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From food stall to the "filum city"

It was one of those typical days when you keep toiling without achieving much. My weary mind was screaming for a little respite. I headed to a handicraft exhibition hoping to shift my focus from the mundane and get some fresh perspective on my work, when I returned.

It looked like the day was not meant for me. There was nothing new or interesting to discover at the exhibition. I was leaving disappointed, feeling terribly guilty for wasting time while more important things needed my attention. I heard someone from the stall near the exit; a voice coaxing me, "Madamji padhariye, hamara Rajasthani khana try kariye. (Welcome, would you like to try Rajasthani food?")"Khamma ghani bhaisa" I replied (Hello/ Namaste brother!), to the man from the food stall. My greeting in traditional Rajasthani style instantly captured attention of the whole team of about six men, between late twenties to thirties all dressed in whites with traditional Rajasthani paghadis (turbans).  

Bhavani Singh, the leader of the group
There were interesting Rajasthani food items neatly arranged on the table and men at the stall were waiting attentively for the customers to arrive. Bhavani Singh, the leader of the group, tried to sell hard, "Madamji, churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, dal-bati, sabkuch fresh bana hain. Kya khaoge?" (He named traditional dishes and said they were freshly made and if I would like to try any). I refused politely posing some excuse relating health and asked if I could take their pictures. Surprised, he asked with a grin, "Aap reporter ho?" (Are you a journalist/reporter?") I giggled and explained that I write a blog and share stories of interesting people. Not sure he understood it well but from that point on, my conversation with him and his team flowed very smoothly.


Bhavani Singh, Narendra Singh and Rampal Singh

During my chat with these men I learnt how smitten they were by the swanky silhouettes of this effervescent city that exudes such aura of wealth and power. Their life back home was so far removed from the comely allure of the surrounding that they seemed completely out of place. Bhavani Singh's genuine, perdurable smile could provoke instant envy. Rest of his team members were bit reserved, proud, decent and dignified despite the rampant pressures urban life had subjected them to, in few days. I probed gently and each member opened up. In the beginning, they appeared stiff and their eyes portrayed stony silence but their curiosity was difficult to hide. They were very keen to know all about "filum stars" (film stars) and when my very limited knowledge about the film stars was shared, I saw glint of aspiration in their eyes. 

Himmat Singh, a senior member of the group
When asked why they were not in their traditional attires like dhoti, kurta with ornaments like balis, kadas, anklets, Bhavani Singh said since everything around them was changing, it was high time they changed too. I asked if they could survive with this kind of work and were able to support families back home, the group members shared their concern about fierce competition and need for changing priorities and inevitable transition. At no point, despite the shared bonhomie and camaraderie within the team, hierarchy was forgotten and it was evident in their interaction.  

When I shared my beautiful experiences of several places in Rajasthan and told them how enamoured I have always been with its culture and people, it looked like I had won some brownie points! While chatting with these men, a shy, reticent figure peeped from behind the tent. At the sight of helper/cleaner, Bhanvar Singh, the whole team insisted I take his picture, saying he was most hard working member. 

Bhanvar Singh, the helper/cleaner
Bhanvar Singh, barely spoke a word except his name. Perhaps, this was his first trip to the city. He posed reluctantly, more on insistence of his group members than me but not before glowering disapprovingly in my direction. He appeared too scared and starkness in his eyes was disturbing. My only challenge was to make him smile without intruding and fortunately it was achieved when I showed his picture and complemented him for having very photogenic face. 

After spending about half an hour with this group that was from completely different world than mine yet very much connected in some strange beautiful way, I returned home happy with a big grin on my face.  

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