Bombay ki hawa..1

I have always believed that nostalgia is a world that can be real and yet so illusionary. The laughter, the tears, the voices and the moments from the past are so much a part of you and yet they are so distant . You replay those scenes in your mind, the faces become a collage in the album of memories - they seem so tangible that they can be touched and felt and yet, as they come closer, they vanish into thin air..Nostalgia , according to me is then a contradiction of sorts .

On another note, Bombay is a city of paradoxes. The emotions the city arouse in me are like the currents of an ocean whose depth cannot be fathomed. And yet, I plan to go on a nostalgic trip inside a city like Bombay.When journo, blogger and writer, BG asked me about my Bombay days..all I could do was to sigh initially, waiting for the dormant volcano inside me to become active.

So what do I write about my Bombay days ? Do I talk about my loneliness, my insecurities, my dreams, my coming of age or do I describe the energy and my new found spirit of independence ? The masks worn by the people I met as their ambitions keep pace with the fast life and their companions change by the moment ?

Although I have let the city get under my skin, I wonder if it is a stereotype or a city where you keep peeling one layer after another and see something new every time ? Is it the city of dreams or a city where life passes you by like the fast trains of Virar ? Is it a city whose heart lies in Cuffe Parade or in Meera Road? Is it a city where chalta hai and aage bado rub shoulders with each other?

There is so much to think, feel, say and remember..

New year mantra

When its December, its time to get all nostalgic and introspective. Its almost like your mind is conditioned to do the same. Its also time to make new year resolutions and promptly forget about them . I do remember writing a post here about my resolutions for either 2008 or 2009 and just like Ive forgotten the year, Ive forgotten my thoughts too..Nevertheless, December is also a reminder that January brings not just another year , but it also makes me a year older. I love my birthday..no matter what the statistics say . But with me getting into the wrong side of the 30s, I would like to create a wishlist for myself in the new year. Well, there are so many wants and most of them tangible and material, but here are the 3 key ones that I need imperatively

1. Health - To begin with ,my skin has reminded me that I am aging..well, not referring to the wrinkles, but Ive developed a new allergy called PMLE - which is a UV rays allergy. My dermatologist says I need to develop immunity ..There are teeth rattling, calling for attention and my knees have given up on me a while ago. So, this is going to be focus one..asanas, gym, healthy food..a sucker is waiting for you..

2.A little bit of common sense - Yea. This Ive realized is decreasing in proportion to my age. I dont mind admitting that Im losing it or lost it, but I hope to gain it back this year.

3.My impatience. Another one I lost in my quest for tolerance. The result. I started tolerating all kinds of people and lost my sense of judgement for a while. I need my impatience back and a sense of urgency in my life.

I have more resolutions and wishlists but lets see where I land up with these 3