Equilibrium

But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because  you tread on my dreams. #Yeats

My Experience With Life!

Art has several form, and each one is beautiful in its own!

So when Karan said that Akhshay's play is up this weekend at Rangashankara (http://www.rangashankara.org/home/rangatest/) I was first bit apprehensive. Karan was like "I am not asking your permission, you are coming for the play!". I was not sure what I have unknowingly registered for. But whatever it was, it was a different experience altogether.

Rangashankara is situated in dense of Bangalore, and trust me I wouldn't have reached there on my own. Vineet was telling the directions and I was just turning the bike left and right. When we reached there, It was a mix of art, energy, subtlety, respect and expectations. It seemed everyone was an artist in themselves. Like those people in movies who are art loving - guys with curly long hairs wearing kurtas, some with funky T Shirts and Long beards, Girls with cloth sling-bags.. And it was like everyone knows each other. Difficult to tell between audience junta and volunteer/actors. Vineet was damn sure he saw some faces which he sees on TV. I was till then still swallowing the Awe of the place.

At 6.45 they announced to assemble near the entrance and sit down. People were confused, thinking the play is going to be here only. On asking how to sit, as in facing which direction, controller said sit anywhere you find space. And with that lights went off, everyone just sat wherever they were. Lights lit behind us and we turned around to see Akhshay and two others. Preliminary had started. It was good. Actors were sitting among audience only. So all of sudden light will focus at a section and few people will come forward and start performing. At 7.20 this ended. Though most part of this preliminary was in Kannada( my guess ) people had already strtd coming in mood of cheering and whisteling.

Inside the theater at 7.30 was an altogether different scene. A huge backdrop of Shakespeare wearing crown like Indian Gods was enough to make you laugh. And by the time we were in we were a group of some 10 people - Vineet, me, Karan, his office friends, Akhshay (since his part in preliminary was over and he ws not in the main play), his mom and wife. We got perfect center row.

Lights off and there was one of those elegantly beautiful lady on stage. People were clapping like anything and with joined hands she was accepting the greeting and waving. I was sure I had seen her before but couldn't recognise. Vineet told that she is Arundhati Nag. And then I remembered, first by her role in movie Paa(as Vidya Balan's mom) and then as owner of Rangashankara. Wife of legendary South Indian superstar, she  herself is superstar and theater personality. She welcomed everyone there and formally announced the play to start. What came next was simply stunning.

Lights went off again and when they came back, it was abundance of colours on stage. A group of people, all in colourful costumes were there on stage. Play had begun. It was Hindi remake of Shakespeare's "The Twelthe night" named as "Piya Behrupiya". Though you know the story, watching it live is something different.

This was the real talent in front of which I thought Movies stand nowhere. Everything was on stage. No microphones for voice, no playbacks, all characters were singing on stage itself, music was played by using dholak and the likes on stage itself. All characters were sitting on stage only so there was no going back stage and changing or anything. Highly Mature acting where characters were so comfortable in there roles that you wont realize when stuff happened which would otherwise have been cut off by great censor board. And jokes, God, there was not a single moment you were not laughing. Exceptionally awesome punchlines.

What I really liked was that each character was better than the other. All were singing like professionals (it was musical play) acting like real characters and expressions - I said to Vineet that I am not going to spend money on movies from now and instead watch these plays. No special effect, no post processing, just pure talent.

And the play ended. Man, it was the best any artist could dream for. More than 10 minutes of standing ovation. People were ecstatcic and none seemd tired though it was already 10.30 in night (roughly 3 hour play). Just imagine, three hours of script non stop in front of you. So much dialogues and songs and evertyhting, thats real something. You dont have chance for retake or anything. Everything need to be perfect and everything was perfect.

While coming out, it looked that everyone had time of their life. To top this, volunteers were standing outside with sweets. It was Rangashankaras 8th Birthday today. Added flavour to festivity there :) Just we were discussing and I saw a familiar face in the crowd. Someone whom I had not seen in last 6-7 years. It was Priyamwada, one of my school friend. I was knowing tht she got married and settled in Bangalore but meeting like this was not expected. It was nice to see old friends!

Well that was not the end. In the pamphlets outside, Vinay Pathak was seen lurking out. We picked and read, he is going to perform here in Dec start. With promise to be back here again for his play, everyone left! And while riding back my bike, for first time in months I was like free in mind where there was no second thought but happiness about small beautiful things in life!

comeback!

And I realised what i had left behind in all these months .. myself. So many months of solitude and it took one confrontation with death to realize that.
Every man has a code to live with and so do I. That is the reason why you feel restless..angry..irritated all the time if you are not following it. Evidence for this - no post in last so many months.
Death... I mean Accident.. it taught many things. How fragile you are. No seriously! Nothing bookish or Shakespearian! Its absofuckinlutely true. Those end seconds after you realize you can't control and before you hit, its waterfall of thoughts which you experience. How to save yourself? Why did i fight with my best friend? Is there any way of reducing the impact? Is this the end? Your mind at that time leaves control to impulsive control system of the body, giving way to all your life thoughts to flow in!

