Ye hai Mumbai Meri Jaan
An interesting thing happened this past Monday. I was on my way to my evening seminar for the Landmark Forum (Please google Landmark education). I have to be at Churchgate at 7 pm, so I leave my place in Andheri at 530. I take the MIDC route which means I shouldnt encounter traffic and needless to say I get lots of it. There is this one turn where every one just wants to block the other guy, so eventually no one gets through without losing a lot of time, and a lot of his mind. Took me 25 minutes to get out of that jam. Reached Andheri station, bought coupons and was on my way to the platform, when I saw my 6.05 fast local departing. I would have made it to the train had it not been for these amazing ladies who were taking a leisurely stroll through the park albeit down the platform steps.
The train left by the time i reached the station. So i waited for the next one which was to come by 6.14. Mumbai. Train isnt there till 6.20. And in the meantime they pass a passenger mail on this track. So eventually there are scores of people waiting for the 6.14 train. Scores! train arrives at 6.27, and there is a crazy rush to get into it. As I tried my bit to get into an already fast filling train, i suddenly felt my right foot very bare. The chappal on my right foot was off. Great. People who know Mumbai locals will understand why I didnt try to turn around to find it. For people who dont, I would have died in the stampede if I did. So I just smiled to myself and hobbling on my bare foot just about managed to stand. I should mention here that the train floor was bloody warm.
I reached Churchgate and with one chappal on one foot and walking in that weird fashion went to the stalls in the subway. Thankfully there was one store which sold chappals and I got my self a new pair for 100 bucks. I went for my seminar. I couldnt get my mind off the chappal that had fallen because it was a gift from someone, and I liked them as well. So i made up my mind. I was gonna get back to the station and search for them.
I got back to Andheri station at 1130pm. As I had decided I went down to the same platform, and started retracing my steps from 5 hours ago. There was an empty train standing at the tracks so I couldnt search the tracks. I waited for 10 minutes for the train to depart to the yard. When it left there was an announcement than another fast train was expected on the same tracks. Frantically I started looking at the tracks. Lo and Behold, there it was. Lying face down on the side of the tracks. I made sure that there was no train coming to kill me, jumped onto the tracks and retrieved my chappal. I removed the new ones that I had bought. got the old lonely one from my bag and wore my original chappals again, and I can tell you....I was crazy happy!
For people who want to know how I got my chappal back, please watch / read The Secret!!!!
60 comments:
You certainly write well. But you sing even better. Your voice is extraordinary. Loved your rendition of 'Beautiful Girl'
Thank you for the compliments. I really hope you tell me who you are, I would like to know.
Whats the rush? Anyway you do sort of know me...just 'sort of'...
Don't get me wrong though -I find guessing games rather boring but then so would a life without an element of mystery, eh?
Sort of? Well I am not gonna get into the guessing game. I know it is played only to lose. So I shall wait for you to tell me who you are. And just to ensure, are you talking about the Beautiful girl on youtube?
Hey, you didn't lose this one. I get the feeling that you've already guessed who I am. Why else would you use the process of elimination? Isn't that the reason why you want to know where I heard you sing...so you could narrow down your choices?
Naah...far from that. I want to know about the youtube thing, coz if you liked that version, then I got an even better version recorded in a studio...and that is much better...so just asking which one are you referring to...and if you havent heard the studio one...then I guess you will have to tell me who you are so I can send it across to you. :). and No, I still dont know who you are.
Nice try, my dear Watson. But guess what? I've heard both the versions. Gotchya!
Last night I was hearing my all time favorite song -'Time Of your Life' by Green Day and strangely enough I wondered how it would sound in your voice...
The first place I wud have gone to look for that chappal is chor bazaar, u r lucky to get it back for free...
and send me the studio version, u knw who i am
@anonymous: OK then, if you heard both the versions, I am sure you will agree that the studio one is miles ahead. And strangely enough, I did sing Time of your life, in the same studio that I recorded Beautiful Girl in. So ok, I narrowed down the search, but as I said before I am not playing the guessing game.
@Rushabh: I shall gladly send you the studio version man. I am sure you will like it.
Okay, time to come clean. I've only heard you on CG Radio and assumed that was the 'studio' version. I haven't heard the youtube version. Nor have I heard you sing Time of your Life. Honest. That was a very strange coincidence indeed.
Thats odd, coz I sang Time of your life for the CG radio as well. It should have been on the same broadcast as beautiful girls. So now are you gonna tell me who you are?
The July broadcast of CG Radio? I don't think so unless it was at the very end, because I didn't get a chance to hear it entirely. Okay so I will confirm when I get back to work. Besides, if Beautiful Girls is something to go by, I surely want to hear Time of your Life. And my name is Jyoti. So there you go, now you know who I am :).
ok. Jyoti? Why doesnt that name sound very familiar. You said I sort of know you, but I sort of dont know you I guess. :) What tech are you working on?
