17 August, 2007

Sketches during Journeys

































For the past weeks I am really blessed and meeting quite interesting people during my journeys. One night I had a British couple sitting opposite to me. I never mind to start the conversation and opened up and found that they were returning after viewing a stage performance in London. They were from a country side and occasionally travel to London to see good stage performances. They were busy reading books and I started sketching. Unless you talk to someone you never know many things about them. It was interesting to know that the Gentleman had been to India through job, and had stayed in places like Bangalore, Cochin for few months. Our journey was quite interesting and we never realised the length of the journey.
Last month few people at my work had given resignation and while going in detail about their new jobs, it was pleasant to know from my present boss, that his new company may send him frequently to Chennai for training. He was very happy about it. Though he had visited once Jaipur for holidays, he was excited to know about Chennai. The great joke of this is on talking detail, he was surprised when I said that ‘Chennai’ and ‘Madras’ are the same. He laughed and said that it was nice talking about it to me, since he had couple of friends in Madras, and was worrying that he has not heard about Chennai. To some extent, some of them are familiar with ‘Mumbai’ and ‘Bombay’. Even during one of our meetings yesterday, there was some reference about ‘Shennai’. I thought it was a different place, by the way pronounced by someone who addressed the meeting. Within few minutes I realised what she was talking about. Will our ‘Manbumigus’ assure us that they will not change the names anymore.
My son picked up the pictures of Marlon Brando and Rowan Atkinson and wanted me to try sketching both of them last week. I have always admired MB’s acting. I have seen most of Tamil Actors imitating Marlon Brando’s favourite action of scratching the centre of head. I have seen Kamal, Radha Ravi, even Anandh Raj in some or other movie. I presume the sketch has come a bit closer. Prakash Raj is another good actor. He does not imitate anyone and has its own style. I think it was a bit tough to draw near his nose.
For long time I was a great fan of Kapil. It was nice to read an interview in one of the National Newspaper recently. I preserved the picture for my train journey and tried my hand with Kapil. He had been such a great all rounder. Kapil you rocked us those days! Somehow I became very nostalgic after having drawn Kapil. Once I reached my destination, the Taxi was waiting to pick me up. I started convesing with the driver and found that he was of Jamaican origin. On knowing that he had knowledge of cricket, we started conversing about famous Jamaican cricketers like Courtney Walsh, Joel Garner and I think of late it is Shivnarain Chanderpaul. We exchanged lots of past glory. I was surprised when he said that he always admired Farookh Engineer, and Bishen Bedi. There were talks about Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes. Believe me or not! We were so engrossed he did not bother to move after dropping me and was still talking about old cricket days at least for few minutes after I got down. The best of that night was when he mentioned about a six hit by Viv Richards off Bob Willis last ball of a match. Viv Richards pretended as if he was walking with the bat under his arms and suddenly hit the ball for a six. Oh..dear.. we both wondered about it, and he parted away after both of us complimenting each other on the past cricket remembrances.
The good and sad news is my family may be joining me for good next week and my weekend journeys may come to an end.

16 comments:

Jeevan said...

It was pleasure to see your sketches. Kapil, Prakash raj was very nice… all are excellent. Still many knows Chennai as Madras, and Mumbai is easy to pronounce than Bombay. Have beautiful times with ur family. Why the journeys end dear?

Balaji S Rajan said...

Jeevan,

Thanks. Many do not know Madras and Chennai are the same. Madras is very popular here. We have a curry called as Madras Curry. I really do not know whether it is linked to our Madras. Weekend journeys will be ending soon since we are hoping to live together in one place.

Swatantra said...

Well said, you can know about people only after talking to them.

I am one of the first people to initiate talk in the lift, to say good morning at least. Lot many people ask me you don't seem to be from Delhi.

Nice sketches, at the last sketch Siddharth said it's Mr. Bean (Cartoon Character on Pogo Channel) Is it so?

Balaji S Rajan said...

Swatantra,

Thanks for your comments. Yes Siddharth is right. It is Mr.Bean (Rowan Atkinson)

Unknown said...

you sure are abundle of talent, you write so honestly & your drawings are so close to the originals. Great job! I'm sure you'lll find something more interesting than your journeys now!

Rashmi.

Ponniyinselvan/karthikeyan(1981-2005 ) said...

bala,
i ahve heard and read that in foreign countries people would not talk to each other unless introduced.
but, here the trend has changed.before 10 years, if we travel by bus or by train, by the time u get down u will get to know the life history of your fellow passenger. but now-a-days, you be you, i be i, is the attitude. no smiles even. no sharing.all are becoming islands. the reason may be , that nobody has a happy life.so out of a complex of not to invoke some one's sympathy, they keep mute. anyhow,nice to read your post,and the sketches.

Jenni said...

You are very creative. Really nice sketches you have been drawing.

Swamy Srinivasan aka Kittu Mama said...

balaji,
as usual great sketch work. i liked kapil and brando. it is always nice to get a piece of work completed and when it comes to art, i mean real art, it gives much more satisfaction. keep your sketch work going. they are rocking

arvindh said...

Good to hear that your family will be joining you. Nice to see more sketches added to the blog!

Reg your question in my post, I usually sketch spontaneously on the spot. However most of my paintings have been from my reference photographs of places. Occasionally I have painted using my sketches as references. Of late I have started taking my easel and painting directly on location. I find this greatly enjoyable.

Neha Nair said...

The sketches are awesome

Balaji S Rajan said...

Random,

Thanks for your wishes. Yes... If one door closes another door opens and I am sure I will find something interesting...

Balaji S Rajan said...

Ponniyinselvan,

Yes.. I can visualise the scene. But it is not always. We still do have people who are as good as ever. Also, the life style is changing many to worst. Let us hope for the best. Thanks for your comments and wishes.

Balaji S Rajan said...

Jenni,

Thanks for your comments and visiting my blog.

Balaji S Rajan said...

Kittu,

Thanks for your comments. Actually, the photos have come out a bit dull. The originals are far better than what appears on my post. Yes.. I too liked the brando. It gave me a sense of satisfaction.

Balaji S Rajan said...

Arvindh,

Thanks for your comments. You inspired me and I took back my pencil and sketch book. I think I am picking up. BTW since I have stopped travelling I have not drawn for the past few weeks. Once I settle down, I shall pick up again and keep posting. Thanks for your response about my question.

Balaji S Rajan said...

Neha,

Thanks for visiting and posting your comments.