Chaicopy Rhythms Vol. 6 Issue 2 January 2023

Editorial

Published by MCH Literary Club Manipal Centre for Humanities, Manipal, Karnataka-576104

Only the copyright for this collection is reserved with Chaicopy. Individual copyright for artwork, prose, poetry, fiction and extracts of novels and other volumes published in this issue of the magazine rests solely with the authors. The magazine does not claim any of those for its own. No part of this publication may be copied without express written permission from the copyright holders in each case. The magazine is freely circulated on the World Wide Web. It may not be sold or hired out in its digital form to anybody by any agency whatsoever. All disputes are subject to jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of India.

© Chaicopy, 2023.

Cover Art: Amrita K

Cover Design: Nehla Salil Layout and Page Setting: Nehla Salil

Team Members: Editors-in-Chief: Arati Prasen, Aishwarya Sabarinath Fiction: Angadh Singh, Anirudh Prabhu, Anupriya Shasheendran, Chetana Agnihotri, Dishari, Nandhitha Babuji, Raaghav Chapa, Shakti Prabhu, Tarang Mathur, Tenzin Dekyong

Non-fiction: Aatreyee Ghoshal, Anjana Sathyanarayanam, Harshita Kale, Meghna Haridas, Mrinalini Murthy, Mythily Zanjal, Nandana Joy, Sarah Hussain,Shivapriya Subramonian, Siri Lucille Chenni

Illustration and Graphic Design: Amelie Dutta, Anusha Shetty, Devika Nair, Maisah Irfan, Nehla Salil, Nethra Gopalakrishnan, Sagarika Wadiyar

PR: Akanksha Bannerjee, Amshula Ravi, Archisha Sanyal, Oishee Dasgupta, Rhea Menon, Sreya Das, Vidmahi

Editorial

Dear Readers,

This past September, on a warm, humid afternoon that one gets used to in Manipal, a bunch of unfamiliar faces met up in Lecture Hall three. Although it was a meeting of complete strangers, there was a buzz in the air - one of excitement and anticipation. After two years and four issues that were created through numerous virtual meetings, all our members were finally in the same room. Even though it was the first time we had all met together face-to-face, it took less than a few minutes for us to be on the same page about the theme. After two years filled with uncertainty, there was one thing that we all realised - despite everything, we just keep moving. This issue with the theme ‘Rhythms’ aims to allow this magazine to be a space for artists to capture the beauty of movement and sound. In all that is around us, from the flapping wings of birds, our skipping pulse, and the crash of waves to each step that we take as we walk, there is a rhythm. This issue aims to capture some of the magic that rhythm has on us. We received numerous submissions, each surprising us with their varied interpretations and experiences of the word ‘rhythm.’

The power of sound in unlocking memories that are buried deep within is wonderfully explored by Harshita Kale in her poem ‘aaji’s kitchen’. One of the aspects that excited us the most with the theme is the ability of writers to experiment with the form and create various patterns with their words for the effect of rhythm. ‘Three piece Set’ and ‘Ode to the Vermin’ were two poems that really brought the essence of rhythm to life and can affect readers

deeply. Similarly, Anabelle Pinto’s poems ‘Deskmates’; and ‘Catch me’ are showcased together to present to our readers a writer’s interpretation of the theme in two completely different ways. It can be said that rhythm and movement can be hard to capture in art but our visual art submissions proved otherwise this time. These artists with their photography showcased the beauty in stillness with photographs such as ‘Solitude’ by Kuldeep Singh and the calmness in patterns as seen in Manasi Chattopadhyay’s photograph ‘Lone Standing Ones.’

Finally, we thank our contributors who astounded us with their artistry and effort that has allowed the theme that we once imagined as a group of excited students to come to life. Here presenting to our faithful reader to whom we are so grateful, the twelfth issue of Chaicopy ‘Rhythms.’ We hope you enjoy reading it.

On behalf of team Chaicopy,

Aishwarya and Arati

One of the biggest advantages of an offline semester was that we had various artists, writers, and thinkers interacting and bonding with students. This allowed for an insightful interview with Creative Director and Producer Dikssha Jyoti Routray who patiently answered our questions that shed light on some of the behind-the-scenes of the film industry. Her fun and easygoing personality shine through the interview.

It would be a lie if we said that everything went smoothly. After years of creating these issues virtually, switching to the offline mode posed a challenge. Yet everything fell into place with the help of numerous people that we just have to thank. Firstly, we would like to thank our teacher and coordinator Dr Ashokan Nambiar, who patiently dealt with all our queries and guided us while also allowing us to create this magazine independently. We would also like to thank Dr Nikhil Govind, Director of MCH, for his support and attention to detail that allowed us to work diligently. This issue would also not have been possible without all the members of Chaicopy. Nethra, Nehla, Rhea, Nandhitha, and Aatreyee were our biggest support systems.