Well that makes two of us, coz I dont know you either :). I've seen you around CG, thats all. And hey, do you tend to lose your footwear often? I distinctly remember running into you once when you were walking around barefooted on CG campus :)
Barefoot in CG? wow...i wonder when that was, but then I am quite capable of doing so...dont think i lost footwear, must have been the rains getting my shoes wet. By the way, this conversation makes this my most commented blog post.
Okay, I get the message. No more comments.
Wow...you got a message which I really wasnt conveying. I was kinda thrilled that it showed so many comments on my blog...that was my message, and I am guessing thats not the one that you got.Have no problems at all with you commenting on my blog, by all means please do. But there are easier ways of communication :)
Oops - you're right that was not the message I got. Well, now I am thrilled since I can continue to rain comments on your blog posts. Soon this might not be your most commented blog post. It might become the most commented blog post there ever was :) Don't worry, just kiddin'. By the way, what would some of the easier ways of communication be? :):)
yeah, the most commented blog post ever! Easier ways of communication would be a messenger, or Orkut or something...or probably as is the case with most software engineers, their office email accounts!
So Jyoti, what tech are you working on? And how long have you been in IT"?
Agreed. Office email is so much easier. Just one minor thing though - it works better if you are in office and not on a prolonged leave :). Yup, I replied to your comment in an email today and got your ooo message..
ooo message? Ha ha...I like that...Yeah on a prolonged leave..Chilling...and doing what I want to do. that reminds me, I have to check my emails...they must have accumulated over quite some time now...need to empty that...and fill timesheets...eeww...hate all these office things man...
Tell me about it. Its not even mid-week yet and I am waiting for the weekend. Sorry. Didn't mean to remind you about the grind while you are on a sabbatical. Lucky you..
Thats allright...reminding me of that drives me forward here...so it is actually a cool thing....he he. So Jyoti, how long have you been working with CG? And what dept are you working for?
Hey, I sent you an email on all that - do you not access webmail? Anyway, I joined CG last Nov as Test Lead in the TS-UK BU. How about you? What tech/dept do you work with (when you're not chilling that is)
Nahi ya, I dont have access to webmail from my place, you need some secure ID for that na. I dont have that, coz I am not working from home am I? So havent accessed my official mails. Will do so soon.So it is still your first year here. I joined CG in August 2006 and have been working on the TS-SAP NA West thing... :) man these acronyms...so annoying.
Know what I just noticed? This conversation is now a month old :)
Wah....eye for detail I must say...it is now 1 month and 2 days old. but lets not continue counting now on :).
Okay, works for me. Math was never my forte anyway :) By the way, CG August radio is out. Am not overly impressed with it. I guess the July folks left some pretty big shoes to fill :):)
I like that line!!! Big shoes to fill.....really nice...Sorry I took some time to reply. I was a little busy with a few things. Didnt even log into the net. I wish CG radio gives me a contract man...two songs per month...would just love to do something like that...wonder why they didnt call me this time. Maybe no one gave them good feedback about the songs last time :(
Hey, no need to say sorry. I figured you were busy with something important...since you said that my reminders on work were "driving you" with whatever you're doing these days. If its not too personal, can I ask what that is? If for any reason you don't wish to tell, just forget I asked, ya? It probably didn't occur to people to give feedback. I'm guilty of that too. Surely it would help if CG radio made an effort to reach out to the audience and seek input. Thats another feedback for them :)
Yeah do suggest that to the radio team. And again I am reminded of the fact that I havent checked my email in ages. Just hope I dont have too many personal ones.
And about what I am doing, I am pursuing acting and writing. I took the time off to see if I got a result, and I gave myself a time limit. 3 months for the first result to show. People in the business said you shouldnt lose heart even if you dont get anything for 6 months to 1 year, and you know what, I just shot for my first ad film on 5th Sept. So thats my first result!!!! thats what I am up to. Also writing a script for a friend.
Shot an ad? You mean like a model?Wow..acting,singing, writing and IT..you sure are a man of many talents. Hey are you from planet Krypton?? No seriously, that is an amazing set of talent for one person. And it takes a lot of nerve to do what you're doing. So hang in there. And congratulations on your first win! Must have been an exciting day, na?
Well you havent heard of my sporting conquests yet!! I am a footballer and a badminton player too. And I went to Zonals tennis too. I wonder what your reaction is to that now.
Actually on the first crossroad of my life, I wish I had introspected a bit more, but I instead let others take a decision for me. Thats how I landed up in IT, otherwise I had talents that could have given me a bigger name elsewhere. Now I made my own crossroad suddenly, and have chosen a path. :) thats about it...
Arpit, it would be a lot easier if you tell me what you're not good at :) As for my reaction - I wish I had a camera to capture my dropped jaw :) And don't regret that you did IT..who knows, had you not gone into IT you probably wouldn't have realized the passion you have for your other talents? I for one believe that everything that happens in one's life has a definite purpose. Bottom line is that unlike millions of people who go through an entire lifetime not knowing what they want, you have found your calling. So just pursue your dream and your day in the sun will come!!
Wow I like that....thank you so much. Inspiring words. But yeah, I am happy I am putting my heart into something I want now...Life is afterall, what you make it.
