26.4.10

When sari met panjo!

Not all people you meet form an integral part of your life. Especially when you meet hundreds of them and you’re the kinds who’d befriend them all. Some just stay. In a corner of your heart, but accessible whenever you need them.

Panjo aka Anjo Jose Kandathil, is one such friend I’ve made. Someone whom I couldn’t help noticing on my first day of work at Mudra Cochin. You’d know why, if you’ve seen him. His characteristic hairstyle, amongst others, makes him stand out from the rest. This guy went on to become my closest friend in Mudra Cochin. And one of the very few reasons I’m still here.

“Life’s good right?” That’s where it all started. On a Sunday afternoon, a window pops up on my laptop screen with these words written on it. I couldn’t help but smile and type back, “Oh yes, it is!” There. That’s all it took. What started as a gtalk conversation is today my daily dose of cheer and positive energy.

Surprising, that I’m writing this today, given the fact that our level of interaction during the first few days was nothing more than ‘hey, is the work done?’ He was just another client servicing guy any creative person would secretly detest. Briefs, deadlines, pressure. Nothing better described this breed. And he was one of them. Little did I know that this guy would end up being the one I’d discuss all my ideas with and have me ponder over his criticism. Hate to say this, but this guy makes sense. Most of the time.

And by that I don’t mean work alone. To him, no problem’s too big. And so to me, he was agony unc. I could talk to him for hours together, to finally hear a “ashey! athrey ulla?” or a “athinipentha”! And if he says this, be sure of a solution. If nothing else, he’d make sure he brings a smile on your face. Coz every conversation ends with, “you happy no?” Now, what more could you ask for?

How we became this close, nobody knows. Neither do I. All I know is that this guy’s today, a friend, a girlfriend, (how I love bitching to him) an uncle, a dad and sometimes even a grandfather to me! Try asking him questions that surround life and it’s weird ways, hows and whats, whys and why nots, Panjo has an answer for them all. I’ve got an answer every time I needed one.

He’s a find. A very rare one. Today, on his birthday I’d like to tell him this:

“Panjo, have lunch on time. Don’t make me call you for two hours every day and finally eat at 4 in the evening!

If somebody calls you, return the call. Don’t just say you were busy and forget about it.

When somebody calls out to you, respond. If you decide to meet someone at 4, meet them at 4.

If you think you’ll take half an hour, don’t tell them you’ll be there in ten minutes.

I’m not sure how many of those you’re going to remember, but these, you better.


You’re irreplaceable.

You’re my most favourite friend.

You have the sweetest way of saying “im sorry”

Switch to creative. U belong there!

Your films are going to have halls full!

You better be the way you are. Adorable!

Happy bday Panjo! You deserve nothing but the best.

Hugs!

11.4.10

Superheroes

Ever been in a state where you’re terribly troubled, you know the reason and still can’t do anything much about it? You try everything possible to get out of it except what it really takes. Simply because you think you’re not brave enough to face the consequence. You prefer being disturbed because it comes with a certain amount of happiness here and there, now and then. And when those rare happy moments strike, you forget your worries and tend to ignore the marshy land you’ve crossed a while ago and would perhaps come across very soon.

Here’s the flip side. Why is it that we human beings, or some of us find it so difficult to face adversities? Or is that the case after all? It’s always when the worst hits that you and me want to face it, live through it and see what finally happens. And in the process, depression strikes, hope unfolds and a certain strength in you makes an appearance. Which most often goes unnoticed amongst all the negativity. You feel you’re the weakest. You ask why, why you. And you think of the worst from every possible angle. It’s an obscure pleasure you get out of all this. Somewhere, in your sub-conscious self, you begin enjoying all the pain. And you decide to wait till the end to see and know for yourself where it all ends. And no way, can anything stop you from getting there.

And this I think is far better than the act of escapism. It’s not cowardice, but an unidentified pang of strength that you’ve hidden within yourself. Of which even you’re not aware. You take all the shit that you’re offered, walk through the roughest lanes only because you know that you’d finally get somewhere. There’s no giving up unless you’re convinced.

Why else are we endowed with qualities such as patience, will-power, hope and confidence? You need all of it to walk out of a situation and all of it to live through it too. But at the end of the day, it takes courage to decide. It takes more to wait and see.