is no noise. After 10 pm is when I am the most productive, no distractions and my phone is finally quiet.


8. Did you get the support you needed from your family, foraying into this territory? How did you hold yourself up. What/Who was your biggest support.

I have been very lucky to have the most supportive family and friends. My husband and my sister have been my biggest support. They force me to make tough decisions and really push me out of my comfort zone.


9. What keeps you up when the going gets tough.

I guess every entrepreneur goes through self doubt and fear for the future. What keeps me going is so much love from everyone who has participated in our workshops, complete strangers who message us on Hobbmob and appreciate what we do and the media as well- who covers us. All the appreciation is what keeps Hobbmob going.


10. How do you unwind after a long, busy day.

After a Long day, I love to paint and listen to some music. There have been times when I’m painting in the middle of the afternoon, just to take a break between my meetings. Art is the best meditation.

11. What is your ultimate aim in life. And, a philosophy you live by.

This may sound weird but my ultimate aim in life is to paint away all the white walls. I can’t stand white walls with white lights and boring structures. We need more people painting the walls in villages and painting away pillars with messages. I want to make everything around me more welcoming and artistic.

A philosophy I live by is- Let’s Make bigger tables and not higher walls. We all need to be more careful with what we say and how we treat one another.


12. Outside of work, any other commitments.

No, Hobbmob and my family is the only thing I’m committed to.


13. Which is your fav hobby and which art do you think people should focus on?

My personal favorite hobby is Pottery. I love how things are made out of clay. It’s such a beautiful process.

I think a lot more of us need to focus on Recycling and Up-cycling waste. We should be more aware of the things we dispose.

14. Do you want to put up an exhibition soon, or will it be just workshops for a while?

I guess it will just be workshops for a while. We tie up with a lot of artists, so may be we will go into the exhibition side of things, but nothing anytime soon.


15. How did you come up the idea of hobby kits?

We have always tried to break distance, time and convenience barriers.

We wanted people to be able to pursue their hobbies at their own time and convenience. These kits are also made keeping in mind people who live in smaller towns and are looking out for something creative and fun. (Readers, check out the Hobby Kits here)


16. What are the future plans with Hobbmob?

Our next step is to play into the corporate workshops and really promote art within individuals who are working constantly and necessarily not focused on hobbies. 

Art has the power to change you, make you more focused, reliable and increase concentration. We want to make art a part of their lives and also for them to develop stronger bonds with their peers.


17. A message for our readers.

If there is one thing you can do today, let that be to make a conscious effort to declutter your mind and truly be with yourself. 

*******

Rajvi interviewed like a song. Like that love song which can go on in your head for the whole day without knocking you out. 

These were the most candid, avant-garde and lovable answers my questions have received in a while. 

I wish her and Hobbmob all the heights and success they deserve, for there is no greater high than a job well done, and there can be no better job than that which brings unbounded happiness to you exactly while making this world a better, more beautiful place to live in...!!!

The Storyteller's Tale| Author Interview : Sunil Mishra's Transit Lounge

#KnowThyAuthor

Stories are our staple diet. Each one of us grows up on them. And sometimes, without us realizing anything, they grow on us; a little each day. A large part of us is made up of those tales which either we have heard, or told. 

So what makes a good storyteller?

It will always be this: the keen desire to tell the story, to make others feel one with the uniqueness each character of that story stands for and how they shape our line of thought.

As a dweller of the scintillating wonderland of stories, I have always been too keen to understand what goes in the storyteller's mind and heart, why they choose the words they do, how their thoughts are wired. And as an attempt in the same direction, when I ran into this opportunity to #KnowThyAuthor with Sunil Mishra over his debut book "Transit Lounge", I dived for it headlong. 

Transit Lounge is a contemporary book consisting of short incidents, observations and reflections while the author traveled to 30 countries across six different continents during the last 15 years. The book is a personal account of travels to places in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand - pretty much around the globe. The book is a compilation of small incidents and events that occurred during such travels - like losing an air ticket, dealing with difficult custom officials or getting mugged in a prime location in a foreign country.

*****

Collaborating with him over emails, here is a brief account of the author's interview.