Hey, I like that line, "Life is what you make it". So profound. This is becoming a mutual admiration society now :) Some more CG trivia - A football team selection process is being held this weekend. I can give you the details if you're interested?
Hmm.. nice story dude.. m not usually do blogging..
but u got some good skills with writing, though content was no so good but the way u put this was convincing... Keep it UP
Thats sweet of you. I was informed about it. Had been trying to get one made the two years I was in, and now that I am making my way out they tell me there is a team being made :). Would love to play with them, just hope they set up practice somewhere close. I was so crazy about football, I would ride 23 kms one way to Airoli, just to play.... :) Now am a little less crazier. Would prefer to practice somewhere closer home!!!
It is indeed ironic that they should come up with a team at this time :) I was never into sports, except for some badminton that I played during school days. Have become so lazy over the years that I think even golf would be too strenous for me :)
Look before you leap!!! Golf is quite strenuous they say...esp because official rules dont allow for golf carts, so you have to walk all the 18 holes...thats not really what lazy people prefer to do....maybe pool is for more lethargic people...
Now how would I know that? When I watch Tiger Woods from my comfortable couch, he makes it look like it was a piece of cake :). As for the pool, all those chemicals are not good for my skin. Yes you got it. Lazy people prefer to make excuses :) Although,there is one thing that I did a month ago which still surprises me and a few others. I joined the local gym!!
Yeah, a lot of people join gym...and usually dont attend...the stats usually favor the gym!! Thats one of my investments that I look to do in the future....and a restaurant!! one will prosper when people come in, and for the other it doesnt matter....and both contribute to each other!!!
Ha ha, that is funny. Nevertheless, some good business acumen there. You blog and you also want to start a restaurant...hmm.. seem to already have the traits of a celebrity :)
Just read your concepts on the energy drink. The third concept is pretty good. Reminded me of a very racy Diet Coke ad in the US that created quite a stir when it was launched. The ad was about a bunch of women at work who gather at the window everyday at the same time to ogle at this really hot construction worker taking a break - the guy strips his shirt off and downs Diet Coke. This ad was so successful that it was claimed to be a turning point for Coke in the war with Pepsi.
I didnt know about such an ad...never been to the US na...me poor soul!!! :).
Hope to write an ad that does get noticed big time though...at least appreciated by quality...waitin for that to happen....or rather...making that happen!!!
Yes, please do come up with some new and revolutionary concepts. More than the ad itself I think what was appreciated in the Diet Coke ad was that for once women were portrayed as doing something other than rubbing creams on their faces or applying shampoos and hair color:) So hope you make it happen!! And when is the ad you shot going live?
That ad should be on air by this month end!!! And I had a fantastic birthday gift (bday - 21st sept)!!! I shot for my second ad...this was the lead role...so it is super fantastic!!!! YAY!!!!! It is for Compaq...should be out in the next 15 days!!YAY!!!!
Yay!! Yay!! Your excitement is infectious:) Belated birthday wishes and hope the day returns every year with such fantastic gifts! Maybe we'll see you on the big screen next year??
Why next year!!! :) But yea...I hope for something like that...in fact IT WILL HAPPEN!!! Would love to do a Rajat Kapoor movie...
You want to do a Rajat Kapoor movie? So we have to watch a Rajat Kapoor movie without Ranvir Shorey? No way, mister:) Now if you both star in the movie, then its okay :)
Naah dont worry...IN fact I quite like Ranvir Shorey...think he has done very well for himself...and I actually consider him as one of the guys I would want to become!!!
I was kidding..Ranvir Shorey is awesome, but a fresh face is always welcome...And what about the ads? Are they on air yet?
Naah...called the ICICI ppl...they said 10th Oct...and I been on the look out for the Compaq one but I guess it isnt on air either...saw the other Compaq one. I had auditioned for it....IT didnt turne out to be that great an AD though...so I dont mind not having got it!!
A case of sour grapes, eh? Hey, I've been meaning to ask you about the Landmark forum...Did it do you any good? I was seriously considering it but then I got such conflicting opinions that I kinda put it on hold..
No..not a case of sour grapes at all....a case of "Lucky I got the second ad" :). Wait till you see that one...I mean it is much better than the first one according to me. I was kinda surprised they didnt select me in the formal look and then took me for the college guy look...kinda gave me a new perspective about how ppl see me :)
And the Landmark Forum was awesome for me. I got fantastic results out of my participation in it..one of them being my ads and my eventual desire to follow this....and life has been happy and fantastic ever since...I would suggest..no wait...I would just order you to do it...coz I know it is awesome.
What network does the "first" ad come on? Thanks to CG, I hardly get to watch any TV these days and therefore haven't seen a Compaq ad lately. And thanks much for the feedback on Landmark Forum. I am truly motivated..I guess now its just a matter of finding some time to do it (:
No network as such. Once it is releases I guess it goes everywhere. I will call the Asst Director to ask him again when it will air. Been looking fwd to it honestly....have watched more ads than shows in the past few days. :)
Versus muting them in the past? Enjoy the ride! When you're all splashed over TV you may not experience this feeling again..
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