Sounds of My Hospital | Poem | 32

Dr Prashasti

Rhythm | Essay | 33

The Exasperated Idealist

Chai Expressions

aaji’s kitchen | Poem | 13 Harshita Kale

Sunset on the slope | Essay | 16

Lara Kirubakaran

The Blue sky and the Rhythm of the Wingbeats | Visual Art | 19 Aparna Adiyolil

A Letter of Gratitude to a Boy Band | Poem | 35 Ananya Shetty

Black swan | Visual Art | 37 Ananya Shetty

Deskmates | Poem | 38 Anabelle Maria Pinto

TINT | Poem | 20

Srija Bhalerao

Lone Standing Ones | Visual Art | 22 Manasi Chattopadhyay

Three Piece Set | Poetry | 23

Vishvajith

Staccato Beat | Visual Arts | 31 Bhavana D

Catch Me | Poem | 39 Anabelle Maria Pinto Namdroling Monastery and the Movements Within | Visual Art | 40 Raymon Sam

Musical Journey | Essay | 43

Conrad Bhengra

An Ode to a Vermin | Poem | 47 Soumy Patel

Kaapi Sessions

The Story Behind Every Film | Interview | 50

Dikssha Jyote Routray

Rhythm | Poem | 57 Anirudh Prabhu

Cosplay of Light | Visual Art | 58 Aparna Adiyolil

Rhythm of my Life | Poetry | 59 Neeta Doshi Visual Art

Temple Bell | Digital Art | 61 Bhavana

Ripples in a Rhythm | Photography | 62 Aparna Adiyolil

Changing Colors of Manipal | Photography | 63 Chirantani Kothari

The Drizzle | Photography | 64 Amelie Dutta

Architectural Rhythm | Photography | 65 Amelie Dutta

Spotted Beauty | Photography | 66 Amelie Dutta

Solitude | Photography | 67 Kuldeep Singh

Titanic - Rhythm of the sea | Photography | 68 Srividya Devdas

The Contributors | 114

The Teatotallers | 119

aaji’s kitchen

Chai Expressions

Harshita Kale

it’s still dark outside the window, wane morning light fights the dust lining the small square windows of the kitchen mesh rubber-slippered footsteps across the tile, a quick turning on of lights and the crease of a saree tucked in deftly, the fold of her stomach holds the fabric close slender, wrinkled fingers whisking batter, the whisk held high, the white flows, it drips in, small raindrops and puddles eyeballing and love, her only tools of measurement. the cutting board slides across the smooth black granite of a kitchen counter that has seen sibling fights and growing pains, crying grandchildren and merry singing, our voices tumbling over each other, the gleam in our eyes, the gleam in her eye

the gleam in the knife as it descends smoothly cutting through soft, boiled potatoes, tender, like her the mincing of chillies acidic, whizzing, electrifying as coconut and coriander slowly shred the hurried hiss of a decades-old pressure cooker still, she remains unfazed. this kitchen breathes her in, it smells of her as she moves, the creases of her cotton saree weaving in and out of her legs a pan carefully placed on a hot flame oil sizzles, the ladle scoops up the batter pouring in full, concentric circles the white bubbles, it sets, golden runs slowly along its rim, until its flipped, a new lease of life tea leaves exhale into the milk sugar dissolves in the heat frothy, steaming, filtered into steel tumblers

the plate is carefully placed before me my fingers sigh as they pull apart delicate, soft dosas scooping up the batata bhaji, greedily lapping up chutney as i bring the bite close to my mouth, i hear her, smile

Sunset On the Slope

Lara Kirubakaran

It’s 8 a.m. at the fiber-wood desk. Fiber Wood, a dutiful flask of chai, and a watchman-esque laptop; tired, vigilant, vigilant enough to do its job. I need my water to turn to wine, join the boys on the slope. Drunk enough to get through figuring out what every other bone and muscle does in the body, and what better intoxicant than Art Blakely and Lee Morgan? Jazz, sterile to all, funky only to me, me clad in a polo shirt and dungarees. I really am getting old. Ancient rhythms it is. A playful little piano riff rouses me from the morning slumber. The piano is teasing me, calling me to play with the anatomical diagram of the lower limb my digital watchman shines into my face. As I start running through the myriad of anatomy and physiology, the piano swells. There is consistency now. The steady, airy drums pat me on the shoulder. I’m locked in now; I can’t leave the dusty, warmly lit club until the academics, the essentials, are in my head. The musculoskeletal system is music itself and I can’t disrespect the artist. Gluteus maximus, graccilis, femur. Literal Latin undergoes alchemy, as if my foot tapping to the beat has made them osmosis into my skull through technical pleasure. The saxophone of “Moanin’” breathes, breathes in ecstasy, like Lee Morgan himself is pleased with me ripping through a chapter of the material for the quiz next week. This calls for a toast. I get up from my desk, buoyed by the haze of Art Blakely’s

nonchalant yet precise drumming, lifted up by a rush to my head that is the embarrassing casualty of iron deficiency. My earphones are out now, but I feel the saxophone in my heart. My fingers snap of their own volition. Grooving in public to a jazz piece that isn’t even playing? There are greater embarrassments in medical college, and I have had my share of the stronger spirits. My friends pass me in the hallway, asking about progress studying sinew and cartilage.

I respond with a lackadaisical smile and assurance that it’s ‘jazzy’, that it’s logical. The two have gained synonymy to me now.

Lunch passes quietly.

