All posts by Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma

About Reshma Krishnamurthy Sharma

Hello digital world, This is my space where I put in my thoughts freely. I have been into various professions related to writing and communication. Currently I am a blogger and attempting to be a interesting writer and storyteller for children.

Appearance vs Identity

General Thoughts, Reshma's Blog

Is appearance really an indication of the person you are? While as a college goer almost twelve years ago I would have agreed. Today however I stand to hold a much different point of view. Due to the circumstances I am in I tend to dress differently now and many teenagers who do not know me, when they see me in a sari give those looks at public places like malls, salons or at a social gathering,  as though I am the sterotyped (grudge…grr..)typical TV serial household woman who doesn’t bother much about outside world other than her home.

 What a pity I feel that even the most well versed and outgoing personalities, feel appearance is an indication of the person he or she is.

  Trust me from my own experience I have slowly learnt not to judge people at the first interaction. Somehow I have felt unless a few conversations happen or  interactions take place at different places one cannot know how a person thinks or behaves just by the way they dress up. This is become true even when I have seen in the past some of my hubby’s foreign language’s classmates dress up in the most fashionable attire and are very simple at heart or even conservative while dealing wiht certain issues.

well if annybody has anything to say on this do write to me.

Trying to get back to work post being a “Stay at home” mom

General Thoughts

It seems just like yesterday since I have left full time work but it has been almost seven years since I quit working in a PR agency and moved to work as a part time RJ and freelance writer. Thankfully both the latter jobs gave me the designation of never being out of work and it was completely at my pace.

Now that my little one is slightly more manageable than before, want to give work outside home a shot.

Been a client servicing executive, a pr executive, a stint as a TV host, radio jockey and freelance writer now let’s see where I actually land myself in. Hoping writing saga continues until way past I am in my sixties. Wanted to put his down just for my own satisfaction. Hoping that my blog updates will be more regular than ever before.

Girls just wanna have fun!

Deccan Herald

Ever wondered if a new learning in your life could help you de-stress, make new friends and find a way to carve out some precious ‘me time’?

Young women in metros seem to be asking themselves this question and finding the answer in  hobby classes and workshops that promise loads of fun while helping them acquire a new skill and connect with other like-minded women.

Voice modulation classes, story-telling sessions and fitness workshops that incorporate dance, aerobics and zumba are becoming increasingly popular with women, be they busy working professionals or equally busy homemakers.

Kanchana Kathiresan, a social worker who recently wanted to enhance her skills at story telling, says: “Women are usually good at expressing themselves. Given the right training and the right opportunity, I discovered that many of us did  become adept story-tellers. We bonded very well as a group and by the end of the six-day course, we were sharing our deepest secrets with one another!”

M N Leela, property consultant and mother of a teenager, shares Kanchana’s opinion. “I found the story-telling course interesting more so because it brought out the child in me. Some participants were above fifty, yet their enthusiasm was so contagious that none of us had problems either discussing our fears or showing off our strong points whether in making puppets or telling tall tales! Obviously, the short-term course had much more to offer than just helping us acquire a new skill,” she says.

Does this mean that women, irrespective of age and income, are exploring new ways of reinventing themselves?

Jennifer Pinto, zumba co-ordinator in Bangalore, says: “A course like zumba can become a hobby class, a fitness routine or a life-changing experience.  It  generates plenty of positive energy as it combines intense dance-aerobics workouts with foot-tapping Latino music.”

Given the fact that such a form of fitness can be learnt even at home, watching DVDs there are many enthusiasts who want to join a group.

“It is definitely more fun  in a live class and in the company of other women,” adds Jennifer.

So happy are the women that odd timings of the class and the challenge of juggling their professional and domestic responsibilities are not seen as deterrents.

One reason could be that these courses act as a tonic in times of stress.

“When I am at place other than home or office and when I am doing what I love to do, I forget everything else and focus only on the task at hand. I enjoy being with other enthusiasts,” says one of the dance workshop participants who declined to be named.

Describing the classes she organises, Snigdha Kemkar, RJ and corporate trainer, says: “The only reason I think women come in as early as 6 am every day for the class is because they feel energised and happy after an hour’s dance and fitness session.”

Snigdha Patnaik, a medical transcriptionist, says: “Joining dancercise has made me look forward to more such sessions where the class turns out to be an opportunity to network, bond and have fun while being fit.”

