The influx of actors in bollywood continues to increase at a tremendous pace. Numerous young people, some just in their teens, move to Mumbai, the City of Glittering Dreams, hoping to reach stardom. The cut throat competition allows a very few to actually make it for auditions. In order to get noticed for the next audition, some enroll in acting schools, some join gyms to build their physiques, while others start to flaunt their body. These kinds of preparations lead to further competition.
Imagine you are one of those aspirants waiting for a chance to showcase your skills and prove that you are the next superstar and one fine day you receive a message on your phone “you have been scheduled for an auditions, please check your email” Finally, you’ve been called for an auditions and this project means a lot to you. But there are thousands of budding actors who are similar to you or maybe better than you who have been called for the same audition.
What sets you apart?
Appearing for an audition is like appearing for an exam. You need proper planning and preparation. Being prepared will increase your chances of getting shortlisted. Therefore it is very important to have a proper knowledge and understanding about the media industry.
Well... When you are called for an audition, double check the audition time and location. Remember to reach there on time. Arriving early at the audition place will help you relax. You can also use that extra time to read the script and get prepared. As the saying goes “the first impression is the last impression” Try to look presentable. Upon entering the studio you may find number of other actors waiting anxiously for their chance. It is very normal to have a queasy feeling in your stomach or get nervous but don’t let that feeling affect you. Be confident when you enter the room. This would send a signal to all the actors sitting in that room that you are here for serious business. But don’t get over confident. This may ruin your chances. No matter who is in the room, treat everyone with respect and courtesy. While waiting in the audition room, try to avoid chatting with other people. There are high chances of you loosing focus because of that.
Upon receiving the script, read it thoroughly at least once before you start practicing for a particular scene. Find out everything you can about the character you're going to be playing. This will help you to perform better in front of the camera.
Finally your name is called and you enter the room, ready to face the camera. The thing that matters the most for the casting director is your performance. You have to give it your best shot. So, don't try to accelerate your lines. Calm down and speak at appropriate tempo. Make the director believe that you are the character. You need not show that you are very nervous and can't wait for the audition to be over.
We are human so mistakes are bound to happen. If you lose concentration or cannot perform as per your potential or if you feel like trying again, you can always ask the casting director to be allowed to do it again. Be sure not to draw any attention to your mistakes. This can be seen by the casting director. Remember the only thing that will separate you from others is your Attitude. You need to be professional in order to succeed in this industry. Good looks won’t solve everything. The thing that should go well with them is your talent and your professional attitude.
Last but not least, remember a rejection doesn't mean you're no good, it just means that need more time to prepare. Believing in yourself is the only thing that will drive you to places.
So, all the best!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Friday, January 1, 2010
AN UNUSUAL STORY OF SHEKHAR, THE CHILD LABOR
5th December 2009. My first semester exams got over and I was all set to party. Before gearing up for the fun, sir had filled our pockets with a couple of projects, which we had to submit after the vacation. I was asked to work on Child Labor. But the feeling of the marathon exam getting done had overpowered by the tension of project completion.
Fifteen days had passed by, half the vacation was over and I had not even bothered to look towards my bag which was sadly sitting in the corner of my study room. 16th December 2009 I called up my friend to get some updates about their projects and to my surprise everybody had already started. At once I opened my dell laptop and Googled about child labor. Number of pages opened in front of me and I was loaded with heaps of information. Within the next two hours my project was done and I was satisfied by the efforts I had put in. I looked outside my window. Since it was winter month, evenings were chilling. The big orange sun had packed up its rays and was set to disappear on the opposite side of my window. I decided to have tea which was near my home. The small tea stall was always packed as he makes excellent masala tea. I placed my order and was waiting for it. A few minutes later someone patted my leg and said “sahib chai”. I looked below and saw a small boy around ten years old standing with the tea in his hand. There was a smile on his face when he spoke and his hands were so tiny that the glass was hardly fitting into it. His loose red shorts were barely visible under an oversized shirt. While having tea my eyes were continuously following him. Every time he interacted with the customer there was a smile on his face. It made me think, how a child can be so happy when he has to work 12 hours a day, while the other children of his age are busy enjoying their childhood. Something inside prompted me to speak to him. I ordered for another tea and he came towards me to serve it. Casually I asked him the reason for his working at the time when he is supposed to be studying. His name was shekhar and our further conversation went something like ,
‘How can I go to school?’
‘Like any other children. Now a day’s schools are providing meals. You don’t have to worry about the food also.’
