Tuesday, September 4, 2018

#gulzar #dreams come true

Please pinch me, wake me up, I need a strong nudge!
Strong withdrawal symptoms post-performance (A classic - Henrik Ibsen's Doll's House) :P but so much satisfaction as well!

I have lived & breathed Nora day and night for the past 3 months. Her clothes, perfume, earrings, nose ring, sandals were put aside, in a small little section of Shalmalee's house. As soon as the clock ticked 6:30 every evening, i would step into Nora's stuff. Rehearsal time, perhaps the best time of the day!

She made me feel pretty and dainty, she also made me feel stupid and foolish. This woman had shades, she was a little crazy but a whole lot lovable. Her innocence and naivety was surprising to me in the beginning, as Shalmalee. I was standing around the fence and figuring her out for a long time, then i slowly stepped into her shoes. Her world was simple yet complicated. I had to poke my ego, my self-esteem, my feminist self to become Nora. I had to look at her husband through her eyes, who she loved so much but i as Shalmalee, didn't like Torvald. Bringing this woman close to realism was so challenging.

Fast forward to one month ago, I.Became.Nora. I didn't feel like wearing Shalmalee's stuff anymore, i was away from my real self. I was vulnerable, petite, feminine and 5 kgs lighter :)

Fast forward to last Thursday, we stepped into the Theater and the next 4 days were mesmerizing. Nowhere around the world will you find a place as sacred, as peaceful as Stage & a Theater. Everyday I went in as soon as the doors opened and sat in the empty space, alone. The light, the peace, the space and me. I played songs, i danced, i warmed up, alone...oblivious to the outside world.

On Friday, the audiences walked in...performance, applause, emotions and so much more over the next 3 days and 5 shows. Sharul Channa trusted me with this iconic role and how! She let me own the stage, my stage. Its not about the lead role at all, it's about being on stage, getting to perform for 90-long-minutes. Uff, PURE BLISS! Euphoria! A Dream!

GudiyaGhar and Nora are extremely special to me, for so many reasons. And just like that, its time to let go of her. Not sure how. Apparently there is a Process and an Exit plan in the professional actor's world but i just don't feel like putting Nora through a process right now. She will slowly fade, probably!

Thank You Universe, Thank You Sharul - for the learning, experience, grilling and your trust!
For a start, this is an article that i read today! Hmm, interesting!