I often question the purpose of my life. I am yet to figure out why I was born. This comes from the belief that we all are born for a reason. If we fail to find it out then we won't reach our full potential. I couldn't help linking my thoughts with the poem Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray. In this poem the poet is in a churchyard and wondering how many people buried there have died unknown deaths as they never got an opportunity in life.
But the question that always lingers on my mind is - Will opportunity come my way or am I supposed to go searching for one? A rationalist that I am, I end up believing the latter. Keeping this in my I have always taken up every opportunity in any and every stream. As a kid I always felt I am special and unique. Everything popular and colourful fascinated me. All through my schooling I tried everything right from singing to acting to figure out my real talent.
I was around 8 and my singing teacher was selecting students to sing a Telugu group song which was to be telecasted on Doordarshan. I went for an audition and I wasn’t selected. The next day just like any struggling actor, I went to her asking for another chance. Before I could gather the courage, girls started practicing and the teacher forgetting the whole rejection episode asked me to join the group! I was happy to be on Tv but realized I cannot be the next Lata Mangeshkar!
I thought may be acting is my hidden talent and soon got the opportunity to participate and check my talent in a skit which was a part of the Annual Day event. I got a role of a bartender with a small dialogue. But unfortunately, during the rehearsals I messed up the whole dialogue! As a result of this blunder, I was asked to stand mute beside a girl who was playing my role. I was the Bartender’s Assistant. So even acting wasn’t my cup of tea!
My next decision was to give sports a try. Though I never won a running race, I had courage to try my luck at basketball. I wasn’t selected but there is a silver lining to this – when our school team had to go for a competition they needed extras for the team and I was called. I won a silver medal for being a part of the team!
Am I the next M.F Hussain? I participated in umpteen painting competitions and won a lot of participation certificates. But certainly this wasn’t meant for me either.
It took me 8 long years to discover my hidden talent.
I was around 16 when I participated in an Essay Writing Competition, the topic was – A Leader Cannot be a follower. It was a pleasant surprise for me when I came to know I won the first prize! Soon I started contributing articles to newspapers and magazines, I won a few gift vouchers. I realized I have the power of expression. Even today when I see my post featured on this forum I feel elated.
I may not be the next Vikram Seth but I do believe I have a decent potential to write.!( I hope I am right!)
Do share your experience or attempts at discovering your talent.
Thanks for Reading.
Have a wonderful weekend.
