Secret recipes to staying young!

Old, Elderly, Senior citizens- words that make you feel the age you are. The moment you start “growing old” as they call it or are told “you are growing old now” the body and mind begins to react in ways it need not. Growing old is definitely inevitable, but feeling old is not. So here are some secret recipes to stay young.

Join activities you enjoy. Follow your heart as now is the time to do the things you did not have the time to pursue. Make new friends and do whatever brings you happiness and don’t forget to find ways to help others. Helping others is just one way of feeling good about “you” and staying motivated. Learn that musical instrument you always wanted to or join a singing group and remember to include a dose of laughter every day of your life. Or just go studio hopping like I do.

Exercise is a must for you to stay fit, but that does not mean if your knee or legs hurt you still continue to keep the pace. You must learn to listen to your body and when it gives you signals stop. Do not judge your capabilities with that of others as we are all different and have different levels of tolerance of everything. What is good for you may just not be good enough for another. There is no shame in being different from those of your age. Simply find an exercise regime that works for you and include it in your day!

Get enough sleep and remember you don’t need to be sleeping the whole day because you have nothing to do. Get out of that bed otherwise depression and lethargy will become your companions. 8-9 hours of sleep is just right and you don’t need more than that just because you are ageing.

Eat right. Control your cravings for those ice-creams, sweets and chocolates as much as you possibly can but of course eat within limits. Eat simple food that won’t give you uneasiness during the day. Choose to eat healthy foods that provide you nourishment and energy and take your medications without fail.

Remain positive in every situation. Find friends with a positive attitude to life and avoid sitting with people who spend time complaining about old age, pains and aches. The more you talk about it and look inward at the problems the more the mind will tell your body to react negatively. Friendship as nothing to do with age so make as many young friends as you can and you will never grow old.

Sing : Definitely sing.......all those songs you loved as a youngster or all those that bring a spring to your step......loudly and be-sura too is fine.....keep the songs flowing...the joy it will bring you is definite.

Just remember: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”- Mark Twain 

A firsthand account of World Elder Abuse Awareness day !

15th June, 2015, had been etched in my mobile reminders as “event at Pushpamaa Foundation,Veer Savarkar Park, Borivili West” but it certainly did not prepare me for an evening to remember for life.

Reaching there well in time in the drizzle of the rain, I sat on the swings watching the elderly on the other swings. The man on the swing next to me sat there singing a Dev Anand film song to himself as I smiled, enjoying the melody. The euphoria began to build as 250+ Dada-Dadis with their young ones walked into the garden area and the event began to take wings.

The Event was a Walkathon by elders on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This was to be followed by the launch of heart touching Video release – a Poem by Anshuman Bhagwat, audio visual production by Sugar Mediaz, narrated by Darrpan Mehta and subtitled by me for a social cause. The poet in the video talks about being caught up in his own world and leaving his parents in the backyard room only to realise that one day he too will have to face the same fate.

The Walkathon was conceptualised and spearheaded by Sailesh Mishra, founder of Silver Inning Foundation, an NGO to create awareness about Elder Abuse and to create a Society for all Ages and ably supported by Ramaa Subramaniam. Banners in hand and slogans to stop Elder Abuse rang out loud with Sailesh Mishra leading the voices. It was a treat to walk alongside as the smiles and the enthusiasm led the group towards the dome. The dome in the middle of the garden was soon filled with smiling faces watching the group of girls perform to dances choreographed by Sneha Mehta Shah. Followed by the video release, the evening air was soon filled with karaoke singing that never seemed to end. What amazing singers and of course I shook a leg as they sang.

The purple heart chosen as the icon and the colour of purple which everyone had worn that day intrigued me to inquire the reason why? I was truly touched to learn that Sailesh Mishra had chosen the purple heart with a reason- that being to symbolise the colour of a bruise that turns from purple to red to black. The ‘purple heart’ was a cry to stop elder abuse.

No one wanted to leave and the day ended with gupshup over vada pau and coffee with the ever enthusiastic Jimmy Dordi and his fellow members. Its events like this that makes you realise that even though they may be called “elders” or “senior citizens”, there is a love for life that overwhelms and envelops you when you are with them. I may not look my age, may be young at heart, but end of the day, I am also one of them- a senior citizen with a zest for life

‘UMANG, the unique stage talent show of Senior Citizens’ !

Saturday, January 24, 2015 

UMANG, a platform to encourage seniors to showcase their talent and give them an opportunity to express themselves, an event organized by Silver Innings Foundation, on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Birla Matoshree Sabhagrih. The event was sponsored by Rotary Club of Mumbai Nariman Point and co-sponsored by Rotary Club of Bombay Pier. Supported by Rotaract Club of Rizvi Law College.

