THE SHOW THAT WASN'T.........

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – Paulo Coelho – The Alchemist.

For a long time now I have wanted to participate in the game show, KBC. I never missed answering the questions correctly that were asked on TV. No matter how many questions I answered, I never got the ‘call’. There are always far too many people contesting and it is a matter of chance and luck. Well, Friends, a word of caution or advice; when you want something from the Universe, BE SPECIFIC, because the Universe has a strange sense of humour…..it mocks you.

Yesterday morning I received a call from my friend, Mangala, that there is going to be a shoot of some sort and the Kannada Cine Star, Ramesh Aravind was coming for that. I had no clue as to what it was until I reached the studio. It was the ‘mock shoot’ of the kannada version of KBC- “YAARU ELLI (here) KOTIYADHIPATI?” – hosted by Ramesh himself.

We filled out a form, giving basic information about ourselves so that it will be easy for the ‘host’ to interact with us during the show. This was a practice session for Mr. Ramesh, we were the dummies! Even the lone camera was focused on him.

I was the second contestant. The first to go was Ms.Bhavani. She went up to the 13^th question, faltered and won Rs.3, 20,000/-. Only that there was no real money. Is number 13 really an unlucky one? I was about to find out. I too went up to the 13^th question without much effort. Then the question-

“According to Kalidasa, who was the director of dance-drama, Urvashi?” The options were-

A) Saraswathi

B) Narada

C) Bharata

D) Nataraja.

My common sense told me that it has to Nataraja, as he is the God of ‘Dance’. I was really hoping that Lord Nataraj will take me to the next level, and he did take me to the next level….but not in the direction I hoped. I fell three levels…to Rs.3, 20,000/-. Well, as I did not have anything to lose or gain, it did not matter. I took a chance. My common sense defied logic!

Mr. Siddharta Basu, the Creative Head of KBC, was also present. I asked him – “Is this the short cut to the actual game show?” He said, “Well mam, the phone lines will be opening shortly, you can try your luck.” Yes, boss! There are no short cuts in life.

Well, going back to fate and destiny, I never intended to meet either Mr. Ramesh or Mr. Siddharta Basu. I believe it is these unexpected encounters and moments that enrich and make our life special. Bless Mangala…She was the catalyst.