My stomach no longer grumbles like the steady double bass in my skull. The double bass drowns out all other static. My head is oh so quiet; has bop-jazz from 57 years ago triumphed over 21 years of ADHD? My meal is finished, and the speakeasy with Art Blakely calls me back. Their audience is small, and I will be missed.

The walk back to the library is easy. The tinkling piano decides to carry out whatever my motor nerves should be doing. A jazzy stride, a grooving pace. Re-engaging myself in a mountain of work is easy, as the saxophones reach a crescendo. They tell me this is the penultimate stretch, preparing me for a plethora of chest muscles, arm movements, and quasi-Da Vinci frameworks of the human body. The swinging trumpets themselves are human motor movement, every ligament a note that isn’t played. I rip through chapter through chapter, my memory a bootleg tape recorder. I memorize PowerPoint upon PowerPoint, making relics out of them, academic artifacts to be pawned off on the quiz. It’s crystalline.

The trumpets feel so physical as they get me through anatomy and physiology, something organically mechanical about it, every muscle movement an automaton. I mimic each range of motion; the tape is being worn thin, and conceptualizing the academic abstractions before me is the only way I can overdub the tape deck.

The 6 p.m. sunset beckons me away from the Jazz Messengers’ stage. Evening is warmth, evening is a guilt-free trip down to the coffee shop. Lee Morgan’s alto sax is kinder now. It doesn’t push or ask me to call upon my volition to stop the noise in my head, to remain in the moment. I sip on my porcelain grail of espresso immersed in the role-play. I know that this is jazzy, that my progenitors who got to witness rather than feel jazz did the same as me. There is a sense of esprit de corps here – that “Moanin’” immortal, that “Moanin’” has made fingers snap and shoes tap for decades, bringing us altogether in the same speakeasy between the tides of time. The tape recorder in my skull has stopped hissing. I know my quiz will be about the notes I don’t play. It’ll be jazzy. It’ll be logical.

The Blue sky and the Rhythm of Wingbeats

Aparna Adiyolil

TINT

Srija Bhalerao

-and I walk away.

I pull up my earphones, Cancelling the music, with my own Putting up a soft musical tint

On every concrete line I look down at the road Noticing Gravel, Sand, Pebbles, Road, Road. I pass people with boredom written in their eyes I look up and sigh. A tree reacts, dropping a flower I close my eyes, waiting and walking It never reaches me

I look back

It rests on the ground I let it be, to sleep. Take up the road again Wind flows through my hair Wind, Hair, Tickle. Soft, Soft.

The sun colours honey

I take a turn

The music goes, “-I’m in love-” A smile to myself A smile for the heart Honey colours warm me I flow

Everything looks poetic I think to write this poem Memorise it The steps The music The children playing Children Childhood. Two turns face me I look up at the sky “Take me wherever,” I say. No decisions taken My legs choose the road known Childhood. Again. Children playing and looking happier I smile at their made-up- game Memories flash

The music says, “-we make up and break up-” I shake my head, Feeling giggly -and I walk away.

The Lone Standing Ones Manasi Chattopadhyay

Three Piece Set

Chapter 1

Four on the Floor

Tick . . . Tock . . . Tick . . . Tock . . . Tick . Tock . Tick . Tock . Tick Tock Tick Tock Tick Tock Tick Tick Tock

TickTockTickTockTickTockTickTock TickTockTickTockTickTockTickTickTock roll = Did-tish-ditidish, dish-tish-tish-ditidish-tududum-tish roll = Base-Cymbal-Base+Snare+Cymbal, Base+Hat-Cymbal-Cymbal-Base+Snare+Cymbal(Tom+(Base+Tom)+(Base+BaseTom))-Cymbal Roll.

BODMAS DOGMAS pattern predictable arranged beats roll talent beat pattern predictable talent beat pattern predictable

Vishvajith

pattern predictable talent bracketed pattern predictable (talent) pattern unpredictable roll break pat tern ground ---------------------------talent roll. Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock.

The Bo Diddley

Tick . Tick Tock Tick a Tick Tock

Tick . Tick Tock Tick a Tick Tock

Tick a TickiTock Tick a Tick Tock Tick a TickiTock Tick a Tick Tock TickaTickiTockTickaTickTock TickaTickiTockTickaTickTock Roll = TickTaka Cutting Chai Kadak Dil Dhadak Shola Bhadak Chunariya Sarak Kab Talak?

Dhadak dhadak dhadak dhadak Train Dance. Chaiyyan chaiyyan. Dankanaka nakkanaka Dankanaka nakkanaka “Step haako macha…” Rain Song. Saiyyan saiyyan.

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Da Ni Sa

Sa Ni Da Da Ma Ga Re Sa

“Haadinalli swalpa dum irali.. Ree..Dhum irali..”

Disco RaaGa

Aadi TaaLa Ka. thi. Ta. Gi. thi. Ta. Dha. Ge. Dhin. Na. Gin. Na.

Dha. thi. Ra. Ki. Ta. tha. Ka. tha. thi. Ra. Ki. Ta. tha. Ka.

Dha. thi. Ra. Ki. Ta. tha. Ka. tha. thi. Ra. Ki. Ta. tha. Ka.

Marry Folk Freestyle Solo cut tradition Marry traditions not Dholak Tabla for Percussions Cutting. Dha tha tha thadhinna tha. Cutting Cu. Ti. Ta!