When my friend, Ramaa of the Silver Innings Helpline invited me to host the show I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into. Of course I love meeting people, hosting events and who wouldn’t. 9 o’clock sharp all the participants were in the greenroom dressed and ready to perform. The smiles ontheir faces was so heartwarming and 27 awesome performances by all the seniors in the age group of 60+ was a treat to watch. Diya dance by a 67 year lady with diyas on her head and in both hands, group dances, classical dances, Bollywood medley, a skit, Russian dance and songs filled the auditorium with an energy that could out do any rock performance in the city. The enthused seniors performed with such gusto that I just had to dance with them too. I was just in complete awe and hosting the event with my co-host Arpita was such an honour for me.

Associate partners of the event were Dignity Foundation, FESCOM Mumbai; HelpAge India; Harmony for Silvers Foundation, 1298 Senior Citizens Helpline, A1 Snehanjali, The Metrognome and Palliative Care Dept., Bhaktivedanta Hospital. To add to the magic there were a number of performances by members of the most of these associations. All the participants and groups were given certificate and trophy and hey, I got one too!

Silver Innings helpline partners – Aaji Care (Elder Care, IIT, Mumbai) and Ashiana Senior Living (Lavasa) team were also present at the occasion.

What can I say about Sailesh Mishra, the Founder President of Silver Inning who conceptualized UMANG which has been a much awaited event by senior citizens since its inception in 2008. All I can say is that “small acts when multiplied can transform the lives of so many” and that is exactly what he continues to do. I completely endorse what he says “Hum toh woh recycled teenagers hai, joh rewired hai not retired” and believe me that every senior performing on stage proved him right. I am truly honoured to know him and be associated with him and my dear friend Ramaa who have not only given me an opportunity to participate in their journey but given me so much to be thankful for. At the end of the show it was absolutely wonderful being told that they enjoyed my hosting and the number of hands that I shook today has made me richer with each hug and handshake. All I can hope is that I am invited every year to host the event to be a part of this fantastic and heartwarming event.

No one is a Stranger

Good things happen when you meet people and who should know that better than me!!!! In my search for a second innings, my resume landed in the mailbox of a truly magnificent lady, who I would otherwise have never crossed paths with. I got a call to come over and meet jewellery designer and gemologist Farah Khan Ali, who just wanted to meet me- the person behind the resume. Though she confessed she did not have any offer for me, sitting across her, all we did was talk and share thoughts. What a gracious and lovely lady who reaffirmed my confidence in myself, the work I had done and doing with a promise to keep me in mind for freelance work. There are very few who will pick up a phone on a friend in front of you and ask them to consider meeting someone she had just met…….and she did just that for me. I come away totally in awe only to completely register days later that I had met the most beautiful and talented wife of DJ Aqeel and yeah the daughter of Sanjay & Zarine Khan. The icing on the cake!! All I can say is that I have got myself a heartwarming person in my life. Always truly believed that there are no strangers, its only friends you have not met yet!!!

Farah Khan Ali, is a well-known is a gemologist and jewellery designer in India.She launched her own jewellery brand "Farah Khan" in 2004. She also founded a designer jewellery brand Farah Khan Fine Jewellery for International and domestic clients.

Fitness...living it king-size

I have always wondered what the future will hold for if I continue living the life the way you do. Things are not the same anymore, right from the way people behave with each other, towards nature, the food chain, even the air we breathe. As for me I am just a few years, if not a few minutes, from disaster. I have thrown away the key and closed my eyes to worrying if I will live through the next day. Why? Simple I am living life king size each day!!

All around me people are pumping away their physical self and even their diet is causing the food chain to worry about their own existence. There are of course others who just lack the drive, ahem a bit like me, not really caring when a film star turned size 0 or 6 packs. Mujhe kya karna hai..as if Karan Johar or Abbas Mastaan or Sohail Khan are  waiting around the corner to sign me on with Amitabh Bachchan…(kaash!!!)..

