An industry outsider

Imagine being a part of a moving circus, but always being a spectator. After all, the only people who get to be a part of a moving circus are the stunt folks, magicians, gymnasts. Spectators don't really move with the circus. Just 48 hours in Bombay, I've realized that my relationship with movies and the media industry is exactly that - i.e. I like watching the movies, listening to the music, but I don't really want to know the ifs, hows and whys of how the industry functions.

Growing up on Pali Hill and at the risk of some very obvious name dropping, I've met either through my school or my residence, the following actors. Aishwarya Rai (same class in school). Ishita Arun and Shefali Shah (School). As a child did aerobics with Ekta Kapur, Twinkle Khanna. Met Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Dev Anand, Rishi Kapoor while collecting money for the blind. Swam with Milind Soman. Neighbours with Gulzar. Then interacted with Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta at a common hair salon on Pali Hill. Sridevi, her younger daughter Khushi Kapoor was in class with my son. A four week work project with Ashvin Gidwani I met Vir Das, Kailash Kher and many other television actors, the names of whom I don't think I can even remember now.

I also have family who are in the industry - Ashish Jagtiani aka Jaggu, and his friend and colleague Taraana Raja. They maybe the only ''famous'' people I know well.

Thus when I said I feel like a spectator in a zoo, surrounded by so many media personalities, but have felt no desire, need to delve into the industry at all, a part of me is rather amused. So I'll continue to listen to the music and enjoy the movies!