ITPL Live wire Performance, 2011
Today Ambika introduced to me her friend Priya. The minute Priya saw me, she asked me if I was from the rock band. That really took me by surprise because, neither her age group ( she had two kids ) nor her gender (female ) was a demography that preferred rock music, at least in India. The fact that the show was held, way back in 2011 added to my surprise. When I met Chetana in the cafeteria, she asked me about the project that I am working on. Chetana knows me only because of the rock band! What surprises me is not that I am world famous or something ( which I am not ) but the fact that, when I look at their eyes, they are filled with an inexplicable sparkle of happiness.
I am reminded of this line from ‘The rocker’,
It does make you feel invincible, huh? Like everything is possible now!
And you know what?
If we can bring that to an audience, even for four and a half minutes…
then we’ve got something
Those 4 and half minutes. That’s the time when we ( the performers ) hold the hands of our audience and take them to the promised land, through music. In those 4 and half minutes, they are not reminded of their house rent, mortgage, the rejections or the failures. Their hearts beat with the rhythm of the music, hands clapping, they forget themselves and become one with music, almost making it look like, it will last for eternity.
Then it came like a thunderbolt. How I could make use of my musical talent to give happiness to people around me even for 4 and half minutes? What about performing at orphanages, blind schools? But then all these questions come to my mind
- But you ( Justin ) don’t know to play guitar like a pro! I mean there are so many people out there, who are much more talented than you- But who cares?
- I don’t have a band, whom I can perform with – We will find one
- Who will give me that chance, how will I find the blind school and also get the permissions? – God must be having a plan. I have shared the same with my mom and I am sure, her prayers will get me something
- What about transporting all the gear and the infrastructure? Actually, I don’t have an answer for that, but I am sure something will turn up
The thing is, until a week ago, I was almost lost. I did not have a purpose in life. I mean, I was healthy, I had money ( enough money to be at least happy ) and everything was fine. But then I found this inner void which could not be filled up with anything.
Playing for a concert where music comes first (not money or fame) and also for the underprivileged is definitely a goal worth pursuing. I got these ideas while I was watching the video ‘The Script – Hall of Fame ft. will.i.am’ It has some great lyrics. I would be joining the local gym soon, and I need to get in shape. And my mom shocked me today when she said this. She told me that, although people love your music, but at the same time, you need to look great. She reminded me of my fit body when I was in the rock band, back in 2011, a stark contrast to how I look now, thanks to soft biceps and a 38-inch tummy which I possess now ! She said that people would not prefer a big tummy rock star ! ( there could be exceptions, we are talking about the general public here ) Although it sounded cruel, I knew there was some truth in it, if I had to be in the performing industry. She explained how your looks( body + face), the music and way you present yourself all combine to give a larger than life picture, on the stage, to the audience.
That means, I have one more goal that I have to set for myself – which is to get in shape, which I am sure, I will.
I never knew that my mom had so much practical knowledge and how the world worked. Her way of thinking simply amazes me, every single day of my life. And being born as her son is a privilege. And if I put the time and effort based on her suggestions, I am sure there is an exciting world waiting out there for me, just like the lyrics of the song ‘The Script – Hall of Fame ft. will.i.am ‘ states
You can throw your hands up, You can beat the clock (yeah)
You can move a mountain, You can break rocks
You can be a master, Don’t wait for luck
Dedicate yourself and you gon’ find yourself
Standing in the hall of fame (yeah), And the world’s gonna know your name (yeah)
‘Cause you burn with the brightest flame (yeah), And the world’s gonna know your name (yeah)
And you’ll be on the walls of the hall of fame
And also this quote from the movie ‘The Pursuit of Happyness‘
Christopher Gardner: Hey. Don’t ever let somebody tell you… You can’t do something. Not even me. All right?
Christopher: All right.
Christopher Gardner: You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.
Think about it my , riend. Isn’t home the place, where your dreams come true? When your dreams come true, you will be happy beyond measure. If you can be happy yourself ( without any prescription drugs of course ! ) you could try spreading that to people around you.
God bless and have a fine week ahead.