Anyways, it may seem a bit silly to most as to why I don’t care as all around us the war cry of “staying healthy and fit” rings. Pray, why ? for what? After all its just this one life na…Char din ki zindagani...and besides these days I am singing “Teri hai zameen, tera aasma..tu joh chahe toh hame rakhe..tu chahe toh hame mare…..so is worrying going to help…Yeah yeah, I know if I take care of myself then I can live a healthy life and maybe live longer and not suffer…..is anyone out there giving me a guarantee??? No na, so then why can’t I believe that if you have the will to live, the will to be happy, the will to do good for others then the body is healthier than any of those you put posters up in your room.. Can I then counsel others to make their life more fulfilling? Is this the question also ringing in your mind, then it’s time for  Ma Hira  to guide you? Hey who said I have to practice what I preach. Preaching is an art and not many can do that remember. I can always preach but not practice. So lets take this one step at time. Taking the first step is always the toughest and giving up? That’s easy. So do I exercise..yes..I went for Shaimak Davar classes for over 14 years and enjoyed every class..made new friends…loose weight?  Nahin re..that did not happen at all. Naturally because I was in the highest of spirits and happy…So  do I jog? Of course, each day 5 miles...in my dreams of course!!!!..Forget about how many minutes of exercise people tell you that you need and just fit in as much as you can into your day. It’s your body and your heart and no matter how you get it, whether by just sweeping the house or watching television, aarey believe me, any physical activity will help de-stress, burn those unwanted calories, and will definitely make the heart race like a big drum…pant pant pant….…Sleep well because it’s proven that that lack of sleep increases hunger pangs and trigger overeating. On the other hand, leave the eating of nutritious meals once in a while with the family over fun conversations about each other’s boring boring daily routines. Okay that does it..enough about the healthy lifestyle gyaan… Let me share what makes me tick and stay upbeat and content. Its finding happiness in achievements of others, it’s all about laughter, positivity and being there for my dear ones be it friend or family always in whatever they want to do. I am happy when my husband sings on stage, I am happy when my friends come with me to encourage him, I am happy when a friend gets a big role in a film or serial, I am happy when someone achieves something they wished for. Even thought I am still struggling with starting a second innings and no one is helping!!! hmmmm! So be it. The key to good health is simple..finding happiness in every little moment of your life..Most importantly, whenever with friends, don’t be afraid to laugh out loud. Who cares if those sitting on the tables around you give you the “you manner less people” look.  Obviously they have not yet learnt to laugh or live life or don’t have mad friends like I do.  Hastu ha,lifestylesr daam..khushiyan ya gam.. Remember the saying “two men looked out of the prison window. One saw mud the other saw stars”.  So if you are already doing that..yeah and more power to you! If not, then why wait? Spread the smiles and watch them come back right at you!! Death will come but once. Life is a breeze..blow along!!

 

 

LIGHTS....CAMERA....ACTION.............

Rolling down a hill, dangling from a wire,

Falling from a tree top, jumping over fire

Rehearsals and retakes over and over again

Its hard work, no fun and lots of pain

Hand under the head, arm over shoulder

Raise it a little higher, drop the boulder

Oh god! Take the shot, there goes the sun

Dab the war paint, fire that gun,

Hot sand, warm breeze, swaying trees

Summersault in the lake, ride the seas

Hit and flip, swing high, slap the face

Break an arm, lift the sword,hold that gaze

Tears flowing,now laugh a little more

Much more punch needed here for sure

Change the angle, pan to the side

Little to the left, no to the right, slightly wide

Make-up, costumes, fittings and props

Make believe villages, houses and shops

Editing, post production, final cut, edit done

Now the time for finding a place under the sun

  

Friday release, will it hit or flop

Wait till the curtain drops

Back to the storyboard once again

It’s the passion for the game!!

Lights camera action

I DRIVE..AND I AM A WOMAN ..............

When a friend mentioned to me the other day that he can’t stand women drivers, it got me thinking.  A few years ago, very rarely would the male counterpart allow women to touch their precious cars. It was clearly a defined honour to sit next to them while they drove.  I remember my dad landing in hospital with a stroke. Mom said he would never drive our  car again.  I always loved that old Morris car of ours with its leafy green colour, black cute fenders, and brown seat covers. I remember the number too MRZ 1660. For so many years, I had begged dad’s permission to drive the car and now I was actually being told to learn driving.  Twenty days later I was a certified driver and proudly walked into the hospital and stuck the licence under dad’s nose.  Two days later, dad was back behind the wheel, driving an angry me.  One day he relented and early morning we drove out to an unused road, with me on the wheel and continuous grilling on which gear to use and when to brake by  of course ,dad. That did it, I was not going to ask dad for the car anymore, and who was happier? naturally him. The licence lay in my cupboard for years, my first and last ambition seething in my heart, a car of my own. One day, many years after marriage, we bought our first car.  I was queen at last of my dream and refused to let my husband drive me around as he grumbled many a years away.

I had proved all the men in my life wrong, I was good and real good.  I was the safest person to have on the road. Never mind that at times, I use hand signals instead of using the indicators, drove at a tortoise pace occasionally, admired the scenery on the way, decided dinner menus in my head, causing blood pressure to drivers behind me always, never looking left or right.  So what if I was always singing whilst driving or enjoying the rain pouring in. And did I talk to myself, of course I did that too!! 

But no one ever knew the real me. No way, for if the road was empty then I would speed faster than any race driver.  I sing louder than ever, maneuvering like a maniac, raise a fist at cab drivers, never understanding why they cruise in the middle of the road always. And what can I say about the male counterpart talking into their mobiles, flicking their locks, admiring their faces in the rear mirror until they spot me, a woman driver behind.  Well! Then suddenly it’s a clash of titans, for suddenly the male counterpart breaks out of his slumber, drops his mobile, drops a few four letter words, steps on the gas and whizzes past content on having outdone “the woman”.   It’s another thing that as soon as he slumbers again, I have zipped past a shocked face never to be caught again on the wrong foot. 

Besides who said speed and control belongs to the males?  Women have known to conquer space and rule the world – then who dare question us the Jhansi Ki Ranis, on the road. We just let them be happy, because that very same insufferable out there will have to go come home at the end of the day to bow to the real master, the women in their homes..