‘Will they feed my family also?’
‘what do you mean? What your parents do?’
‘I don’t know what my father does. He is missing from past six years. My mother works at construction sites. I have a school going younger brother. My mother don’t get regular job. So I have to work.’
‘How much do you earn?’
‘The shop owner gives me 20 rupee per day a breakfast and a lunch. I earn at least 10 rupee as tips. Even after all the expenses I can take home at least 30 rupees a day.’
I was beginning to take interest in this casual conversation. I don’t know why I felt like helping Shekhar.
‘I know some organization which helps children like you. If you are interested I’ll take you there and they will try to arrange for your education etc. You should be studying and playing at your age. What do you say?’ I asked him.
‘Sahib, I have just started working. I used to secretly beg before that. One day my mother saw me and stripped me of my cloths and made me to stand in front of the house for the whole day. She always tells me that if I ever beg or steel, she will break my legs. If I leave this job, I will not be able to earn. So I don’t want to study.’
I tried persuading him to take up studies but, he was very sure of his stand. I went with him to his home and met his mother. Her stand was not different than that of her son. ‘I would live if he could study. But, our financial status does not allow it. Being the elder son, he has to take the responsibility of the family.’ She concluded.
‘But it is illegal. Child labor is banned in India. Primary education is free and compulsory. You don’t have to spend a paisa on his education. Even his lunch is taken care of.’ I took out my last weapon.
She looked at me for a while and, gave a sarcastic smile.
‘My younger son is studying in a government school Sahib. (I had become big brother for both mother and son.) I know how free it is. It’s difficult for us to support even a first standard student. Please leave now.’
But I was determined.
I again met Shekhar the next day and tried explain him the positive aspects of education. I told him, if you think of studying you will get a better job. He understood the importance of it but was not ready to leave his job. I failed again.
‘I don’t want to work in the tea shop for ever Sahib. Very soon I’ll be opening my own tea shop. I know how to make tea and coffee. I have already started saving some money towards it.’
I looked at him in disbelief. He had a broad smile on his face and, all the stars in his eyes!
Being educated, I had never thought of working for self. I had decided the safe way of doing MBA and working for a MNC on their terms. A ten year old, uneducated boy had thought of working under self terms and, had already laid foundations on his dream!
I just told him to contact me for any kind of help he may require in future.
I had made my project Child Labor which featured issue like children and their rights and, the problems the underprivileged face. But that little child had shown me the other side of it. In every aspect of life he was more superior to me, when compared to my child childhood with his. I could never ever think of taking responsibility at such a small age. He was practical and I was forced to acknowledge his spirit towards life. He had somehow managed to convince me that what he was doing was not bad or illegal.
Both the governments and, the society have failed in creating a likable atmosphere for the (poor) children. But Shekhar’s incident proved to me that the negligence has not hampered their spirit. I decided to make my project on child labor all over again. This time covering the positive as well as negative aspects of it. I went on streets looking out for child labors and then talking to their parents. All families which I visited had one thing in common. ‘Financial support the child is providing to them.’
I’m not supporting child labor of any kind. I just want to highlight the spirit of children even in adverse conditions. I wonder what all these spirited children could achieve if they get a proper initial guidance.
The governments sure have come up with some very good schemes for the children. But have failed in implementing it. First priority should be given to create proper job opportunities for financially lower section of the society. When the parents can financially support their family, the government can compel their children towards schools.
I am done with my project, this time much more happier and satisfied than before. Waiting to get approval from my sir so that I can present it in front of my classmates.
KUNAL PRASAD
Fifteen days had passed by, half the vacation was over and I had not even bothered to look towards my bag which was sadly sitting in the corner of my study room. 16th December 2009 I called up my friend to get some updates about their projects and to my surprise everybody had already started. At once I opened my dell laptop and Googled about child labor. Number of pages opened in front of me and I was loaded with heaps of information. Within the next two hours my project was done and I was satisfied by the efforts I had put in. I looked outside my window. Since it was winter month, evenings were chilling. The big orange sun had packed up its rays and was set to disappear on the opposite side of my window. I decided to have tea which was near my home. The small tea stall was always packed as he makes excellent masala tea. I placed my order and was waiting for it. A few minutes later someone patted my leg and said “sahib chai”. I looked below and saw a small boy around ten years old standing with the tea in his hand. There was a smile on his face when he spoke and his hands were so tiny that the glass was hardly fitting into it. His loose red shorts were barely visible under an oversized shirt. While having tea my eyes were continuously following him. Every time he interacted with the customer there was a smile on his face. It made me think, how a child can be so happy when he has to work 12 hours a day, while the other children of his age are busy enjoying their childhood. Something inside prompted me to speak to him. I ordered for another tea and he came towards me to serve it. Casually I asked him the reason for his working at the time when he is supposed to be studying. His name was shekhar and our further conversation went something like ,
‘How can I go to school?’
