Bangalore from my memories...

I shared these memories of my Bangalore for Nirlek, for his photography exhibition, PORTRAITS OF A CITY (June 9th-25th 2015). He had asked me to share a memory/story about why you consider yourself a Bengalurean and what you connect with in the city to call yourself one. I wrote these...








People: Cultures and Communities 

The lovely people of Gandhi Bazar in Basavanagudi who have grown me up in many ways.  They taught me that it is wrong to ogle at women, give them your chair in the bus or in the park, help the old people to cross the road, buy a stranger food if he was begging and play gully cricket with children on the road.  Not to pelt stones at dogs or to shoo away grazing cows & to follow rules laid by the neighborhood.  Respect your elders & teachers, to imply what is good with your peers and youngsters.


Place: Public and Private spaces, Parks and Natural Heritage

Lalbagh and in general the huge tree which is on the way to the glass house from the west gate.  The tree which only knew how to give its enormous shade & hug you in its arms. The roots which can easily become your play home if you are a kid and give a good scooting seat in summer to relax.  The actual air packet of Bangalore with more green than in many of the newer urban condominiums which are coming in and around the city.

Utility: Food & Drink and Hospitality

The Masala Dosa, which has become my personality defining trait for the TV sitcom I acted in.  The dish is served best in Bangalore.  From the time I was a kid, Masala Dosa which was a luxury breakfast always had my eyes on it.  I was exposed to the taste and the varieties before I had my first crush.  Officially my favorite food for the rest of my life I can share hundred stories with my love masala dosa.

Customs and Traditions: Street Festivals and Commemorative Events.

Shivaratri marks the end of winter and start of summer.  This festival was never celebrated in my house hold since it was a Lingayat affair, but I used to love it since I could wake up the whole night & roam around freely in midnight going from temple to temple.  The food was another attraction, prasad served at different temples were my favorite part of the festival.  I still try and catch up the prasad part even now post my evening schedule at rehearsals.