DhathiRaKiTathaKa. thathiRaKiTathaKa. DhathiRaKiTathaKa. thathiRaKiTathaKa. DhathiRaKiTathaKa. thathiRaKiTathaKa. Roll.

Tidindish.

Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock.

Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock.

Break Classical Routine Mathematical

Chapter 3 Iconic Eighths

Tick . Tock . Tick ee Tock . Tick . Tock . Tick ee Tock . Tick . Tock . Tick ee Tock . Tick . Tock . Tick ee ToTock . TickTockTickEeTockTickTockTickEeTock TickTockTickEeTockTickTockTickEeToTock

Comma Prepositions Adjectives Conjunctions Punctuations Comma Sentence Words Verbs Phrases

Period

Feelings Thoughts Musings Emotions

Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock.

Unstart Metronome Restructure Genome Continuity Truncated; Life. Punctuated; Break Break Break Break

Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tock. Roll? Nah. Rock n Roll

Ah El. 1. 2. 3.

El Eye. 1. 2. 3. Ah El Eye Eff.

Ah El Eye Eff Eee. The One Two Three. Ah El Eye Eff Eee. Set Us Free.

Frantic. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tock. Tick. Tock. Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tick. Tock.

Frantic. Tick. Tick. Tock. Tock. Tick. Tock. Frantic. Tock. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tock. Tick.

THE R H Y T H M Rhy Thm Rhy / Thm

R/h/y/t/h/m

Punctuated. About the piece:

BREAK

Three Piece Set is a basic, beginner’s drum-kit. Four on The Floor, The Bo Diddley, and Iconic Eighths are rhythm patterns that can be played on the western drums. A quick google search shall help what these patterns sound like. The three pieces that make this set, address three different areas of artistry – talent, presentation, and thought. Life is rhythmic. That may sound romantic, but often it’s the set, predictable rhythm that degrades quality of life, or the quality of everything around us – of talent, of presentation, of thought. Four on The Floor vouches for unearthing and supporting newer, unpredictable talents and newer rhythms in the era of predictable computerized beats and talents that are hard to differentiate. The Bo Diddley argues for abandonment of archaic representations and presentations of song lyrics and music and vouches for a free flow of tunes, rhythms, and thoughts – that which are empowering. The Iconic Eighths demonstrate how flow of thoughts are interrupted by predictable, dogmatic thoughts, feelings etc., and vouches for

Guide: The pieces are best read with the help of the original drum patterns mentioned in the title, every reader may find their own rhythm when reading it.

Translations:

Cutting Chai Kadak – ¾ cup of strong milk tea

Dil Dhadak - Heartbeat Shola Bhadak – Enraged embers

Chunariya Sarak – Slipping veil

Kab Talak? – Till when?

Dhadak dhadak dhadak dhadak – A typical filler used in Hindi songs, Dhadak – heartbeat

Chaiyyan chaiyyan – refers to eponymous song from Dil Se.. (1998)

Step haako macha… - Kannada, Literally, “put a step brother-inlaw”, figurative- dance Haadinalli swalpa dum irali.. Ree..Dhum irali..” – Kannada, Trans.- Let there be some power in the song, let there be rhythm.

Staccato beats

Disclosure:

“Frantic. Tick. Tick…..Tock” is a line inspired from Metallica’s song titled Frantic.

(Link: https://www.metallica.com/songs/frantic/song-25931.html)

Bhavana D

Sounds of my hospital

Rhythm

Dr Prashasti

The beeps and blips of an ICU monitor

The swooshing of an Ambu bag

Anna’s shouts for chai and coffee drowned quickly

By the thud of footsteps walking towards him

The distant bell ring of an X-ray’s self-declaration

Rustling of pages, of a file being gone through Last minute, as usual

The jingling of keys in a pocket full of pens and knee hammers

The evidently voiced disappointment of a professor on rounds

An inpatient announcement for Token 27 to come give his blood sample

The cry of babies as they sync to the world of troubles

The blaring alarm of a sleeping postgraduate

The clicking of mouses by an angry receptionist

The wish-whoosh of a broom wiping away more than usual human dust

A wheelchair with its drrrr drrr and

A heavy voice behind it asking for people to make way, All in sync with the loud thud that my heart makes

Lub dub, dub lub

It’s a noisy place, for sure.

The Exasperated Idealist

There is a reason that music is everywhere. It is ubiquitous, omnipotent, and cosmic; it is a universally accepted epitome of life itself. It is a living entity in its own right, because where there is rhythm, there is life. There is nothing as alive as sound because sounds speak. Sometimes, sounds speak louder than words. But sometimes, they do not speak at all. Sometimes, they are merely witnesses to a myriad of untold tales that unfold every day.

The comforting clatter of a keyboard at even the most ungodly hour weaves a tapestry of dreams. The whistle of a steaming pot of coffee heralds the start of a new day. The sounds of sizzling pans and crashing pots in grandma’s magical kitchen. The frenzied scratching of pens on paper as deadlines loom on large. The frenetic buzz of gushing blood and adrenaline as the finish line draws near. The rhythm of a beating heart and the hushed sigh of a bated breath, as a long-awaited day comes around. The drumbeat of duty, the lute of dreams. The clamour of expectations, that weighs down your soul. The allegro of new beginnings complemented by the adagio of old goodbyes. The last lingering applause of a well-deserved last bow; sounds speak louder than words.