‘Like any other children. Now a day’s schools are providing meals. You don’t have to worry about the food also.’
‘Will they feed my family also?’
‘what do you mean? What your parents do?’
‘I don’t know what my father does. He is missing from past six years. My mother works at construction sites. I have a school going younger brother. My mother don’t get regular job. So I have to work.’
‘How much do you earn?’
‘The shop owner gives me 20 rupee per day a breakfast and a lunch. I earn at least 10 rupee as tips. Even after all the expenses I can take home at least 30 rupees a day.’
I was beginning to take interest in this casual conversation. I don’t know why I felt like helping Shekhar.
‘I know some organization which helps children like you. If you are interested I’ll take you there and they will try to arrange for your education etc. You should be studying and playing at your age. What do you say?’ I asked him.
‘Sahib, I have just started working. I used to secretly beg before that. One day my mother saw me and stripped me of my cloths and made me to stand in front of the house for the whole day. She always tells me that if I ever beg or steel, she will break my legs. If I leave this job, I will not be able to earn. So I don’t want to study.’
I tried persuading him to take up studies but, he was very sure of his stand. I went with him to his home and met his mother. Her stand was not different than that of her son. ‘I would live if he could study. But, our financial status does not allow it. Being the elder son, he has to take the responsibility of the family.’ She concluded.
‘But it is illegal. Child labor is banned in India. Primary education is free and compulsory. You don’t have to spend a paisa on his education. Even his lunch is taken care of.’ I took out my last weapon.
She looked at me for a while and, gave a sarcastic smile.
‘My younger son is studying in a government school Sahib. (I had become big brother for both mother and son.) I know how free it is. It’s difficult for us to support even a first standard student. Please leave now.’
But I was determined.
I again met Shekhar the next day and tried explain him the positive aspects of education. I told him, if you think of studying you will get a better job. He understood the importance of it but was not ready to leave his job. I failed again.
‘I don’t want to work in the tea shop for ever Sahib. Very soon I’ll be opening my own tea shop. I know how to make tea and coffee. I have already started saving some money towards it.’
I looked at him in disbelief. He had a broad smile on his face and, all the stars in his eyes!
Being educated, I had never thought of working for self. I had decided the safe way of doing MBA and working for a MNC on their terms. A ten year old, uneducated boy had thought of working under self terms and, had already laid foundations on his dream!
I just told him to contact me for any kind of help he may require in future.
I had made my project Child Labor which featured issue like children and their rights and, the problems the underprivileged face. But that little child had shown me the other side of it. In every aspect of life he was more superior to me, when compared to my child childhood with his. I could never ever think of taking responsibility at such a small age. He was practical and I was forced to acknowledge his spirit towards life. He had somehow managed to convince me that what he was doing was not bad or illegal.
Both the governments and, the society have failed in creating a likable atmosphere for the (poor) children. But Shekhar’s incident proved to me that the negligence has not hampered their spirit. I decided to make my project on child labor all over again. This time covering the positive as well as negative aspects of it. I went on streets looking out for child labors and then talking to their parents. All families which I visited had one thing in common. ‘Financial support the child is providing to them.’
I’m not supporting child labor of any kind. I just want to highlight the spirit of children even in adverse conditions. I wonder what all these spirited children could achieve if they get a proper initial guidance.
The governments sure have come up with some very good schemes for the children. But have failed in implementing it. First priority should be given to create proper job opportunities for financially lower section of the society. When the parents can financially support their family, the government can compel their children towards schools.
I am done with my project, this time much more happier and satisfied than before. Waiting to get approval from my sir so that I can present it in front of my classmates.