1. Please tell us about Yourself.

I am software professional with over 20 years of experience. I am currently working with Infosys and earlier worked with McKinsey, Accenture, Iflex and Tata Steel. I am an MBA from IIM Lucknow and B.Tech from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

As part of my work I used to travel to different countries and that constituted the basis of my current book “Transit Lounge”.


2. How/Since when did you develop an interest in books.

I read books but not as many as I would have wanted to read. I started writing my current book sometime in 2007 and completed first draft in 2009. I was not successful in getting it published in my first attempt and I had dropped the idea. I tried publishing it again last year and was successful this time.

3. You have a very demanding full-time job, when do you write.

I write mostly during the weekends and late evening during the weekdays. I have not been regular at it. The key according to me is idea, time has not been so much of an issue.


4. Please tell us about your book Transit Lounge.

Transit Lounge is a contemporary book consisting of short incidents, observations and reflections while travelling to 30 countries across six different continents during the last 15 years. The book is a personal account of travels to places in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. It was interesting to observe all these different cultures and people from an Indian’s perspective. The book is a compilation of small incidents and events during such travels.


5. How was the book conceived, what inspired it? Was it like You always maintained a journal during your travels with an intention to compile it into a book later on, or the idea came to you in a flashing instance, and the pages added up as you started writing. How long did it take for Transit Lounge to be in the shape it is now.

I used to write personal notes of individual travels, anything that I would find interesting. As I started blogging about some of these travels, I received positive reviews from my friends and well-wishers. It is then that the idea of collating this and publishing it as a book occurred to me.

I am extremely thankful to my friends who helped me overcome the initial hesitation and inertia to write this book. I also learned that getting a book published is probably one of the most difficult nuts to crack. As mentioned earlier I started writing sometime in 2007 and tried publishing in 2009 but did not get any publisher. I re-started the process last year and got it published this time. So it has been fairly long process for me.

6. What is your writing process in general: are you old school in terms of writing in ink on paper or you directly write on the laptop. What is the typical creative flow like.

I write on laptop directly as I find that more convenient. According to me writing itself is a learning process and evolves on its own.

7. As a regular writer, do you know what you are going to write today, or you just start off and let the ideas flow.

I think the writing process is pretty organic, many a times I don’t know how the things will eventually shape up. It is important to keep writing.

8. Do you ever suffer from the Writer's Block, and how do you overcome it?

Yes, I do suffer from the writer's block. I think the best way to overcome is to read related books. (Excellent advice, thanks so much Sir!)


9. Are their more books in the pipeline, what are they about.

Yes, I plan to write more books. My second book is a corporate fiction and is near completion. I hope to publish that sometime soon.

10. Have you considered exploring the realm of fiction, fantasy or any other genre, what do you think about it.

Yes, as I said earlier, my next book is a fiction. I read somewhere that there are three rules in fiction writing and the first one is "there are no rules". The other two rules do not matter. Fiction allows a writer to be highly creative and tell a story.

11. What kind of books do you like to read/ favorite author/favorite genre.

I read books but not as many as I would have wanted to read. Some of the classics I like, are Siddhartha by Herman Hesse and Animal Farm by George Orwell. I also like books on Indology. Among the contemporary writers I like Sanjeev Sanyal’s writing.

12. What do you do when not in office or not writing. What are your hobbies?

I do blog on Linkedin and sometimes write articles on digital technologies. I have also written a few articles on the changing role of mainstream media in the new digital world.

13. Any social commitments outside of work?

Nothing specific.


14. How do you unwind after a long, busy day.

Spending time with family, writing and reading books do help unwind.


15. A philosophy you live by.

Purpose of life is a life of purpose - quote from Robin Sharma "A monk who sold his Ferrari"

16. A message for our readers.

"The world is a book, and those who don't travel only read one page." – St. Augustine

Another one on traveler versus tourist – "The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see." - G.K. Chesterton

My attempt to write the book has been to capture the traveler’s account, I enjoyed writing it and I hope it is equally liked by the readers.

*****

I have done Book Reviews before, and I love those books that make me want to review them as soon as I start reading, or even before I start reading. Like I mentioned in the beginning,  we consume stories, and they consume us. Transit Lounge is something I grew particularly fond of immediately after reading the blurb. 

