#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 ~

"~ free"

***

Do not let your fears

Become your jailer

The walls are just a token

Your spirit is free

Do not let your failures

Become your captor

The shackles are now broken

This is your winning spree

Do not let the noises

Become your sentry

The music is within you

You are your best way to be.

***

"Children's Park / Peace Of Mind"

Kids in the park

In their eyes that spark

Wish I can make it mine

This eternal sunshine

Carefree laughter

No thought of what comes after

Paper boats

Rains without coats

Hues of butterflies

In crisp blue skies

Rolling in the sand

Then dusting off with a hand

Many a names

for a single game

Generations pass

But they are the same

Flavors of Youth 

served piping hot

Worries lost

In one fine shot

Here ageing reverses 

In high speed

Peace of mind

Guaranteed...!!!

A Poem On A Poem

***

A poem is sacred

It has a life of itself

It chooses which pages

Of which book on the shelf

A poem is like a soul

Waiting for some skin

It's being is intact

Through the thick and the thin

Just like a player is

never bigger than the game

The poem picks its subject

While only changing the name...!!!

***

Book Review: Unladylike by Radhika Vaz

A book that makes you think and laugh, at the same time. That is something very few books can do!

There are some books which are to be swallowed, some which are to be enjoyed sip by sip, and some which are to be downed in one big gulp. I had to chew this one, bite by bite. And I am glad I did. 

Unlike most times when I really get excited about a book and the book turns out to be a 2 on a scale of 10, this one lived up to the expectations, and more. 

The humor is fresh and crisp, and the under-thoughts​ are powerful. Along with making you laugh, smirk or nod in the silent appreciation of things that you always wanted​ to express but were somehow too timid to say yourself, the words in this book also make you think. 

I especially loved the part which the author dedicates to the pressure society creates on become parents 'On Time' and where she explains that if she ever wants/decides to become a parent, she would want to become 'The Dad'. I echo those emotions.

On my scale of Joy of Reading, this one is a 3.5/5.