KUNAL PRASAD
Monday, July 13, 2009
Addi
Love- A word that has been an inspiration for all the philosophers and poets, a journey that everyone voyages and everyone’s voyage has a different route, experience and destination. One such voyage is of mine
The first time I met Addi was at our college bus stop. She wasn't ‘love at first sight’ kind of girl but there was something magnetic in her which did attract me. May be it was her innocence, may be it was her smile. Since we were in the same college it was obvious for us to be friends. My friendship with her did not click from the word go. For me she was just another girl in my friend’s list but we used to call each other very frequently. Got to know that she was originally from Delhi and had come to Mumbai at her aunt’s place for studies. Kept on meeting her in college kept on chatting with her on the phone. She was an introvert and used to speak very less. Over the years our friendship grew and I was completely mesmerized by her. She was such a great company to be with. She helped me to identify my strengths, my talents and because of her the spark in me was always remarkable. She was the girl respected, honoured and adored not only by me but by everyone who knew her. She was well organised, well planned and a great implementer. It was indeed a great honour for me to be her friend. I loved everything about her. Couldn’t imagine a single day without her. She was a great friend to be with and one fine day I realised that love had come between our friendship. The following day I went up to her to share my feelings. It took time for her to answer me but luckily the answer was positive.
I was never so dead serious about anything as I was with my relationship with her. It was such a lovely feeling to be in love and that to with a girl of your choice. She had clearly mentioned that she was not going make commitments for the future and I was ok with it. Nobody in the college knew about our relationship except few of our close friends. It was completely her decision to do so and I had to obey her order. I liked the way she dominated me. She always used to remind me of my good old school days, just as my teachers used to scold me to complete my work. I was enjoying every part of my relationship. But life is not always a cradle of joy.
Addi was done with her last year of exams and the time had come to return to her family. I knew this was coming but was afraid of facing it. What really made me tensed was that she was not going to comeback since her family needed her more than me. I couldn’t force her. I clearly remember it was 2nd of June, her last day with me and I wanted to make best use of it. With my hard earned money I bought a gold ring for her. I wanted to make her most memorable day. We went to a coffee shop where I decided to gift her. Since it was Sunday, the whole shop was crowded. I was nervous. As we were about to leave I went down my knees and asked her can I wait for you? Tears started to roll down her cheeks. She did not speak since I had put her in an awkward situation. She had declined my ring. I kept on asking her why but the only answer I got was her tears. The next day I went to the station to drop her. She did not speak a word, neither did I feel comfortable though my silence kept on asking many questions. The train gave its final horn and for the last time I hugged her. I wanted to remain in her arms all my life but it was time to say goodbye. She promised to call me and got into the train. I waited till the train disappeared from my sight. The first few days she did not call me. I tried calling her but her phone was switched off. Day by day I was getting restless. I was dying to speak to her. Days turned into months, months turned into years. Today It’s been three years and I am still waiting only for the fact that I know she loves me, loves me a lot.
The first time I met Addi was at our college bus stop. She wasn't ‘love at first sight’ kind of girl but there was something magnetic in her which did attract me. May be it was her innocence, may be it was her smile. Since we were in the same college it was obvious for us to be friends. My friendship with her did not click from the word go. For me she was just another girl in my friend’s list but we used to call each other very frequently. Got to know that she was originally from Delhi and had come to Mumbai at her aunt’s place for studies. Kept on meeting her in college kept on chatting with her on the phone. She was an introvert and used to speak very less. Over the years our friendship grew and I was completely mesmerized by her. She was such a great company to be with. She helped me to identify my strengths, my talents and because of her the spark in me was always remarkable. She was the girl respected, honoured and adored not only by me but by everyone who knew her. She was well organised, well planned and a great implementer. It was indeed a great honour for me to be her friend. I loved everything about her. Couldn’t imagine a single day without her. She was a great friend to be with and one fine day I realised that love had come between our friendship. The following day I went up to her to share my feelings. It took time for her to answer me but luckily the answer was positive.
I was never so dead serious about anything as I was with my relationship with her. It was such a lovely feeling to be in love and that to with a girl of your choice. She had clearly mentioned that she was not going make commitments for the future and I was ok with it. Nobody in the college knew about our relationship except few of our close friends. It was completely her decision to do so and I had to obey her order. I liked the way she dominated me. She always used to remind me of my good old school days, just as my teachers used to scold me to complete my work. I was enjoying every part of my relationship. But life is not always a cradle of joy.