One specific observation from this book was when the author ruminated this: When people in foreign lands ask us questions about India, expecting us to have ready answers, that is when we truly realize how less we know about our own country. This very sentiment makes me wait eagerly to finish reading Transit Lounge.

I hope Dear Readers, that you enjoy reading this interview, and the book subsequently, as much as I enjoyed drafting this post for you. 

Till we meet again, have fun @ Transit Lounge...!!!

#InternationalWomensDaySwag (Chapter 3)...!!!

#BreakTheStereotype
#WomenWhoDream


We all have that 2 am friend. That friend who is the perfect definition of 'Friend, Philosopher, Guide'. That friend with whom 'sharing, caring and baring' is effortless. That friend, with whom, though we may lose contact over the years, but whenever we meet, we start off immediately from where we last left. No hassles, no strings.

To have such a friend is true bliss. To share all the confusions and aberrations of life with this friend is ecstasy, almost of that very psychoactive drug quality.

This friend of mine is my Pineapple Musk - Dr. Kriti Valecha.

I have known her from school, and we have somehow managed to stay unchanged to our bones, at least with each other. If for anything else, our madness has only grown, our ambitions have only soared and our interests have only matched to the exact hues.

So when she told me that after finally completing her MD from the super prestigious AFMC (Armed Force Medical College) in Pathology, a journey that even witnessed her marriage during the course, and finally "settling down" (job, family and all, eh!) she was finally all set to quit one of the 2 labs that she was consulting, and 'use' that extra time doing something she really loved, because "after all, money does not matter, I have to do something that makes my heart sing", I wasn't surprised. At all. All I felt was a deep sense of satisfaction that at least one more person I knew was finally able to figure out their calling, and a deep sense of desire that one day, some day, I would too, soon.

She juggles a day job and her passion project, the Agra Drawing Room (ADR), that has come up in due association with Bombay Drawing Room; a project where she is trying to create 'handmade happiness' by speaking the language of art. Agra Drawing Room conducts art workshops for all ages, few days in a week and aims at helping people discover their inner artists.

She was an obvious choice for this project #BreakTheStereotype and #WomenWhoDream.  When I asked her for this interview, she was a bit hesitant for obvious reasons: ADR had just taken off and she didn't think she was eligible for this 'shot at fame' (Oh Yeah!)
But I knew I had what it takes to make her relent. :)

Here are some of  her pics in action:

*****

Excerpts from her interview:

1. Tell us about Yourself

I am Kriti, doctor by profession and artist and explorer at heart. I truly believe in the concept of live and let live.


2. What are your hobbies.

I love being surrounded by music. I sing, too. I love indulging in artsy stuff esp calligraphy. I am very fond of watching animation and thriller movies. I love doing so many things :)


3. How did you develop an interest in art?

At a very early age, I saw my Bua (Paternal Aunt) making beautiful paintings. That's where it all began. I learned the basics of water color and calligraphy from her.

4. Any classes/workshops you attended lately.

The last one I attended was in December. It was a knife painting workshop at Bombay Drawing Room.


5. So how was it at the Bombay Drawing Room. Tell us about your first experience as a student there.

It was such an amazing experience. Snehal, the founder, provided step by step guidance to all the participants at the workshop. At the end of 2 hours, I was so happy to hold my first knife painting. Creating something by yourself gives you a different kind of high altogether. For some it might be composing a poem, for others it might be writing a book, for me it was this work of art.


6. How was Agra Drawing Room conceived.

After attending one more of their workshops, I decided that this experience was something I would really like other people to have.
Agra hosts a lot of tourists each day and I wanted them to appreciate our rich culture. Passively they have done so for years. I thought of making them actively involved in it by teaching the basics of Indian folk arts in 2 hour sessions. And though tourists from around the world have always enjoyed the Agra phenomenon, there was no such art-immersion experience readily available for locals. So I thought of tapping into this opportunity and introducing the art lovers of Agra to the concept of painting parties. Agra will experience its first painting party very soon :)


7. You have a full-time job, how do you plan to devote your time for Agra Drawing Room.

I work from 10.30 to 4.30. Because its still in the maturing phase, I devote 2-3 hours daily to Agra Drawing Room. Once the basic approaches are taken care of, it won't need more than one hour on a daily basis.


8. Tell us about the physical/emotional challenges of conducting the workshops

Pursuing what you love needs so much more than the just talent. 

