A reflective journey from childhood encounters with the sea to Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and Melville’s Moby-Dick. Through memory, imagination, luck, survival and literary craft, the writer explores how reading has evolved from experiencing stories as a reader to observing how writers shape imagination, anticipation and experience.
Category: Writings
Listed below are Archives, Chai-Conversation, Drama Series, Artwork Gallery
The Rascal of Narration: Reading Naseeruddin Shah’s And Then One Day
Naseeruddin Shah's memoir "And Then One Day" presents a candid exploration of his life, revealing contradictions that complicate our judgement of him. Rather than seeking admiration, Shah invites readers to understand his flaws and artistic journey, ultimately emphasising the difference between fame and personal fulfilment as he reflects on his dedication to theatre and performance.
KDrama Review: Teach You a Lesson | A Take
"Teach You a Lesson (2026)" limited Series in Netflix is brutal, uncomfortable, and unforgettable. In this review, I reflect on my own school days — the quiet humiliations, the discovery of literature, and the joy of finally finding my tribe. A drama that made me remember what education should be.
From Pebbles to Planets — A Poetic Journey Across Languages
"Adhoore Across Worlds" explores the emotional depth of the Hindi song "Adhoore," interpreting its essence in English and Traditional Chinese. The poem reflects on connection, presence, and the idea of reaching out across distances without expectation. It celebrates incompleteness as a continuous journey rather than a lack, inviting a shared, universal experience.
Luminous Cycles: Writing the Collection “The Call of the Moon”
The Call of the Moon, written by Srividya Suryanarayanan, explores the evolution of the lunar theme through villanelles, reflecting cycles of mythology, experience, and introspection. The collection emphasises the transformative nature of repetition and the significance of internal rhythms, ultimately revealing how encounters with the Moon shape our understanding of ourselves.
Where Expression and Being Meet
This editorial reflects on a transformative art experience, emphasising participation over presentation. It highlights performances by students from Mathru Mandir and Chettinad Sath Sadhana School along with RASA Arpita students, where the focus is on genuine expression, thoughtful choreography, and the quiet influence of teachers. Ultimately, it conveys a sense of connection and presence rather than striving for perfection.
Drama Review | Love, Labour, and Quiet Hope: Revisiting Love Story in the 1970s
Love Story in the 1970s is a period drama focusing on the aspirations of a young couple, Fei Ni and Fang Muyang, framed within the socio-economic constraints of 1970s China. Their relationship evolves from a practical arrangement into a profound partnership, highlighting themes of support, commitment, and the quiet resilience required to pursue dreams amidst adversity.
Learning to See Light: What “Shine on Me” Understands About Healing
The blog post explores the Chinese drama "Shine on Me," emphasising its focus on the subtleties of healing rather than transformation. It highlights the understated storytelling of Gu Man, which allows characters to experience emotional uncertainty. The narrative reveals how relationships are shaped by one's ability to receive affection and the nuanced presence of manipulation, promoting patience and self-awareness in personal growth.
Between Sound and Self: Finding Belonging in a BTS Performance
The BTS concert at Gwanghwamun Square deeply resonated with the author, conveying a blend of the familiar and new. They reflected on the emotional connection found in BTS's music during tough times, noting the group's maturity and commitment. Ultimately, the experience inspired a sense of belonging, despite feeling like an outsider.
The Possession Speaks | A Soliloquy
In a powerful monologue, a woman reflects on her life as a possession, defined by roles imposed by others. She recounts the cycle of silencing and erasure in her existence, ultimately reclaiming her identity as more than just a name or belonging. She discovers her inherent strength and the truth of her being.
Itinerant Storyteller 