Addi was done with her last year of exams and the time had come to return to her family. I knew this was coming but was afraid of facing it. What really made me tensed was that she was not going to comeback since her family needed her more than me. I couldn’t force her. I clearly remember it was 2nd of June, her last day with me and I wanted to make best use of it. With my hard earned money I bought a gold ring for her. I wanted to make her most memorable day. We went to a coffee shop where I decided to gift her. Since it was Sunday, the whole shop was crowded. I was nervous. As we were about to leave I went down my knees and asked her can I wait for you? Tears started to roll down her cheeks. She did not speak since I had put her in an awkward situation. She had declined my ring. I kept on asking her why but the only answer I got was her tears. The next day I went to the station to drop her. She did not speak a word, neither did I feel comfortable though my silence kept on asking many questions. The train gave its final horn and for the last time I hugged her. I wanted to remain in her arms all my life but it was time to say goodbye. She promised to call me and got into the train. I waited till the train disappeared from my sight. The first few days she did not call me. I tried calling her but her phone was switched off. Day by day I was getting restless. I was dying to speak to her. Days turned into months, months turned into years. Today It’s been three years and I am still waiting only for the fact that I know she loves me, loves me a lot.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
A THING CALLED ' LOVE '
My father always used to tell me that if you really need something give away your everything behind it. I never knew that something would be a girl in my college. I first saw her walking with a bunch of girls in the college campus. My eyes caught Riddhima and were not ready to move until she disappeared. I knew this is the girl I wanted to be with. The next day I caught her in front of the whole college and asked her to be my friend. She ignored me. I bent down on my knees in front of the whole college and sang a song for her. She again ignored me. I tried gifting a portrait of hers on Valentine’s Day in front of the whole college. She did not accept it. I went to her classroom and asked the permission of the professor to speak to her. She was not ready to speak. I did all the possible things in front of the whole college to woo her. Being an extrovert these things were easy for me to do. For my every action there was only one reaction from her ‘ignorance’. This made me think hard. I was looking out for some reason but couldn’t find one. I then decided to join her group. Her group was a bunch of sweet girls. They happily accepted me as their friend. I asked them about Riddhima but they themselves were confused by her behavior towards me. She was not ready to speak about me with anybody. She was an introvert and was very reserved by nature. She would talk only what is necessary. I was fallen for her superb attitude. Even though she ignored me I adored her. Don’t know why? Riddhima never had any problems with her friend speaking to me. I bonded well with everyone in her group. I kept on trying but she was not interested. One day Jenny, a group friend told me that she will never ever talk to me. I asked for a reason. She told me that my first impression did not go well with Riddhima. She hated me to extreme for whatever I did with her in front of the whole college. She was not used to this kind of publicity and wanted to be with her selective group of friends. When I heard Jenny telling these things I knew that even before getting her in my life I’d lost her. I thought I had done some very romantic things to impress her but she thought otherwise. I myself had spoiled my image in front of Riddhima. I felt bad and wanted to apologize. I wanted to tell her that everything I did was unintentional and would just happen whenever I used to see her. Everything I did was very immature and was really sorry for my behavior but she was not ready to speak to me. I decided to change my image. I started helping everybody in the group in their class projects. I kept all my close friends aside only to spend time with her group. Her friends were impressed but she wasn’t. Days passed, nothing changed between me and Riddhima. I wanted her very badly. But that seemed impossible. Everyone asked me to stop chasing her because she was not even interested to be my friend leave alone having a relationship. I had tears in my eyes. The girl whom I wanted to give my everything was not ready to talk to me. I couldn’t take this. There wasn’t anything I could do to impress her. Our college life ended. She was on her way and I was on my way. I had tried my best.
One quality I like about myself is that I never give up. Whatever it may be. Today 12 years have passed since my last day of college. Life has changed and so am I but the words said by my father has not changed. They still remain the same. Today I am proud to say that Riddhima is with me. I have finally got her in my life. I proudly call my daughter “Riddhima”. I am happy to get what I wanted.
Love you Riddhima.
KUNAL PRASAD.
One quality I like about myself is that I never give up. Whatever it may be. Today 12 years have passed since my last day of college. Life has changed and so am I but the words said by my father has not changed. They still remain the same. Today I am proud to say that Riddhima is with me. I have finally got her in my life. I proudly call my daughter “Riddhima”. I am happy to get what I wanted.
Love you Riddhima.
KUNAL PRASAD.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
ON THE SAME BOAT
Often, we fail to see around us and notice that everyone has problems and often, we fail to look behind us and notice, that for so many, the situation is worse.
For me, failures have always knocked my door and I have learnt to welcome it with my open arms. After appearing the second time for my graduation examination I had failed again. I was heart broken because I had worked hard for it. My friends with whom I once shared the same class were way ahead of me.