Physically, it gets very taxing when I have to run around for collaborations and marketing after my work at the lab is done for the day.
Since this is not a metro, the usual concept of weekend painting parties won't work here. So,with the constant help of Snehal, I am still trying to explore how to awaken people of Agra to paint and revisit their artistic side.


9. Did you get the support you needed from your family, foraying into this yet uncharted territory? How did you hold yourself up. What/Who was your biggest support.

My husband is my biggest support. He knows that art and colors make me very happy. Mom, my brother and a few friends have been very supportive as well.
Whenever faced with doubts, I turn to Snehal for guidance. She has been a great mentor to me.


10. What inspires you in difficult times. 

When faced with hardships, I remind myself that adversities are temporary, as is everything else.


11. How do you rewind after a long, busy day.

Spending time with my husband, listening to music or reading a good book recharges me :)


12. A message for our readers.

Never let the child inside you die and make yourself a priority. It's only when you are happy that you can keep people around you happy !!

*****

Her answer to the last question is a fitting closing ceremony for this first experimental venture of mine. As we celebrate the International Women's Day/Week/Month, other than the usual sentiments of #LeaningIn, #PressingForProgress and the likes, let us not forget that we women are, and should always be, our biggest commitments. Nothing can be poured out of an empty cup. Only when I am full (of love, life, energy and everything else) can I give to others (love, life, energy and everything else :D). 

Let us pledge to have the courage to #BreakTheStereotype and become the #WomenWhoDream. There will always be the pressure of expectations, the burden of responsibility and the freedom of speech. I wish for you all, that may each one of you my dear readers, find your true calling and live a life living your dream, each day.

Here's to not falling, but rising in love - true, mad, deep love - with ourselves, for a change.

                                       ~ Happy International Women's Day 2018 ~

#InternationalWomensDaySwag (Chapter 2)...!!!

#BreakTheStereotype
#WomenWhoDream

And here we are, with the next installment of Inspiration Loan, the next #WomanWhoDreams to #BreakTheStereotype, the next flavor of my exclusive three-course menu - Silver Vanilla - DIPIKA PANDEY.

Dipika evolved to become a girl of fewer, non-mincing words and more grit and valor. From being the incessant prankster in college, a year junior to me, she has finally come out of the cocoon and become the beautiful butterfly she always was. 

I had to pursue her a little for supplying me with her answers, because 'Madam did not have dates' (:D) but we go a long way back and I knew she would do it, in the exact manner how she has chased her dream of being a dancer-performer, after earning her Engineering Degree and getting placed with top MNCs.

This interview shall always remain too close to my heart, too precious, too delicate. Artistes are fragile people, they need to be handled with a lot of care and love; and you know it only when you belong to this community, when you are one with them. But even if you are a reader with not much artistic inclination, you'll still love what lies ahead and get transported for a bit - into that world where you always wished you could be; for who amongst us does not like the limelight, who doesn't crave for attention, who doesn't love glamour, who doesn't want to become famous on the silver screen, who doesn't think about having a loyal, jabra fan-following.

Character-sketches are beautiful if the right ink is used, but nothing beats the pleasure that the eyes seek. So ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, here is what Dipika looks like - in red-hot action - (and she says she'll be in Hyderabad soon...)

Warning: Too much hotness ahead, adult supervision advised. ;)

Excerpts from her interview:

1. Please tell us about Yourself.

- :D I'm very bad at this. Alright so I'm a dancer and an actor. I have been training in Latin dance forms for around five years now. As an actor I'm doing a few plays and some screen work. 

2. Something about your educational background.

- :) I'm an engineer. Have studied in many schools across the country.


3. You mentioned you have a professional degree in Engineering. How did this switch in career happen.

- It is when you keep doing something as a child without realizing that you are meant for it. That's what happened with me and dance. It took me time to sink it in that I can't do anything but this. It wasn't really a switch, because I was always sure I want to train myself in dance. It just went to a level where nothing else mattered. (I loved this last line!)



4. When did you realize that Dance and Theater was your calling.

- In college. It was for dance. And when I started working on it here in Mumbai, I figured that any kind of performance attracted me. That's when acting happened.


