Moments become memories! And some become our core memories!!
It was at that point in time that memory became a core memory for me. I am not sure, but I have received a few reviews over my school days that my voice is good and I should try singing.
Till then, I had never been fond of songs. So, It all started when I completed my 11th standard. Slowly I was falling in love with music. Till that point, I was the one who always skips songs and ads any day. This slow, sweet transition occurred graciously without me noticing. And my singing journey started then.. (bathroom singing 😜)
Only my family knows how good I sing at showers (shout enough!)
More about music and my taste, I was falling in love with classics and old songs. I’m a huge fan of sweet, calm and lovely melodies! And my playlists are topped with songs from 90s and early 2000s. FYI - I’m not an old champ yet 🤪
Songs I listen to are majorly in Tamil (till now) as that is my mother tongue, and I understand the lyrics better. But every new thing/change needs a start, right? And that new change came through my roommate during my hostel days at college. I had a wonderful roommate who is a crazy English grammar nazi who always loves to point out my grammar mistakes at any forum loud! And this guy likes to listen to English songs mostly (exactly opposite to me). After few months of reluctance we gave up and we came to a pact. One English song for every 2 Tamil songs, as I had majority of 3 votes compared to 2 in the room (yes we were 6 people at one room, while 1 fellow is a lost case with earphones). Oh, I got carried away! Cutting short, the credits for me listening to different language songs goes to this friend.
So, back to this memory, my first core memory for singing happened when I was at my send-off party from the Godrej company. That is the first time I sang before people and I had almost 26 there who witnessed my singing. I’m not sure how I sang, but a few people told me it was good, and that became my first unofficial stage performance. I thought that is the first and last one and very happy that no one commented that it was the worst one they ever had listened to.
I thought this was the first and last opportunity where I sang and it became my core memory for singing for me. I was sure I will not be singing anymore and if I sing, that will be to my wife on my wedding reception! 🤓🤩
But life gives you multiple opportunities, and that is true! I took a beautiful opportunity (which I was aspiring) at IIM Bangalore and joined for my MBA. And first year first term there was an event, Pehel, where first years come together to celebrate us and our diversity. This year we did a signature performance “Acapella” and I signed up to sing there! See, life gave me an opportunity…
Firstly I was very hesitant to do this and worried I might bring down my team. But I got a good team who compassionately told me you don’t sing good but you can make it better. And that became a motivation to take this up! Now, the second time was massive - 250+ people in an auditorium!!
This is one beautiful core memory I will cherish throughout my entire life! And this gave life to my aspirations of singing and to my guitar dying in my room corner...
