I was incredibly fortunate to have been born into a world of contrasts. My early years were spent in the pulsating heart of Mumbai, a city that never sleeps. The comfort of a large extended family and grandparents who took the time and trouble to get to know me helped form the foundation of who I turned out to be. Mumbai, then known as Bombay, was a cacophony of honking cars, the heady aroma of street food, and the dazzling lights of the cinema. Interestingly enough, I hardly ever watched a movie. Ironical since cinema became my existence in my adult years. Back to my original story: My family belonged to the city’s Muslim upper-middle class and was deeply rooted in its cosmopolitan ethos.
Our home was a melting pot of cultures. We spoke Urdu, the language of our forefathers at home, but English was the medium of instruction in our school. We celebrated Eid with the fervor of any Muslim family, but sang Christmas carols and participated in every Christmas celebration we could. The city’s diversity was reflected in our lives, and we would eventually grow up with a deep appreciation for different faiths and cultures.
My father was a physics teacher and got a job in Madurai Kamaraj University when I was just three years old so we went to the traditional south. Madurai was a whole new beast, with an incredibly different culture. The bustling metropolis was replaced by a serene, temple town. The cosmopolitan lifestyle I was accustomed to was replaced by a more conservative one. But I was just 3 years old and everything was an adventure. My mother was a crafts teacher, unusual for the day and age, and got a job in an American school in Kodaikanal. My brothers and I were off to experience our first brush with another culture.
Amma was a strong, independent woman who quietly challenged societal norms. My brother and I were encouraged to pursue our passions, whether it was academics, sports, or the arts. Kodai School played an important role in who I am today. My thoughts, my free spirit and my fearlessness all sprung from my few short years here.
I did finally finish school from Madurai, did my BSc in Bangalore and my MA in Delhi. I got married to my senior, had two sons, worked in the film industry for a few years and then got into teaching.
Teaching helped me develop patience, discipline and gave me the ability to grow into myself. I taught in multiple colleges and universities, started and ran my own film school for many years and became a teacher to reckon with. Till I met Melvin, my American husband.
The US helped me fill in the gaps.. I studied some more, taught in a Magnet Arts public high school and finally connected the dots ... between customs, traditions, cultures and humanity in general. I grew from a film editor to a film director. I made my first short film and got plenty of awards for it! I finally found my calling in life... Storytelling.
Here is a link to 'The Benefaction' if you'd like to watch it. It's 26 minutes long: https://vimeo.com/208069094
Looking back, I know that every event, every place, every person that I encountered has helped me become the person I am today.
People come into your lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
I hope you, dear reader, will come into my life for one of these... until we meet (again).... May the wind be at your back, the sun shine warm on your face....
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