And then there are miracles.. falling at such speed and still no broken bone..u got to be kidding right! Lying on the road..drenched in blood with jeans, jacket, shoes torn..one leg at odd angle and one feelingless hand .. you cant make your mind whether you are alive or dead. Well you never see sky at that "lying on the road with numb body feeling" angle! Do you?
Therefore, lying on the bed with nothing to do for days but either to watch some sitcom or ponder over things, realizations happen. So much free time for yourself makes you think clearly.

Its been a full one month today! Now no jogging though but limping.. no lifting stuff with hand, just using it casually. Life is slowly coming back to normal. But with a lesson..there are  many things in life to do and you dont know anything about how many of them will you be able to complete before its time. So best is to live like its your end. And be happy with everyone around you or dont be around with the ones you are not happy with because you really don't wanna be on fighting terms with anyone in your last time!

Hibernation

No nothing to do with it!.. Just that, I am too far from being myself! Thanks to many things!

Still waiting for myself to come back!

Till then .. :)

Tweet

"When life laughs at you!"

Nothing more to say!

Though I Was Not Your Mentor!

Author's Note

Dear Ansh

This is my first book :P

Hope you like it

Feedback are welcome :D

Happy Bday!

                                                   Vishal Goel

                                                    22/1/2012

This book has some things, habits, actions which are required for everyone. I have written those which I felt important. Enjoy!!

Set Goals 

You know Ansh this is the most important of all & that's why first. Don't Worry how hard the goal is. More important is how you achieve it. :)

Make U'r today Special 

Nothing better to say than line which Mallika likes.. "Everybody wears sunscreen" - #Do one thing everyday that scares you#

Never Complicate Matters 

Often Solution to Complicate problems are very simple. THINK BASIC. Don't take too many charges. Throw away Unnecessary. You are gifted with one life, LIVE IT BIG

Record Your Thoughts 

Ansh, make this your habit...write down things. You or me or anyone comes across 100 ideas a day but retain none as we never write it down. Use your phone if paper not there.

Use the power of patience

Most people quit too soon. Use this to your advantage. Listen to what others have to say, reason it out and then act. YOUR TIME WILL COME

Accept Differences/Let them Be..:) 

I have seen many people who think themselves above others. Am happy, rather learn from you how to accept differences.. STAY THIS WAY! *This is one major quality many lack..

Give yourself gift of Self Reliance! 

You need Will, Self Confidence & Action Plan! You have all 3.. Don't lose them

Look in the Mirror 

Best Self Realization medicine this is. Look in the mirror in your eyes..you see yourself then cool. PS - I always see someone else :|

Risk Failure, Cause Change 

If you will not take risk then who will..If you will not cause change then who will?

Be Prudent 

Just because you deserve victory doesn't mean you will win every fight. Others might have tactical advantages. Have self confidence to know when not to fight.

Don't be a perfectionist 

Start off with the work..if you wait for perfection it will never. First time things will be K..second time good and then Perfect ..

be persistent 

You know this very well Ansh. Specially this place will teach you..! You can't get your work done unless you are persistent.

Walk The Talk 

Don't say anything which you can not perform. Think before doing things you have not promised for .. :)

be proud 

Be proud for your team..for your work..for your appearance..for your hometown, Never let negative talks hamper this feeling..

Love many things 

Music, art, adventure, books, friends, garden, home, office, cellphone, clothes, shopping, exercise, sunsets, walks, gym... Feel good for everything!

be decisive 

Don't let decisions lingering around. Be quick in making accurate decisions. Higher people like diro likes straight yes/no kind of people.

Develop your special Talent/ Do what others can not 

Most people can’t help a crying friend..you can. Most people can’t get up at 6 am and jog..you can. Keep trying to find your special talent.

Think win win 

Its nothing but +ive attitude. Try to find solution which is good both for you & for others. PS: I am waiting for this footsteps!

Negotiate with Power 

Almost everything is negotiable.. have right reasons to negotiate.. Don’t argue or threaten. Respect other party’s position.

Remain Adaptable 

That is how world evolved.. You want to be in race, remain adaptable. Now you are in comfort of your friends, later you may not..

Applaud the beginner..spread Enthusiasm 

Never straight forward say no to beginner. Tell him the draw backs & to work again. Team enthu is in your hands. People work best under that stage :)

Act with BOLDNESS 

No one honors faint, shy and timid. Asking for glass of water or making a deal, be confident..

Read Read Read 

Society respects those who are well read. Despite whatever we have said, grades not imp & all.. STUDY WELL!! Reading broadened your outlook.. J

Work at Work 

:D Something I still need to learn. When working then give your 100%. No sms, chat, call, pep talks..

Develop your sense of Humor 

People love those who laugh… People love those more who can laugh on jokes made on them.. Your “SMILE” is contagious.. J

Show Loyalty 

I know I failed in this one.. But please..always be true to your friends!