5. Did you take any classes/workshops to learn this art. Who are your mentors.

- Yes. I can't survive without constant training. It helps me to grow. I have been training in Salsa with a lot of national and international instructors. I perform with my mentors here in Mumbai and in different salsa festivals too. I also wish to travel abroad to take it to another level. 

In acting I'm still training with Mr. Saurabh Sachdeva who has been teaching in Barry John studio for around 17 years. I travel for workshops as well.



5. When did you decide to get into the performing arts full-throttle.

- when I moved to Mumbai


6. How has the journey been so far. Please tell our readers how does this industry actually work.

- The journey has been good. A learning experience. Still struggling and I suppose artists struggle more due to the uncertainty of the industry. You never know what clicks. And the fact that India is yet to learn how to respect artists the same way as they respect white collar jobs, this makes it more difficult.



7. What goes into the preparation of your next show. Tell us about the physical/emotional challenges.

- I'm playing a character where the girl is being manipulated by her husband to fall in love with his best friend for the sake of art. Because the husband is making a play called 'betrayal' . So in order to understand the gravity, he wants to experience it. This is something we don't go through in our lives. So it's difficult to get the layers in the character and also playing a character within a character. The emotional process drains me more . As for my physical preparation, dance helps me a lot. And I also practice kalaripayattu, which is a martial art form and is very good for performers.


9. Did you get the support you needed from your family, foraying into this seemingly uncharted territory? How did you hold yourself up. What/Who was your biggest support.

- Family support takes a while. It is difficult for them to trust something this uncertain. When they see results, they do. But I'm blessed with very good friends. They have been with me through everything. Be it health issues or financial.

10. What inspires you when the going gets tough.

- I think I get self motivated mostly because everything has been at stake. So then I have to move ahead. And my teachers have inspired me a lot. Their faith in an under confident person like me makes me keep pushing.

11. How do you rewind after a long, busy day.

- Reading and music. And mostly I'm too tired and just crash  :)


12. What is your ultimate aim in life. And, a philosophy you live by.

- Aim is to keep performing. Performance is the ultimate high. Rest everything will fall in place.

13. Outside of work, any other commitments. 

- nothing yet


14. Will the audience get to see you perform live in Hyderabad anytime soon.

- yes I do travel to Hyderabad for shows. I should be there in the next few months for a play.

15. A message for our readers.

- Encourage art.

I would love to know how you felt dear readers after reading this interview, I want to know that after celebrating a whole day dedicated to Women, giving them flowers, chocolates, assorted gifts and all due attention, what do you actually, really think about this fine specimen of a girl and about what she has set out to make of her life. I have been with Dipika pretty closely for a good amount of time, and from where I stand, I see a baby sister who gradually got pretty mature as life happened. So I will always have a big mushy soft corner for her.

While reading her interview, if i try to exercise a short term memory challenge and erase her name, I would be almost certain that this is some Bollywood Biggie talking. And I am entitled to my biases. (This is my blog, after all :D)

My heart reaches out to you Dipika, and I bow in respect, for all the effort you put in, for all the hardships you endure and for all of yourself that you put in your performances.

Rise and shine baby, shine brighter than the Sun...!!!

~ Happy International Women's Day 2018 ~

#InternationalWomensDaySwag (Chapter 1)...!!!

#BreakTheStereotype
#WomenWhoDream


January brings a lot of hope, energy and zest; February fills the air with a thousand shades of love. But March manages to pull everyone out of the creamy-dreamy zone and push them into action - live, solid, worthy action. March brings a gentle reminder that here we are already two months into the year and there still are resolutions to be worked on, promises to be fulfilled and miles to be walked. March is hurried, full of excitement and jumping-with-joy-bubbly. March very much feels like the embodiment of that multitasking woman, persistently juggling personal and professional aspirations and still shining like a star to the best of her ability. Probably that is why, International Women's Day is celebrated in March.

As we stand on the brink of another International Women's Day, I feel myriad flavors dancing on my tongue and spilling from my fingers: Bittersweet candyfloss, Pineapple Musk, Silver Vanilla. These are the flavors of women who are an integral part of my life; these are the flavors of every woman I have yet met; these are the flavors of me.

