A selfie with Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao movies are much loved and anticipated in my family, just as Fahadh Faasil movies are eagerly awaited. My teenager was totally star struck when he saw the actor at Lucknow Airport last week and voila, here's the selfie!

In India, we often see actors show an 'attitude' in public spaces. So, it came as a shock to see Rajkummar Rao keep a very low profile, almost disguise himself with a mask and totally keep to himself in a way that he attracted no attention as he stood with other passengers.

So, how did we figure out that this is the actor?

Few airport personnel at the security gate requested him for selfies and the actor obliged in a very humble way. And that's when we saw him and understood his identity.

In many airports, actors and celebrities are rushed through with 'VIP' status.

For my teenager, it came as a precious lesson to see the humility and simplicity of one of India's finest actors.

When an airport official tried to stop my son from approaching the actor, Rajkummar Rao told the person to let my son come forward.

"Big fan, Sir," my teenager told him and then requested for this selfie.

Tired though he was, he obliged and took the selfie.

Right after, the actor put his mask back on.

He stood in the queue with everyone else to board the flight and stood alone on arrival in Delhi to collect his baggage from the conveyor belt.

For my teen, the message is loud and clear: A down to earth, grounded approach!

Whatever we do in life, be humble, grounded and caring to others.

That's what makes the journey of life truly meaningful and memorable.

And if you really enjoyed reading this, do subscribe to my Substack newsletter!

Comments

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences. [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste. You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being born

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is. The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra and never once hesitate once you decide to do it. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. . Also read: The Power of OM Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times Here are some important thi

Malayalam film Sara 's on Amazon Prime is a bold take on a woman's right to abortion

Sara's Malayalam movie review: Malayalam cinema is known for breaking stereotypes even when its male audience may find it clearly unpalatable. One of the recent Malayalam films this year that I really found thought provoking is 'Sara's' on Amazon Prime despite the fact that it has many sketchy areas in its narrative and I do not support Sara's personal choices. [READ: Prithviraj starrer Mumbai Police breaks stereotypes!] Sara's Malayalam Movie Review: To have a child or not should be a woman's decision 'Sara's' is a film that urges Malayalis to give a 'woman' more independence about deciding whether she is ready to marry, and if she is, if she wants to have a child and if that choice comes under scrutiny, the final choice should be hers alone - it is her body, her life - not the guy's. This is something I personally believe in - a woman should never be forced to do anything against her will by anyone. No matter how you view it, a man

MV Devan: Eye of the Artist

On 29 th April, 2014, MV Devan passed away. He was born on January 15, 1928, to Madathil Govindan Gurukkal and Mulloli Madhavi in Kannur. My husband's family knew him well. As a person who respects writers, artists and musicians, I too felt a sense of loss on hearing about MV Devan's demise. But I believe that artists are those rare, blessed people who never 'die.' Their legacy lasts forever. {Credit: Google Images} MV Devan: A Different Kind of an Artist Many factors make MV Devan a different kind of artist. Artists, in the eyes of the society, are known to lead gypsy-like, wandering lives and hearts. It is said that the heart and soul of an artist is as mysterious as the sea and cannot belong to another. It definitely remains a mystery how MV Devan remained a true-to-heart family man. His love and commitment to his family, particularly his beloved wife, is well known. That, indeed, is a

Petals!

Search This Blog