Clearly, it doesn’t matter what age group you belong to or from what background you hail from. Innovative hobby classes are mushrooming in your neighbourhood to suit your lifestyle and your convenience, so have you signed up yet? Now, whoever said only men have all the fun?!

Toys for children

General Thoughts,

Playing with my one year old is making me realize the range of toys these days children are exposed to. I remember my dad getting a few standard toys like a toy train, variety of  dolls and some rattling things. Today there a are a host of things meant for developmental up gradation, intellectual stimulation, something to fine tune their motor skills and what not.

Though I do buy branded stuff I land up buying some toys made from china (though people keep saying these are really not good due to cheap parts, harmful colours). But still I think children now have a fascinating world of toys around them especially when parents land up buying a host of them. Planning to rent some toys as I can foresee the interest level of my little one over one toys seem quite limited much to my dismay. Let’s see if it works out. Nevertheless I must say, it’s is a beautiful world with a variety of toys for children in the present world. Don’t know about how much it develops but it is fun for kids and parents to watch them with it.

Twinkle-Toed Tots

The Hindu

Reality television has changed our perception of classical dance, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

In step With salsa, hip hop and Bollywood taking over, there are fewer takers for classical forms
In step With salsa, hip hop and Bollywood taking over, there are fewer takers for classical forms

When we hear the word ‘dance’ do we think of only hip hop, break dance, disco and bollywood dance or does classical dance have a place in our minds?

Well known Kuchipudi dancer, Vyjayanti Kashi, says: “With children and youngsters being exposed to a host of new stimuli, they are getting aware of many things. Unfortunately focus on art is lacking. Perhaps the lure of fame and money makes parents send children to learn those dance styles that are suited for reality shows rather than traditional dances.”

Does this mean reality shows drive the choice? “Parents today, not only from metros, but also smaller towns and cities want their children to be quick achievers, which reality shows promise. Unlike traditional art forms which is considered an inward journey. Fame is achieved here too but requires continuous effort, interest and patience,” Vyjayanti adds.

Another factor in the popularity of contemporary dance is Shiamak Davar’s dance classes, which are tailored to suit the modern lifestyles. Danseuse Vani Ganapathy offers some hope for traditional dance forms when she says, “Today corporates prefer to support traditional art forms. When foreign delegates visit our country, they would rather watch a classical performance rather than a Bollywood jig. Also, thankfully there are children who are serious about learning Indian classical art forms. The Bollywood influence cannot be ignored. Earlier heroines such as Hema Malini, Vyjanthimala and Rekha had a knowledge of classical dance unlike today’s heroines who do not have this knowledge and yet are poplar as dancing heroines.”

The perception that Bollywood-style dance is easy to learn may also be reason for children to opt for it. Most classical dance teachers are not against modern dancing styles but they do not want Gen X to forget their roots.

Rehana Firdous, a Kathak student in her late twenties says: “There is no need to hype traditional dance forms. Those who are genuinely interested will come to learn. I feel Kathak is an extension of one’s soul.”

When opinions vary on the appeal and popularity of classical dance forms some changes like the concept of entertainment can be redefined. Dance can be projected as being much more than Bollywood, disco or salsa.

This shift can be kicked off by taking youngsters to classical performance and once a classical performance is made accessible, it is only a matter of time before the cool quotient of classical dance zooms straight to the stratosphere.

Touch wood, and it’ll be fine

The Hindu

As much as we would like to believe we live in a scientific and rational age where reason triumphs, old superstitions always live on.

India’s gen next may be flaunting their tech-savvy global attitude. But existing covertly with that is a compelling need to conform to superstitious beliefs.

A cat crossing the path just before Aditya went out for his Math exam created in him an unwanted fear. He didn’t want to believe it, yet something told him his day would not be fine.

What is it about superstitions that we tend to hold on to them, despite seeking scientific explanations?

BE CAREFUL With the mirror, lest it break… and other such beliefs

Is it that we do not want to “risk” executing some important task without pandering to these beliefs, despite it being considered silly by others?

Or is it that we just want to follow these beliefs as there is no harm in doing so, if, eventually, something good comes of it?

Many adhere to them to avoid unpleasantness with elders, or because it has gradually been implanted in their minds, since they are young.

Personal experience

Sumithra T.V, a lecturer at BNMIT Computers says: “Others may find it strange. But, for me, it is a way of life. I strongly believe wearing certain colours like red, orange and pink benefit me more than other colours. Since I was young I have been told by my parents that these colours are good for me and somehow I have believed in them as I have found that good things happen whenever I wear them.”