Beating the norm, doing what you dream and performing multiple roles deftly - all these sound too commonplace when we talk about it. But when it actually gets to getting our hands dirty, it is a different story all together. The fizzling out happens way more easily than imagined. So, when you cross path with someone who has really done it, you bow, in respect.

That is exactly what I decided to do.

This Women's Day, I present before you readers, three exceptionally talented and versatile women who are giving it all they have, to be what they really are, in the best possible way they can.

I am a fan of 'practicing what you preach'. I love those who just roll-up their sleeves and go knee deep in the slush pool to get things going. I am deeply inspired by those who stretch their limits beyond their potential, only to start stretching their limits from this new place the next time onwards and yet maintain their humility.

As my tribute to this indefatigable spirit, here I have a brand new series of (excerpts from the) interviews of three such Wonder Women, which shall go on for the next three days.

So dear readers, join me in this journey of #BreakingtheStereotype with #WomenWhoDream - with three ladies who have nerves of steel and velvet gloves on their strong hands, those hands that flash the solitaires they earned with as much ease as the bruises they acquired while going under the hood and fixing their cars - with real spanners.


The first in the series is my favorite - Bittersweet Candyfloss - MANSI MEHRA.
(Drum rolls, standing ovation, rising curtains)

Mansi is a senior from my college and an ever-since sweetheart. Bold, beautiful, bright and beatific, she has a sunshine smile that can light up a thousand lamps. Take a look for yourself:

I was too naive to think just that she was a techie who was making it big in stand-up comedy, in the US. (There you go... Whaaa...!!! Thank you, I know I have excellent choices!)

Thanks to this endeavor, I now know that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

And I am so glad I approached her first with this concept of mine. People who live in glass houses know how not to throw stones at other's homes. Go through her interview below and you too will agree, only more if not less.



1. Please tell us about yourself.

I'm a technologist by profession and a creative artist by passion. I have been working as an engineer in a multinational company (my day job) as well as been performing stand-up comedy across Southern California since past 3 years (shall I call it my night job?). I have been a short filmmaker, Also, I have been a radio jockey at Mera Sangeet Los Angeles radio station, made my first short film “Shoot her” which was selected in several film festivals in US. I have also been a philanthropist working with a couple of non-profit organizations including Soroptimist International Los Angeles (SILA). More details on www.mansimehra.com

2. Something about your educational background.

I have Bachelors of Engineering in Electronics & Communications from Mody Institute of Technology and Science (MITS), Lakshmangarh and Masters in Computer Science from University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles. 

3. You mentioned you have a professional degree in Engineering. How did this switch in career happen?

Can I call it destiny? Kidding. It's a combination of a lot of things: Love, heart breaks, friends and then Groupon. Yes, you read it right.

Well, I was dating a comic when I got introduced to this comedy world. He became the past and comedy became the future. Also, I was surrounded by a lot of actors, producers, directors and comics when I volunteered for film festivals in Los Angeles. Then I happen to stumble upon comedy classes on Groupon. I was never serious about the classes until the day of the class arrived. Darn it!

I got really addicted to performing comedy when I made strangers laugh. Trust me that feeling makes you do it more. Then it all began.

4. When did you realize that Stand-up Comedy was your calling?

I have always loved to push the envelope, try new things and take risks. When I started performing as a stand-up comic, I realized that it was making a lot of difference in various areas of my life, including the corporate day-time job I have. While performing I met people from all diversities, backgrounds, cultures and it let me perform at events where celebrities like Arjun Rampal was invited too. It taught me public speaking, networking tips, marketing, how to tackle awkward situations and overall get a different outlook towards the world. It makes your right brain question your left brain.

5. Did you take any classes/workshops to learn this art?

Yes, I did. A lot of us think that most of the stand-up comics just wing it on the stage. Not true!

It’s all staged and rehearsed several times before they utter a single word. So only classes could help me understand the tricks and tips. I joined Jeff Hodge’s Comedy classes and later got admitted to Gerry Katzman’s stand-up comedy classes. More importantly I happen to meet lots of wonderful producers like Mika Mitchell, Adam Barnhardt, Jeff Husband, Melanie Vesey, Jeff Hodge who gave me a platform to perform and showcase. I also read books like The Comedy Bible by Judy Carter and Comedy Writing Secrets by Mel Helitzer. Magic of three, music of comedy, timing, knowing your audience are a few tricks that one must know in comedy.


