Musings on Writing, Life, and Movies: A Personal Reflection

Just woke up this morning and realized that I was in the mood to write. I have ideas, I make rough notes or rough drafts at times, but it’s only when that perfect moment arrives (flow state) that I grab a cup of coffee, help myself with some popcorn, play some soulful songs on iTunes, and sit down to write. There’s no fixed time or pattern. Somehow, I know when it occurs.

A lot has happened in the last few days of my life. Thankfully, most of it has been pleasant. Screwed up my MBA entrance exams, got placed for a job, and spent a memorable last month at college with friends. Have you ever noticed the herd of auto-rickshaw drivers who just rush in as soon as any train arrives at the railway station? It gets irritating when you return to your hometown by the 8AM train, are barely alive and there is this tornado of questions thrown at you: “Sir, auto chahiye?” “Hotel?” “Achcha hotel. Bahut services hain wahan, sir.” Most of the time, I try to be nice to people, but sometimes it gets annoying. However, this time a guy came up and said, “Sir, Hotel? Don’t give me money. The hotel pays Rs 20 as commission for every client I bring. Aap bass chal lo free mein.” All I could do was smile. Call it a sense of humor, humility, simplicity or plain and honest business sense – it made my morning. I have realized that the best of humor is found in the most unlikely of places.

Another example I can give is of a cheap ballpoint pen which cost me five bucks. A simple pen but with a great statement inscribed on it: “My other pen’s a Parker!” Wow. Creativity at its best. These small moments can uplift your mood. Pity if you don’t notice and appreciate these small little treasure chests. Someone rightly said, “All good things are free,” so take some time out of your to-do lists and start noticing these special moments which make up what we call life. In the golden words of our beloved joker, “Why SO SERIOUS??”

Watched Dhobi Ghat. All my friends told me not to watch it and that it’s boring, yet somehow I knew I would like it. And I did. The entire setting, the characterization - all were, in a certain way, very engaging. And on top of that, Shai was super-hot! But the entire story track of Yasmin, how Arun discovers her life through those videotape chitthis was the most touching portion of the movie, its soul. I have this strange knack of liking movies that very few other people like. Another such movie was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was awesome. Strange that somehow the chronology of emotions and feelings are the same even if you start living your life backward. For my friends, it was boring, but for me, it was like wine, getting better with each sip – just taking its time.