January 2024 found me at a crossroads, mirroring Ved's life from the film "Tamasha" - tired, frustrated, and trapped in an endless rat race. My days were an autopilot blur: 6 AM wake-ups, meal prep, commuting on Uber bikes with stinky helmets, 9-to-8 office grind, then home to cook, eat, sleep, repeat. Every fiber of my being screamed for change, yearning to escape this abyss of monotony.
During the same time, the film “Three of Us" starring talent extraordinaire Jaideep Ahlawat, Shefali Shah, and Swanand Kirkire released in the cinemas. Little did I know that a simple act of watching a film would set in motion a series of events that would change the course of my life.
The film did something to me. I don't know whether it was the craft of the actors or sensitivity of the writers. The film stayed with me for weeks. I went back to the cinemas multiple times to rewatch it. Spoke about it to friends, family, colleagues, and in fact foes, just like how one speaks about their newly born crushes.
A month or so later, I quit my job. With no clear plan ahead, I only knew that I needed to find my creative voice.
Weekends became my sanctuary. I'd find myself drawn to Mandi House, immersing myself in the world of theatre. Play after play, I watched, hoping to find that elusive spark that would ignite my passion. I nearly enrolled in Asmita Theatre, drawn by their excellent productions and talented actors. But something held me back – the energy just didn't feel right.
Then, as if by divine intervention, I stumbled upon a story shared by Snigdha, an Odissi dancer. She had posted about a workshop by Munish Sharma called "I AM DRAMA" with "Metamorphosis" ghosted behind in faint capital letters. The word hit me like a thunderbolt. Just days before, in a moment of introspection, I had updated my blank Instagram bio to "Under Metamorphosis". It felt like the universe was sending me a sign.
Walking into I AM DRAMA for the first time, I had no idea how profoundly this experience would change me. Munish, with his keen eye and gentle guidance, saw something in me that I couldn't see myself. He affectionately called me a "lazy bum" – in fact, the laziest he'd ever met – but in the same breath, he'd point out the sparks of talent he saw flickering within me.
The journey began with something as fundamental as breathing. Sure, I'd learned about breathing in yoga, but this was different. Munish taught us how to carry that conscious breath off the mat and into our daily lives. It was a simple yet revolutionary concept that began to change how I moved through the world.
But the real magic happened when Munish taught us to listen – truly listen – to the whispers of our hearts. In the hustle of daily life, I had forgotten how to hear that inner voice. Through exercises and reflections, I began to reconnect with parts of myself I had long neglected.
This workshop wasn't just about learning to act; it was about learning to live authentically. It was about finding the courage to be seen, truly seen, while also creating a safe space to hide and explore. The lazy bum in me began to stir, awakening to possibilities I had never considered.
As the workshop progressed, I felt a metamorphosis taking place. The frustration and unhappiness that had driven me to quit my job began to transform into curiosity and excitement. I was no longer just going through the motions; I was actively participating in my own life.
To anyone feeling stuck, yearning for a place to hide yet longing to be seen, I can't recommend I AM DRAMA enough. Munish Sharma has created more than just a theatre workshop; he's created a space for personal transformation. It's a place where lazy bums like me can discover their hidden talents, where the whispers of the heart grow into roars of self-expression.
My journey with I AM DRAMA gave birth to my publication "The Lazy Brain" – a testament to the transformative power of embracing both our limitations and our potential. It's a reminder that sometimes, the path to finding ourselves leads through unexpected doorways.
As I reflect on this experience, I'm filled with gratitude. For the film that stirred my heart, for Snigdha's timely post, for Munish's insight and guidance, and for the courage to take that first step into the unknown. If you're standing at your own crossroads, feeling the urge for change but unsure where to begin, consider this your sign. The metamorphosis you seek might just be waiting for you at I AM DRAMA.
Disclaimer: This is not a paid piece. Just a way to express gratitude to my guruji.Â
BE THE DRAMA - Say Hello to Master here +91-8059800510.Â
This is so much relatable!!
Power of stories! I started cooking all my meals after I saw the movie The Great Indian Kitchen. It’s been a tasty and quite a healthy journey so far!