Twenty-something Abhijit Sharma, a student of architecture, says: “Though I may not feel horrible when a cat crosses my path, certain things like handing over money with the right hand is somehow within me as that’s how I have learnt it from my parents. I have never bothered to question it as I think it is to show respect to something like money.”

He also points out that traditional superstitions might have had some reason associated with them, but down generations it might have got lost, with no formal documentation.

A practice such as not cutting nails at night may be embedded in the rationale that centuries ago there was not much light and one could get hurt.

“But unfortunately only the principle is passed and not the reason, hence we find these beliefs silly.”

Homemaker Girija Prasad says: “While I might laugh at others with silly superstitions, come to think of it, I do not like giving money to my house help on certain days as I have come to believe it will decrease my fortune! Now this might be a frivolous issue but by following it, I see no harm.”

Avoiding fear of the unknown

However, there are quite a number of youngsters who want to reject such beliefs to show that they are, after all, simply superstitions; false beliefs.

Suman Jadugar, an artiste, says: “I find many of my peers follow certain beliefs that they have inherited from their parents or something that has been on the circuit as ‘invented beliefs’. This may be because they have found out something good happening to them accidentally by adhering to certain practices. Yet the real reason they follow such ideas mindlessly is because they lack the confidence, and try to avoid fears.”

Acknowledging that superstitions can co-exist with modern ideas, today’s youth have no qualms in balancing the two thought processes.

While some may give in easily to these beliefs, there are those also who want to confront it on the basis of rationale.

RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

Add to multi-tasking, foster friendships

Deccan Herald

Catching up with friends and being in touch with old pals is not a daunting task for women, if only they make the effort.

Whatever happened to your childhood friend, your best friend in school to whom you pledged ‘never to be apart?’ Those notes on friendship on chocolate wrappers, getting the same hairstyle done; for that matter looking at the same guy in the class and sharing secrets amidst giggles — do all these seem like distant memories?

Somehow, friendship links get cut off as a woman takes on different roles in life. Is it true that women find it harder to maintain long-term friendship with childhood and college mates than men?

Says Manasi Prasad, a Carnatic vocalist, “I agree that keeping in touch with childhood friends, for that matter even with current bunch of friends, is a tough task for women. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that we women have a lot more demands and expectations to meet in life. Men have more social avenues for interaction unlike women who have to think of a simple meeting with a friend as a planned occasion.”

Besides women, being multi-taskers, find little time for themselves or for socialising. “The life of a woman in terms of her college days, career, post-marriage and motherhood is very different, as compared with that of men. Yet if you want to keep in touch, you will find a way to do it,” she says.

Whether it is catching up over a smoke at a local adda or meeting at a rasta chaiwala, sharing a cup of chai, men do not really have to bother about the place where they are catching up with pals.

Nevertheless there are women who feel catching up with friends and being in touch with old ones is not a daunting task if one makes the effort.

According to Nisha Millet, director, Nisha Millet Swimming Academy, “I have always been at the pool, rather than at school, yet maintaining friendships with my best buddies has never been a problem. Whether it is with school friends or with swimming friends, being connected has always been part of my life.

We make it a point to catch up once in a while. I also personally feel social networking sites  are a great way of being in touch with each other, whether it is sharing pictures or just being in touch to say we are there for each other.”

If time management is the keyword in staying connected, this can be utilised in being in touch with friends in the same city or anywhere else in the world. While some agree that social networking sites like Facebook have brought them close to their oldest friends, there are others who feel if you want to be in touch you will somehow make way for it regardless of the use of modern aids.

Someone like Janet Supriya, a 22 year-old-call centre executive, says: “Men have the advantage of catching up at any point of time or any place unlike women where everything has to be planned meticulously. However, I do feel we can change this idea of making it like a one-off event and catch up with friends more often if we girls put in a bit of effort.”

Remembering each other’s birthdays,  making a point to gift little things or just dropping in at a friend’s place once in a while to ask how she is doing can help women stay connected. For that matter making a phone call once in a while to ask how your friend is doing and sharing whatever is happening in life does help in getting the feeling that friends are around when required.

With SMS, Internet, e-mail and social networking sites, women most definitely have the advantage of being connected with their oldest buddies. All one requires is to primarily have the desire to be connected and take an extra effort for ‘me-time.’