My parents, who have always supported me in my every failure, advised me to get employed somewhere. I decided to go for a call centre interview. I was selected in one of the best call center around. I took my work seriously and worked hard. I, then started enjoy my work. I was earning good. My parents were happy for me. In the meanwhile I had started investing my money in shares. At one point of time I had invested heavily in shares, when there was a boom. Suddenly, the market crashed. I lost all my money. There were so many things at stake. After loosing all my money, there was no hope in sight, everything had come to a halt. I was really nervous about my career. For me things had come to an end. My parents supported me a lot even then I was very, very nervous. Being confident enough about the share market I had even borrowed money from my parents and friends. I had to return them their money. I was feeling helpless. Negative ideas had surrounded me and I was fighting to get out of it.
One day, alone in my house, I was indulging in my fearful thoughts. My future kept on troubling me. Just then, my mother’s best friend arrived. She was looking tensed. My mother curiously asked her the matter. She began to narrate the hardships they were going through to my mother. Her husband had raised about two lakh of rupees, at high interest rate, in order to buy a flat. Now, the builder, deep in his own trouble, was dillydallying. Every day her husband had to answer calls from the moneylenders and there was no way her husband could arrange for such a huge amount. She described how tensed her husband had become. She was in tears when she was telling her story. My mother, all the time was consoling and telling her that thing will be soon fine. Even before she had finished her story, our door bell rang, there came our maid. She had just returned from her native place. My mother was annoyed with her, because without informing she left for her native place. Even before my mother could ask anything she began to tell my mother why she had been to her village: her daughter, who had recently married, had to undergo a surgery. She described to mother her problems. She told that they had already borrowed enough money for her daughter’s marriage and now they had to spend about five thousand rupees, and narrate how they went about arranging it. All this time I was there, listening everything. Then I realized that each one of us had our own problems. Mine was a ‘big one’, for me. So were theirs, for them. After listening to their stories, my problem did not leave me. I was still very nervous. But, I did realize that, I was not alone, there were many who are surrounded with problems. I got up from my seat and went in the balcony. A fresh breeze played over my shoulders. Standing there and looking at the sky, I smiled, gently. There was lot of sunshine, outside.
KUNAL .S. PRASAD.
For me, failures have always knocked my door and I have learnt to welcome it with my open arms. After appearing the second time for my graduation examination I had failed again. I was heart broken because I had worked hard for it. My friends with whom I once shared the same class were way ahead of me.
My parents, who have always supported me in my every failure, advised me to get employed somewhere. I decided to go for a call centre interview. I was selected in one of the best call center around. I took my work seriously and worked hard. I, then started enjoy my work. I was earning good. My parents were happy for me. In the meanwhile I had started investing my money in shares. At one point of time I had invested heavily in shares, when there was a boom. Suddenly, the market crashed. I lost all my money. There were so many things at stake. After loosing all my money, there was no hope in sight, everything had come to a halt. I was really nervous about my career. For me things had come to an end. My parents supported me a lot even then I was very, very nervous. Being confident enough about the share market I had even borrowed money from my parents and friends. I had to return them their money. I was feeling helpless. Negative ideas had surrounded me and I was fighting to get out of it.
One day, alone in my house, I was indulging in my fearful thoughts. My future kept on troubling me. Just then, my mother’s best friend arrived. She was looking tensed. My mother curiously asked her the matter. She began to narrate the hardships they were going through to my mother. Her husband had raised about two lakh of rupees, at high interest rate, in order to buy a flat. Now, the builder, deep in his own trouble, was dillydallying. Every day her husband had to answer calls from the moneylenders and there was no way her husband could arrange for such a huge amount. She described how tensed her husband had become. She was in tears when she was telling her story. My mother, all the time was consoling and telling her that thing will be soon fine. Even before she had finished her story, our door bell rang, there came our maid. She had just returned from her native place. My mother was annoyed with her, because without informing she left for her native place. Even before my mother could ask anything she began to tell my mother why she had been to her village: her daughter, who had recently married, had to undergo a surgery. She described to mother her problems. She told that they had already borrowed enough money for her daughter’s marriage and now they had to spend about five thousand rupees, and narrate how they went about arranging it. All this time I was there, listening everything. Then I realized that each one of us had our own problems. Mine was a ‘big one’, for me. So were theirs, for them. After listening to their stories, my problem did not leave me. I was still very nervous. But, I did realize that, I was not alone, there were many who are surrounded with problems. I got up from my seat and went in the balcony. A fresh breeze played over my shoulders. Standing there and looking at the sky, I smiled, gently. There was lot of sunshine, outside.
