Music To My Ears!

Now, I am not a person who is hooked on to the "idiot box". In fact, at the accommodation I share with a colleague we have opted not to buy one. And when I do get to watch it over the weekends, I usually settle for a movie channel or a sports channel. I simply can't stand the "masala" news channels and the daily soaps or reality and talent hunt shows which are always on air on the premier channels. There is only one talent hunt show that's an exception -  SaReGaMaPa Little Champs on Zee Marathi. I try my best every Sunday not to miss the repeat telecast of their two weekly episodes, and when that's not possible there's You Tube!

Concept-wise there is nothing different in this show from its counterparts on the other channel or even the Hindi version of the same show. What's different is the presentation and the approach. First, there is no exaggeration unlike the Hindi version, which is full of exaggeration. This gives the show a feel of real "reality" unlike the Hindi version which is all theatrics! Second, the focus is on showcasing the genuine talent of the contestants. Third, the complete setup is very down-to-earth, very Maharashtrian. The kids are treated the way they would be in a typical Maharashtrian household. This - I feel - allows them to ease into every performance, which they would otherwise not be able to do. All this makes the show absolutely enjoyable - at least for me.

Another important factor behind following the show is that it showcases Marathi songs. These kids present all sorts of songs from contemporary (but unheard) to old (and at times unknown or forgotten), from bhaktigeet to lavni, from classical/semi-classical to rock. There are so many songs which I have heard for the first time from one of these kids and then scampered desperately to add them in my collection. Music is an integral part of my daily routine - in the form of my iPoD or iTunes on my Laptop, and I am happy that the share of Marathi music has grown considerably after I started following the show.

These kids play a very important role when it comes to liking the songs. They sing with such prowess that mesmerises you and makes you think, "where would I have been, had I been able to sing like that?". And then you are curious that if the song sung by a kid seemed so wonderful, how would it feel in the original singer's voice. That's what usually leads to the scamper for addition of these song in the collection. And this is the sort of thing that helps me pull through the routine life of weekdays - a very effective stress buster.

All in all, a very good platform to showcase genuine talent. May it finish with a flourish!!!

A (Half) Marathon Effort!

There is a certificate hanging in my cubicle in the office now, that reads "Amit Satarkar completed the Mumbai Half Marathon in 2:31:43". It feels nice to read that line. There are few things in life which give you a sense of accomplishment. This little piece of paper hanging in my cubicle is one such. And that's the official time I took to cover the 21.097 Km route from CST to Worli Naka and back to CST. Not bad for someone who has taken to running just 4 months back, is it?

Personally, this is a very important achievement even though I finished behind a lot of people who were non-athletes like me. It gives me that joy which one gets from succeeding at something one decides to do and pursues with absolute determination. And it was difficult, preparing for it physically and more important, mentally. There were lot of challenges. Getting into the habit of waking up @ 6:00 AM for a jog every alternate day is very tough for someone who is used to waking up at 9:00 AM! Then the project work at office does not allow you to go to bed early. It's only staying determined that can pull you through in such a scenario. And that's the most important thing that has happened to me over the last four months. I have started to understand what they call "dogged determination" and it is helping me stay focused on a project that just does not seem to end!

So, thanks to this Marathon, I at least have one good habit to show now. I wake up early and go for a long jog. The 9 KM run is the most refreshing activity of the day. I am filled with a different sort of energy on the days I jog. I think, it's because the jog doesn't just help clear the lungs but it helps clear the thoughts as well. The thoughts that come to the mind in that one hour in the morning are crystal clear, absolutely free of any clutter. The calm that this one hour gives automatically transcends to all the activities of the day that follow. 

And this non-physical side apart, the run has helped increase my stamina. It's thanks to these jogging sessions that I could manage to run the first 13 Kms of the marathon at a stretch. And I am sure continuing with them will help me cover the remaining 8 Kms as well. So, next year I am not going to part-walk-part-run in the last 8 Kms, but it will be a smooth run of 21 Kms. That's my target for the next year's Marathon and it should help me cut at least half an hour from this year's time.

And how can I end without mentioning the atmosphere on the raceday. There are people lining up on both the sides of the route, totally unknown faces egging you on, handing bottles of water. Your fellow runners urging you to go on, when you want to just stop and give it up. It's a show of hope, when you, those running with you and those watching and clapping for you just hope that you reach the finish line. In a way - at least for non-athletes like me - it mirrors life, because life moves on hope!

And the athletes... this little post is not for them!

And I should sign off now, because the jogging sessions resume tomorrow!