‘I’m so lucky to have occupations I love’

The weekend before the shutdown was announced, one of my performances in Mumbai was cancelled. I had even called the organiser two days prior and checked if it would still be held, and so the cancellation was when it all sunk in for me. But we managed to adapt to it. There was an anthakshari challenge among the Carnatic community on social media. It was lovely because musicians were getting in touch with each other and chatting about the challenge. Of course, I do miss the energy on stage, but we have now taken to posting videos on social media and live streaming performances. I did a live stream a few days back, and it was so different. As I was performing, there was a stream of comments. Even my friends, who don’t have the time to come for shows, tuned in. Social media platforms are different but also nice. There are comments and messages and likes by people who enjoyed my performance, and that feels good. It’s different from the stage, but it’s not any less. I also work at a digital marketing company. We are working from home now. Initially, it was difficult balancing professional and personal life. There were feelings of inadequacy. But I’m so lucky to have occupations that I love. When I want to take a break from one job, I just slip into the other. My policy is to just take it as it comes, and make the most of it.