6. When did you decide to move to the US. How was that idea conceived?

I was working for Accenture in Mumbai as a Software Engineer when I thought I could do more in life. New job or new country? May be the latter one. So I decided to pursue my Masters. The decision was mine so was the money to be invested. My family helped me with student loan and then I came to California.

7. How has the journey been so far. Please tell our readers how does this industry actually work.

The journey has been a roller coaster. It’s a sinusoidal wave, if I may say. Some shows are so good that you can’t sleep out of excitement and in some shows you hear crickets which makes you wonder if alcohol wasn’t enough. So you have to JUST DO IT. Whatever the result is: success or failure, it doesn’t matter.

For Comedy, I would highly recommend to learn formally because it is not at all fluke, it has a formula. Practice, A LOT. Sign up at open mics. Networking is a key so if you hate meeting people, I’m sorry but use that hatred to build jokes. Learn how to market because you want your friends to come and see your show (Unless you want to just be a dinner table comic!). You will need to be vulnerable to joke about you and your life, for which people may judge you, but who cares? You know what, a lot of the jokes are lies! But they make you laugh.


8. What goes into the preparation of your next show? Tell us about the physical/emotional challenges.
Know the background of your audience. You cannot crack the same joke at church vs at a late night comedy show vs at a corporate show. Alter your jokes according to the show situation. Pay attention and observe during the show, as you may generate a joke based on what you learnt new about an audience member (First row people mostly get picked by comics).

One of my teacher taught me that do not look hot when you perform. Because their eyes will function more than their ears! Just look good enough that you gel with the crowd. They will be able to relate to you and your jokes. Emotionally is can be very draining. There is a lot of soul searching that goes in building truths, facts and then jokes. This can be draining and sometimes make you feel depressed.

9. Did you get the support you needed from your family, foraying into this seemingly uncharted territory? How did you hold yourself up. What/Who was your biggest support?

My family and friends have been very supportive. A lot of my friends witnessed me fail during the early days but stood by me. The list is too long but to name a few Aditya, Bhaskar, Mallika, Sanjana, Saloni, Pooja, Manish, Harmeet, Michael, Rohit and Varun.


10. What inspires you when the going gets tough?

I read a lot. When I can’t I listen to audio books, or watch inspirational videos, when it gets really tough, I take a break and focus on my day job. This gives me time to revive and get back to the fight again.


11. How do you rewind after a long, busy day.

For me, a good cup of coffee (I am a Mocha Frappuccino addict!), full blast Bollywood music and a long drive works. A long phone call with an old friend and writing poetry are therapeutic as well. Go to a beach and listen to the sound of waves. Otherwise go home, just shut the lights and sleep.


12. What is your ultimate aim in life. And, a philosophy you live by.

Following the path that others have carved out may be a more likely road to success, but there’s nothing innovative or exciting about it. Instead, flip the narrative of what it means to be successful and go for an unconventional approach. Then just work hard and give your best. Push yourself out of the comfort zone. Take risks and try new things because the bridge between life and death is too short and you never know when you have to cross it. All throughout this journey don’t forget to give back and make a difference, otherwise what’s the point? 

13. Outside of work, any other commitments.

My to-do list is too long! I host a lot of shows across Southern California, travel a lot (still need to cover a lot many places), have two film scripts yet to be brought into action, produce the rap song I wrote, continue to blog, have talks scheduled, events planned to work with Soroptimist for women empowerment and definitely my engineering job which I love. 

14. Will the audience get to see you perform live in India anytime soon? If Yes, when.

I don’t have any plans to come to India as of now but who knows, right?


15. A message for our readers.

“It is good to be important but it is more important to be good.” So don’t be an asshole. Give back to the society. Try new things, I go to www.Groupon.com or www.LivingSocial.com when I run out of ideas.

Take risks. Meet new people. Travel to places you have never ever been to. The world is your oyster.

Life can be difficult at time but it’s all about how you ride the waves. When life throws lemons at you, start thinking of making your next Bhelpuri. ;)


Makes your day bright, isn't it!
Till we meet again tomorrow with another star in making, Good Day everyone...!!!

~ Happy International Women's Day 2018 ~