There is rhythm in death too. The hushed pitter-patter of falling tears. The lugubrious intake of a long-drawn last breath. The hollow crackling of a funeral fire, lit by unwilling hands. the rhythm of a circle, coming full round again; Uroboros The age-old dance of waves upon the shore, whose rhythmic motion depicts a favourite tale drawing to a familiar close. There is rhythm in the circle of life,

as Ouroboros reunites with his tail, which is why we bid goodbyes with songs or chants. The steady, repeating cadence of words, whether spoken or sung is a reminder that, even as one story ends, another has just begun.

So, find me, dancing along the pavements with two left feet, drumming impatient tattoos on the arms of chairs with my feet taptap-tapping away under that cage of a desk because as long as there is life, there is rhythm.

A Letter of Gratitude to a Boy Band

March 2020. Amid uncertainty And wallowing in my misery, Thoughts and melancholy. A couple of notifications Stirred me out of my stupor. “watch this,” read the message My weary eyes scanned the link and my fingers clicked Seven men Clad in suits, Spoke of the very turmoil That plagued my mind. I stared transfixed as they danced And sang of the pain Of being an artist, Afraid of losing love For the one thing that kept them going, Kept them alive even. Tears flowed For, I was finally understood, Finally heard, Finally valid It has been two years since,

Ananya Shetty

And I laugh with these men, Cry with them, They keep me going.

Echoing familiar struggles

Of being a young adult; In this day and age, They also Give me hope, Give me the will, To live well. To be a better person Every single day. I live To make not only my parents proud, But them too. Bangtan Sonyeondan, I thank you.

Black Swan

Ananya Shetty

Deskmates

Catch me

Anabelle Maria Pinto

Change doesn’t like to sit with me. It writhes and struggles, Overwhelming trigger, Gag reflex.

Change doesn’t sit well with me; It doesn’t like my stillness, My unwillingness to move.

Change moves fast, slow, And unpredictably more. Sudden slams on the brake, Whiplash courses down the neck.

Quick, slow. Quick, quick, slow. Making up its own dance, Change moves; Like change doesn’t care about the beat, Like change has its own song.

Let’s run. Feet thrumming on the asphalt. Thump. Thump. Feet falling and catching All at once. Run! Catch me if you can.

Anabelle Maria Pinto

I’ll catch myself, While you catch your breath. (run). Run. Run! RUN! Don’t let me leave. Don’t let running Turn to running away, To leaving,

Namdroling Monastery and the Movements

Raymon Sam Within

My Musical Journey

Conrad Bhengra

Ok. Where do I start? Maybe at the very beginning.

I grew up in a small industrial town called Jamshedpur, in a Catholic household, and eventually went to a Catholic school. As far as I remember, there was always music playing at home, – from old Bollywood songs to Elvis, Abba and some 90s pop.

When I was around 6, I started singing in the church choir, but it started way before that, especially during the holiday season when our relatives came over. There was a lot of food, music, and dance. Fun times indeed.

Music was something that everyone around me enjoyed. However, the moment I heard Bon Jovi and Deep Purple is when music became something that I craved. Fortunately for me, my best buddies in school shared the same enthusiasm and we eventually formed a band called Headstrong (that was the best name that we could come up with at the time). We took part in school competitions and won all of them.

I went on to sing in another band with a few of my other friends. We called ourselves ‘Resonance.’ We made a name for ourselves playing local gigs and had a bit of a fan following too. My parents didn’t support any of this. For them, academics was way more important. I had to do the whole music thing on the sly. Eventually, they came around as word got out of us winning competitions, and

the local newspapers wanting to interview us.

I came back to Pune and got a job as an instructor at Muziclub.

At the time, I had been playing drums and singing, however, when I went to college, I picked up the bass. My college buddies and I formed a band called Soliloquy and we took part in an intercollege competition and won. Our stint in music was short-lived as everyone’s priority quickly turned towards studies.

Approximately a year later, I became a part of the folk fusion band, Idanim, as the lead guitarist. We played several gigs in Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi, even appearing on Kappa TV. Years later, I’m still a part of the Muziclub family. I’m writing and recording music and I hope I can do so for years to come.

Shortly after college, my good friend, Surjo, decided to take up music professionally and since I was around, I used to hang out at his house, and we practiced the guitar for hours.

Mom got fed up with me being around the house, so I landed in Pune to study Event Management at NIEM (National Institute of Event Management). Classes weren’t very regular and my school senior, whom I was staying with at the time, encouraged me to take up a job at WNS.

While working in WNS, I formed a band with a few friends that I had made there. We were called EvenOddz. We played a few gigs in Pune and that was fun. Eventually, I had to head back home. I took a step back from music and took up a job as an Event Coordinator at Hindustan Times.

Let me take some time to also talk about what music means to me. In school (even now for the matter) I was kind of the odd one out. I mostly kept to myself. When other kids were out playing cricket, I was climbing buildings from the outside. For everyone, studies were the main priority. I excelled in everything besides my studies; I won sports, art, and music awards.