Control Conflict 

Always remain calm and detached. Allow others to rage while you consider appropriate response. You have live example STUDC to practice .. :P

Demonstrate your LOVE 

One serious draw back with many that they can’t show love. If you have crush then tell… Tell your mom n dad how much you love them.

Stay fit & Healthy.. Relax your Body. 

LOL.. I wrote more for myself I guess..Second line is for you..Do not strain too much..Theek hai MBA hai.. but you also know… Take sound sleep…

Follow your code of HONOR 

Stick to this If you don’t say lie..never do. If you don’t smoke.. never do. If you commit something.. always do. HONOR YOURSELF

Share the credit/ Make every1 feel important 

That’s how you get love and respect. Even a small piece of work is appreciable. Your small yes can do wonders to your juniors. Never say “I did”, its “We Did”..

Develop Winning Habits 

It feels good to win. Don’t give up easily. If entering a competition then go to win and nothing less. Nobody remembers who came second.

Ask yourself lot of questions 

Best way to Discover things around you. There is no age of learning..and its never too late to learn stuff which you think you should have long back.

Get tough..Accept Hard Work 

You are tough..seriously Ansh. Point here is that you should not submit yourself to easy looking task. Take one of those difficult project during intern.

Imagine! Venture outside the box 

In other words “be Creative” Fresh ideas are always welcome everywhere.. And don’t hesitate in coming up with weird ideas.

Build Group/Team/Network/Friends 

Its all about networking. How can Rajat /gupta do that scam..? :D But on a serious note, talk with everyone and carry them along. Be like Partha here :)

Submit to higher power/ Become Grateful 

…………………………………………. Learn your religion :)

Communicate with ease/ Speak Out 

MOC+WBC .. Interviews can be cracked with a smile if you know how to communicate easily. Shouting is bad. Look into eyes when talking to someone.

COUNT the time 

Person who does not keep track of time is hard to succeed. I have seen Niketa doing wonderfully well in this. Also “enjoy quiet time”..this place offers you lot to enjoy that :)

Appreciate your Appeal 

That’s self confidence type. Wear in which you feel comfortable (you already are awesome looking :P ) Believe in your personality!!

Close the doors on the past| Avoid thinking that :|

Some doors are better closed off as they no longer exist in your life. And after closing avoid thinking about it. PS: Am wrong person to tell this. Hope you do it well.

Do what you love doing 

If you love writing backwards then do so.. Life is too short to live for what others expect you to do. I like you despite so many pangey.. but these moments will not come again

Run the short road..March the long road  

 As in finish small pending issues first. They, if left unattended, starts giving tension. Walk the long road where experience is going to help you. Learn from each step here.

Maintain +ive attitude | Avoid –ive people 

You need not be friends with all. The success comes with positive mind & you will often feel down with people with negative outlook. Just try this once.

Offer Freely | Give generously 

You do this J Here I mean is help.. offer it freely. And when you are helping someone don’t hesitate in giving your 100%

Act as you feel | Listen to your Instincts 

Some of the best decisions are taken at instinct. As the more you think more you find pros and cons. Though that’s good but if you feel like hugging a total stranger, Just Do It .. :P

Practice Peace, Forget Everybody, Practice Forgiveness 

The best thing you can do to someone is forgiveness. The worst – neglect. Its not worth keeping grudges..talk them out.. Talking helps everything.

 

"Be A Mentor"

  

Mid Life Crisis

You would have read this I guess somewhere or the other. It keeps getting re posted on face book now and then! If haven't read till now then just read through. Dunno who wrote it at first place but whosoever did, did it beautifully - 

"24-25 is not a nice age for a man.... your ex-gfs are getting married , Your career has just started, Elders treat you as unproven theorems, College guys feel that you are too old to have in there group... You seem to enjoy both cartoon and news. You can no longer eat whatever you wish without putting on weight. You are not invited for weekend cricket matches . Every Aunty you meet asks “Shaadi kab kar rahe ho beta!!” while uncle asks “Career ka kya socha hai beta…”. When the reality is that you are just riding the wave and going with the flow. You have all the confidence in the world but little achievements to show, You already have the first hand experience of life , You know that whatever you have been taught about the world in school has been sheer waste of time. You can be denied a job even after passing the test and you could be given a job if you know someone placed high enough… Politics till now was a dirty word but now you feel it everywhere. You know now love is not that blind and that friendship has its terms and conditions. .You know there is nothing for granted and free lunches are not free. Your overconfidence is now making way for a humble conscience. . You now know it is not exactly what we thought it would be"

The line which struck me the most was the one I put in bold.. everything else seems derived from it! :)

Jack n Jill redefined

Well this is the redefined version of Jack and Jill poem by Ballu. Made during our trip to Nongstoin.

Vishal and Shubhi went up the hill
          to get a picture clicked!
Shubhi fell down and got stuck in rocks
          and Vishal came laughing after!

There was nothing better in that trip..! Trust me..! :P

Hard Fact 3

"I am best at losing the ones i loved the most!"

Click here for Hard Fact 1 & 2