KUNAL .S. PRASAD.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
THE POSTIVE SIDE OF LIFE
It is quite strange but we always tend to see the negative side of life. For us life is full of complaints. Some have with their family, some with their professors and some with their jobs. I was no exceptions. Like most of them I had complaints about my job.
After giving my graduation exams I started hunting for a good job. Actually rather than good job I was looking out for good money. Getting a job was not easy as I thought and my confusing educational graph made it more difficult. I had to struggle a lot but then I finally landed in one of the best company. My casual attitude accompanied along with me. I was put into training. We were a group of twenty people in a batch but the worst part about the group was that there were only two girls. Sitting in a training room seemed just like attending college. My trainer was a guy in his mid twenties. He was tall with fair complexion and always used to be neatly dressed. I’ve wonder how come these trainers manage to look so smart. The first two week was full of fun. I’d made a group of four boys. We had all our pranks ready for every day. Job looked so easy. At the end of my first two weeks I had to undergo a simple test but my trainer and my colleagues made it look as if I was sitting for a CAT exam. I finally cleared my test and the feeling which I got was the same, the one which we have when we clear our CAT exams. I was happier because this was the first time I had cleared my test in first attempt. From the third week my main training started and that is when I told myself “where am I?” not even in my wildest dream had I thought that I would be trained on a subjects which I once hated. It was about computers. But I believe that everything which we get in life has a good part as well as bad part and the good part was my new trainer. Her name was Sheryl Fernandez. She was one of those beautiful girls whom I had come across. When she used to walk in the room every boys eyes were glued on her. She must be in her mid twenties with an average height and a very fair complexion. She was so fair that even in a dark she would be quite visible and the best part was that her dressing sense was impeccable. She matched every outfit she wore. It was her beauty which pulled to the office for the third week but later even that couldn’t hold me. Now every morning I used to search out for some reason for not going to the office. Things were getting very sleepy in the training room. It made me glad to know that I was not alone who was getting bugged up with the boring training but the whole class was going under this trauma. Everybody’s attitude in the class was like they were being forced to sit. Sheryl noticed this attitude. She kept quite for few days but when she saw things being messed up she finally enquired that what was wrong and then there was a whole sack of complaints. She must have not answered so many questions in her whole life. There were twenty five of us in the class and everybody had at least two complain. She listened patiently to our complaints and said “why do we always have to look the negative side of life. With every negative side there also comes a positive side and if we look at the positive side there will be no complaints. Life is not just a bed of roses; everybody has his or her share of struggle which they themselves have to face. We all at least have a job. We come here, sit in an air conditioned room, get good salary, what more do we want from our jobs. There are people who are still searching for their livelihood. So always try being optimistic about what ever we do and see how things will work in our favor.” I was simply struck. Her words had melted me. Now I enjoy my job, I still do have some complaints but then I work hard to over come those complaints. Today I smile at my life and my life smiles at me.
KUNAL.S.PRASAD
After giving my graduation exams I started hunting for a good job. Actually rather than good job I was looking out for good money. Getting a job was not easy as I thought and my confusing educational graph made it more difficult. I had to struggle a lot but then I finally landed in one of the best company. My casual attitude accompanied along with me. I was put into training. We were a group of twenty people in a batch but the worst part about the group was that there were only two girls. Sitting in a training room seemed just like attending college. My trainer was a guy in his mid twenties. He was tall with fair complexion and always used to be neatly dressed. I’ve wonder how come these trainers manage to look so smart. The first two week was full of fun. I’d made a group of four boys. We had all our pranks ready for every day. Job looked so easy. At the end of my first two weeks I had to undergo a simple test but my trainer and my colleagues made it look as if I was sitting for a CAT exam. I finally cleared my test and the feeling which I got was the same, the one which we have when we clear our CAT exams. I was happier because this was the first time I had cleared my test in first attempt. From the third week my main training started and that is when I told myself “where am I?” not even in my wildest dream had I thought that I would be trained on a subjects which I once hated. It was about computers. But I believe that everything which we get in life has a good part as well as bad part and the good part was my new trainer. Her name was Sheryl Fernandez. She was one of those beautiful girls whom I had come across. When she used to walk in the room every boys eyes were glued on her. She must be in her mid twenties with an average height and a very fair complexion. She was so fair that even in a dark she would be quite visible and the best part was that her dressing sense was impeccable. She matched every outfit she wore. It was her beauty which pulled to the office for the third week but later even that couldn’t hold me. Now every morning I used to search out for some reason for not going to the office. Things were getting very sleepy in the training room. It made me glad to know that I was not alone who was getting bugged up with the boring training but the whole class was going under this trauma. Everybody’s attitude in the class was like they were being forced to sit. Sheryl noticed this attitude. She kept quite for few days but when she saw things being messed up she finally enquired that what was wrong and then there was a whole sack of complaints. She must have not answered so many questions in her whole life. There were twenty five of us in the class and everybody had at least two complain. She listened patiently to our complaints and said “why do we always have to look the negative side of life. With every negative side there also comes a positive side and if we look at the positive side there will be no complaints. Life is not just a bed of roses; everybody has his or her share of struggle which they themselves have to face. We all at least have a job. We come here, sit in an air conditioned room, get good salary, what more do we want from our jobs. There are people who are still searching for their livelihood. So always try being optimistic about what ever we do and see how things will work in our favor.” I was simply struck. Her words had melted me. Now I enjoy my job, I still do have some complaints but then I work hard to over come those complaints. Today I smile at my life and my life smiles at me.