All my friends, I met through our love for music. I consider all of them as my brothers. We still keep in touch, even though we live in different cities. Also, through music, I was able to express myself in a way I couldn’t before.

For me, music was never about getting fame or fortune. It has gotten me through some tough times. In ways, it has shaped who I am today.

The job was pretty demanding, and I hardly even got time to rest. My mother noticed how stressed out I was and told me to quit immediately. She also encouraged me to take up music full-time. That was a pleasant surprise, and I took her up on her word before she changed her mind.

There’s an innate sense of joy when one sits alone with one’s instrument, playing one’s heart out, away from any worldly distraction. That is something I wish everyone can experience.

Now a few words about my chosen instrument, the guitar. My best friend, Varun, took a few guitar lessons back in school and after every class, he would show me what he had learnt.

So, early on, I was able to play a few songs with simple chords. Just enough to get by. In college is when I was surrounded by some amazing musicians and that piqued my interest.

Most of my learning till this point was through lesson DVDs and whatever I could gather from my friends. Apart from this, we all learned to use our ears to figure out our favourite songs.

Only a few years back, I decided to take formal lessons. I was fortunate enough to learn from the best in the industry. I studied for some time under the tutelage of Karlijn Langendijk from the Netherlands and Vedanta Raj Bareilly from Darjeeling.

Ode to a Vermin

I strongly advise finding a good teacher for anyone who wants to learn an instrument. It has helped me immensely and I’m sure it will help you too.

Other, oh other, Bother another, Other, oh other, Sister and mother, The fear of one, The death of none, Other, oh other, Fearful you stand, Look in my eyes, Am I the nether, Sister, oh mother, Am I another? Mother you fear, But shed no tears, Sister’s disgust, Father’s distrust, Guilt bestowed, Upon my dome, Mother don’t bother, I am the other, Hither I wither, With eve’s sin, Mother forget me, For I was another,

Soumy Patel

I am now other, I am the nether, I am but vermin, Death is better, its cousin doesn’t bother, for I am but other, sister, oh mother, forget the other, I am no person, The ailment is me, I am vermin, Your disgust I see, Mother, just let me, I will not live another, Sister, oh mother, Forever, never.

(An ode to Gregor Samsa)

Kaapi Sessions

The story behind every film

An interview with Creative Producer and Director Dikssha Jyote Routray

Dikssha Jyote Routray is a producer, director and writer and cofounder of Matchbox Shots Production House. She has produced highly acclaimed films such as Andhadhun, Monica, O my Darling and Badlapur. Her short film - Red Velvet was nominated for the Melbourne Film festival and Filmfare Awards. She started her career as a copywriter and is now directing her first full-length Bollywood film. After an intriguing film screening and lecture session at MCH, editors of Chaicopy, Aishwarya Sabarinath, Shivapriya Subramonian and Arati K Prasen interviewed Dikssha for a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes of the Film industry. From the filmmaking process and the importance of storytelling to even film adaptations of novels, Dikssha explains it all.

is that the former is always deadline-driven. If on the 31st, a certain ad is getting released, you work backwards. The process is also much quicker. It gets done in a month or two. Films may take at least a year or two for established directors. For newcomers, it may take even five years, and there are chances that it might not happen. In the film industry, only maybe 10% of people succeed.

Since I was a child, I have always wanted to tell stories, and even as a copywriter, I always thought that if I get a chance to move to cinema and write and direct, I will take it up. I then moved to Mumbai looking for an opportunity (in the film industry) and that’s how it all began.

I: As a newcomer to the industry, how do you pitch scripts?

I: The move from a copywriter at an advertising company to a producer and director at a leading production house is not a typical career arc. What got you interested in the world of cinema?

DJR: I was always interested in writing, and advertising gives you a chance to write as a copywriter. You get to write ad film scripts which are much smaller. But the process involved is similar to making a feature film, which begins with writing a script, then you go on shooting it, and then you edit it. You even do music. All the bits are included. The main difference between advertising and filmmaking

DJR: I knew a few directors and writers as I was working in an advertising agency in Mumbai. I had my stories, and I had to pitch them to various production houses. It is the process everybody goes through unless you come from a family of filmmakers or you’re like connected to the film fraternity. Sometimes, if you’re lucky you’ll find like-minded people soon, but it rarely happens. You really have to meet a lot of people to know who are of the same wavelength, and who believe in your ideas and stories.

I: Storytelling seems to be at the centre of all the films you have worked on. Why do you think storytelling is essential for a good film?

DJR: What are films? Films are just stories. It’s a cinematic way of telling a story. Even drama and theatre are a form of storytelling.

They are all just different mediums for telling a story. Sometimes you narrate it, sometimes you tell it through a visual medium, and sometimes you do it through theatre. Since a cinematic medium is a significantly evolved medium, it combines many techniques to tell a story effectively, but at the heart of it, you’re still telling a story. So your story has to be good. Every film begins with an idea, a story.

I: Where do you get the inspiration for these stories and ideas?