Use technology to stay in touch

  • Keep in touch over phone, email or meet up when your friend is in town.
  • Communicate with each other as often as possible. Make that call to show you remember her once in a while.
  • Send her a card or a bunch of flowers whenever there is an occasion like a birthday. It shows you care for her.
  • Be a good listener when your friend calls you. Listening makes one feel you are there for her when needed.
  • Use technological tools like social networking sites to be in touch.
  • If meeting outside at a specific venue is a problem try and work out meetings at each other’s homes at convenient timings.

Groove on the move

The Hindu

Everyone’s lost between two earplugs, in their own musical world on the cell phone, finds RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

PLUGGED IN When on the move or listening to that hit number with friends

The way we listen to music has changed over centuries and with rapidly mobile lifestyles, music on the move is getting jazzier and snazzier. Newer and technologically advanced gadgets seem to evolve just overnight. Listening to music on iPods is one trend that has caught up with the middle class and upper middle class. But listening to music on the cell phone has no such class barriers.

Whether it is a teenager commuting by bus or a carpenter cycling by, a single woman walking alone on the road back from work or the dhobi who came home to pick up your clothes, they are all in a world lost between two earplugs. Listening to music on mobiles with ear plugs on is a ubiquitous phenomenon. Earplugs are the new best friends, who offer comforting and melodious company.

Part of everyday life

Says Abhijit Sharma, an architecture student: “Mobiles have become an indispensable part of many of us and that includes me too. The availability of music on mobiles is a boon for me as I listen to it at least two to three hours a day, especially when I am travelling — either riding my bike or driving my car.”

Getting addicted to music on the move is also an interesting phenomenon because it’s not just cut across class and economic barriers, but also across the age demographic. With mobiles getting more affordable by the day, tuning into FM stations on the mobile seems a more common use for the handset than to even make calls! Women, specially, somehow seem to find in their mobiles a constant and reliable companion when they are travelling alone in buses or walking down the road or for that matter waiting for someone at a coffee shop.

The mantra at work seems universal. Keep yourself engaged with some music, in the process relax, and what’s more, you don’t even disturb others!

Radio or play list

Mohammad Rafiq, a software engineer at Core Objects, says: “While I do know that listening to music on mobiles especially when riding a bike is dangerous, I have to admit that like may others even I indulge in this habit almost as part of my daily routine. Unlike a few others who may be listening to the radio, I enjoy listening to my own playlist that I create every week and it is easiest to listen to it on the mobile. Also the utility of mobiles in modern living has increased, with inbuilt camera, Internet access and music downloads. So instead of carrying too many bulky things around it is easier to carry one handy gadget.”

Talking about her preference for mobile phones for listening to music Akruti. H, a dental student, says: “I travel quite a distance from home to college. And to avoid either unnecessary gossip in the bus or any other distraction, listening to music on my cell phone is convenient and almost stress-free. It becomes ‘my time’.”

PLAY ON

The multifaceted cell phone is more often the DJ than a telephone

People tune into FM radio stations or create their own playlists on their personal walkman.

Taking a break from Radio

General Thoughts

Leaving radio finally on June 22, 2009 was quite an experience. Except may be because I already had a kind of trial run; I had left it for a month after April and joined again for a month and half, I was more prepared and knew how life would be without it.

Yet last Monday, even though I was composed I was longing for my listeners to be in touch with me, miss me and appreciate me. Yes I was feeling like a little girl wanting to be recognized and feel elated with appreciative comments. I knew it very well if people have liked my shows, have appreciated whenever I have done well they would defiantly message that day or try to get in touch with me later though my website.

I must say, it is a truly humbling experience when one receives a nice feedback from a stranger who has liked your voice or the way show is conducted and this is shown through sms or a comment left. In my last post if I have thanked rainbow for making me feel special I have to admit this time atleast it is listeners who can make a radio jockey truly feel special. Thank you everyone (no matter how many in numbers) who have wished good for me on radio thanks for making me feel really special.

Moving into another phase of life, where change is the only constant

General Thoughts

It is a strange feeling before I go to sleep tonight. I am sure to have butterflies before I go on air tomorrow; the last show on radio in this phase of my life. I really do not know how to thank all those countless listeners who have been with me and made feel that radio is the right career for me. It was not as easy decision to quit a full time job of PR to move into radio and writing, but I do not think I have ever regretted this career move. As things change it’s time for me to take a long break; this time though it’s for a personal reason.

Thank you FM Rainbow for making me feel special whenever I was on air.