KUNAL.S.PRASAD
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
MY MOST MEMORABLE CONVERSATION
Yesterday night was one of the most memorable nights of my life because not everyday we meet a young beautiful girl on internet to chat with. It was actually I saw this girl in my friend’s album on orkut. She looked quite photogenic. She had this wheatish complexion with a big round eyes looking at you and red hot lips as if waiting for a kiss. I found her so beautiful that I started checking her out more often. I enquired about her from my friend Pinky. She said that her name is Annie and is a student of mass media. Since I myself was involved in media I was thrilled to know that she was in the same stream. Priya said that she had shown Annie my album on orkut and Annie found it yaaaaks (ugly). I am certainly not good looking but my day is made if someone describes my looks as ‘slightly above average’. But then I have never had such experience of knowing such truth about myself. The same day I scrapped her “hi this is Kunal ........pinky was telling me that u found me yaaaaaaaaaks......” I was surfing the other day when I got her reply “hey...nice way of breaking the ice I must say.. So you probably know by now that I speak my heart out. Still interested in knowing me? This girl had got a lot of attitude and it was as if her friends were the most beautiful person on earth. I had to give it back to her and then there started one of the most memorable conversations or I would say argument I had till date. I thought she may not be interested in arguing with me since it was about my looks, if I had commented on her looks she would have probably taken my phone number and fired me, girls always wait for compliments no matter how they look. But to my surprise she seemed to be very much in mood to argue over the issue. “I guess you judge people looking at their faces” I scrapped “I don’t understand how does it matter to you, you don’t even know me…there are many people around who pass judgment on you everyday. You need to decide which one to consider and which one to just not bother about...And I believe its more important to listen to people who matter to you.” She replied back. She certainly seemed good with words. She made me keep my mouth shut for a moment but then I really had to hammer my head hard to find a strong line to give it back to her. “Great thought ...Yes there are many who pass judgment on me everyday but then I don’t get to know that judgment. And your judgment I got to know so it made me react” it made me feel great because I was striking her back in a full force and even she would have thought hard before replying me back. “So you think its worthwhile wasting time on my judgment” she scrapped to which I said “I think it’s worthwhile to improve myself on the basis of your judgment” For the first time I felt that even I am good with words and am the best when I argue. She was not ready to give up and even I was adamant. We kept on arguing, my fingers were tired and they needed some rest. But that didn’t make me stop. We kept arguing till late night. I was so much involved that I even forgot to have my dinner. My mom kept on shouting but it fell to deaf ears, I was busy typing. I was enjoying and I guess even she was excited. It had to end somewhere so finally it was me who took the initiative,” I have 99 friends in my orkut list. Would you like to be the 100th ? And I also like people who speak their hearts out” this time I sounded friendlier. To which she replied,” smart, sure would like to be your friend. So officially I say hi and nice to meet (argue) with you.” I felt that I have finally scored over her (my point of view), it was as if I would receive some kind of award for winning the argument. I took a sigh of relief. She had accepted me as a friends and it seemed like an achievement for me. Later I took her phone number and spoke to her. We both were in process of making a great friendship. Hope it shapes up well.
KUNAL.S.PRASAD
KUNAL.S.PRASAD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)