DJR: So that’s difficult to answer because I think we’re always looking for inspiration. For some people like me, reading helps. I like to read. I am always reading novels, and if you look at our work profile at Matchbox Productions, the same applies. For instance, Sriram Raghavan was our mentor. He’s also an avid reader, and most of his films are inspired by different novels. A French short film inspired Andhadhun. His current film Merry Christmas, which we are currently shooting with Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, is also inspired by a French novel. Badlapur is inspired by a story. Even the story of Monica, O My Darling, our latest release has been inspired by a Japanese novel. We took the rights to the novel and converted it into a script, and we made a film. It is a culture at Matchbox Productions that we look at books which have always given us good stories.

I: As a director and producer, how do you feel about novels getting cinematised? Do you think all great novels can make great movies, or is there a specific aspect of the narrative that allows for a great movie adaptation of a novel? What would be the process behind this?

DJR: I don’t think all novels could be turned into movies because some novels are great as novels but would not be as great if turned into a cinema. That is what I feel. Some filmmakers might beg to differ. To me, when you pick up a novel, it has to be cinematic. ‘Cinematic’ is a very broad term. It should have characters who owe themselves to the cinema. For example, I’ll just go back to Monica, O My Darling. When we read the novel, we instantly felt that this story is cinema. It had all the ingredients of being a good thriller film. Also, we were coming back after Andhadhun, which is also a thriller film. At Matchbox, we like that space of a fun thriller film. Most of the time, with good classic books, you always feel disappointed when you watch the film. Reading a novel is such an intense process because you’re going through it for three to four days, whereas cinema is just captured in one to two hours and doesn’t give you enough time to indulge in it in the same way that a novel does. Sometimes it works. Personally, The Namesake was a film that worked as an adaptation for me. Gabriel García Márquez is one of my favourite writers, but I don’t think his novels could become equally good cinemas as they are very intense and detailed. Yet, at the same time, there might be filmmakers who may think that these stories can become good adaptations and will attempt to do so. But I don’t think all novels naturally owe themselves to good cinema.

I: How does it feel to be a woman director in an overwhelmingly male-dominated cinema industry? What advice would you give to young women interested in cinema production and direction?

DJR: Like other industries, the cinema industry is male-dominated, but recently more women have come up in the industry. When I joined the industry initially, there were lesser women, but today, there are very successful women as editors, technicians, and cinematographers.

As for advice, you need to be very very passionate because this career is full of uncertainties. You cannot compare filmmaking to any other career. For instance, in a corporate, there is a guarantee for steady growth and salaries. At times in the film industry, even if you have done very well, the next job might take a lot of time. It is not steady. But you have to believe in your story, you have to believe in your script, you have to just believe in whatever you’re doing and keep going about it. Before joining this industry, you have to really ask yourself if you want to live that life. For instance, as a founder member of Matchbox Productions, I have a lot of responsibilities. From mundane activities such as looking for an office space to reading great novels and interacting with very good filmmakers. My favourite part will always be writing- sitting with the writers, brainstorming and thinking about your film and then shooting. Of course, eventually, one has to enjoy everything because after so much effort and struggle when you see your story turning into a film, it becomes enjoyable. It is all a part of the job, and you have to do everything, and I enjoy it. Sometimes it does become hectic, and it’s extremely demanding, but I always tell myself this is what I chose to do, and I’m doing it.

I: Out of all the short film/films you’ve directed or produced or been a part of, which one is the closest to your heart and why?

to my heart because both stories came from me. I thought about the stories for at least months, and then put things together to make them into films. Also because when I watch back The Ideal Bride and Red Velvet, I see that I have progressed a lot during these short films, which would never have happened if I had not tried to make a film. It is different to be a producer, and give your comments and opinions about somebody else’s story, but it is different when you’re actually doing it. Then there is Andhadhun which we all (at Matchbox Productions) love and cherish. It is that film which will be there no matter what— even after years go by, we are going to be proud of this film.

I: Andhadhun is also famously known for its song Naina Da Kya Kasoor. How does the process of adding songs to a narrative, which is unique to Bollywood, happen?

DJR: When a director has written a script, they know that there are certain situations where songs are required. It is a part of scriptwriting to identify situations where, rather than having a dialogue scene, it is better to have a song. We then brief a music director. Either one who has approached us or a director that we know will be suitable for the idea that we have. We have jam sessions, and then the lyrics are written. There are times that the lyricists approach the music composer, but in most situations, the lyrics are written at the end. Compositions happen first because the music has to suit the mood of the scene. It is a long process, and there will be multiple revisions. We keep ‘jamming’ until we feel like yes, this is the song.

DJR: I like both the short films I’ve directed. They are very close

I: The film industry is constantly changing, especially since the

pandemic. What are the changes you see in the industry due to the popularity of OTT platforms?

DJR: OTT platforms give viewers the freedom to watch content at one’s own convenience. If you don’t like it, you can just pause it or you can stop watching it or you can watch something else. Moreover, everybody has a smartphone or a laptop so all that has affected content viewing, and OTT has become the new theatre. Amazon and Netflix are the new studios. It has affected audience behaviour significantly today. For Matchbox Productions, we have only one theatre release for our feature film Merry Christmas, but the rest of our projects are for OTTs as it is where the audience is. It is too early to say that theatres are out of fashion, but it is true that most of the audience wants to sit at their home and watch things on OTT at their own convenience.

Rhythm

the rustling of the leaves on the old men trees and the baby blue birds with their screams the whistling of the breeze on a nice cool day and the gurgling of forever running streams

sing the rhythm of life around all of us the movement of nature, the onset of time none of the atoms that make us are ours it is simply our turn to make them dull or shine

the dying leaves fall and rot and enrich life the birds take to the skies and soar above us the breeze carries pollen and seeds all around the water cleanses and quenches and saves us

mother nature follows her own unique rhythm and toys with the keys of the elements she made and rivals even Beethoven in composition with the dance and song of life that she plays

Anirudh

A Cosplay of Light and Shadow

Aparna Adiyolil Rhythm of my Life

The alarm goes off, My phone vibrates. I stir in bed, No time to snooze. I immediately pick up the pace, Grab my phone and spectacles, Walk to the kitchen, In measured steps. Fill water bottles, Boil eggs for breakfast, Wash the soaked almonds, Place a banana on the tray. Water with ginger boils away for morning tea, In between, I go to wake up the kids. Switch on the geyser, Set a timer and a reminder on Alexa, Pack the tiffin.

I ask Alexa to be quiet after the reminder, Peel the boiled eggs. Plead the kids to hurry up, Eke out time for my morning ablution.

Change from night dress to yoga clothes, Rush back to make the hair, Give continuous reminders to eat fast. Check the bus status on the

Neeta Doshi

app,

Final cry for leaving lest we miss the bus, Wait for the lift with fingers crossed. “Wait! I forgot the blazer,” says my daughter, I give her a distressed look as my heartbeat goes through the roof. Run back inside, Quickly grab the blazer, Rush out and get into the lift, Opposed to our haste, the lift goes slow, A nerve-wracking one minute and five stops, The lift doors open at exit. We run out like there is a fire behind us, And almost jog to the stop.

A big sigh of relief, As we make it to the stop before the bus arrives. We exchange a high five and take a deep breath, A wide grin befitting the morning, Finally adorns our faces.

The stray sweat bead is wiped off, The bus arrives, The doors open, In goes a piece of my heart. The customary goodbye and I love you is exchanged, The door closes.

I turn back towards home, The flustered flurry comes to an end. The rhythm, it magically switches... From a fast-paced hustle To a slow waltz.

Temple Bell

Ripples in Rhythm

Changing Colours of Manipal

Aparna Adiyolil

Chirantani Kothari

The Drizzle

Amelie Dutta

Architectural Rhythm

Amelie Dutta

Spotted Beauty

Amelie Dutta

Solitude

Kuldeep Singh

Rhythm of the Sea

Srividya Devdas The Contributors

Ananya Shetty

Ananya Shetty is a 21-year-old full-time architecture student and part time skill builder (that’s what she likes to call her chronic hobby jumping). Art is her first love, and she loves using versatile mediums ranging from pencils to pixels to tell stories and put her thoughts out for the world to see.

Anabelle Maria Pinto

If you sit next to me, I’ll talk about whatever colours the lines of my thoughts. I’ll listen, I’ll observe. Even alone, I’d do the same with myself. I’m a second-year master’s student specializing in film studies with an ingrained interest in storytelling.

Anirudh Prabhu

Anirudh Prabhu is a First Year Ba student at MCH who loves writing, singing, and origami. The world is his muse, and he takes every random thing he sees as his poetic inspiration.

Amelie

Amelie is a second year BA student at MCH who enjoys photography, sculpting, and painting open scapes. She is a certified scuba diver and an avid traveller who loves birding. She is also a fitness enthusiast who loves playing table tennis.

Amrita K

Amrita K is a visual design lead who specialises in product design. She loves to illustrate and make art in her spare time.

Aparna

A poetry-enthusiast with a tendency to find poetry in everyday life. Oddly fascinated by nature, literature, fine food and photographs.

Bhavana D

An engineer, illustrator, who is currently pursuing her masters in Visual Communication. Loves to sing, play guitar, and dance when feeling chirpy and other times often found settled on her cozy bed reading books with a mug of her favorite coffee and her cat "Joy" cuddling by her side. Loves looking for those "little happy moments of life" that bring her a sunshine state of mind.

Chirantani

Hi, I’m Chirantani, I take pleasure in singing and I am a crazy fanatic of Manipal skies. Everytime I look up and see the “changing colours”, it’s a sight I want to trap forever, my phone’s gallery is like a palette of fall colours. It’s nostalgic and comforting.

Conrad

I'm currently the head of the guitar department at Muziclub, which is a music institute based in Pune. Apart from this I do recording sessions for various artists. When I don't play music, I love reading fiction books. My favourite authors being Frederick Forsyth and Agatha Christie. I also have my original music on all music streaming platforms

Harshita Kale

Harshita is passionate about storytelling and wants to give a voice to untold stories and perspectives from around the world. You can usually find her reading, writing, listening to mono (by RM) on repeat and gazing at the skies. She believes kindness and empathy can change the world.

You can read more of her work at @_.inkedbyh._

Kuldeep

I am an MA Sociology student at MCH. I'm a solo budget backpacker that loves to travel to explore new cultures, food, architecture and I love to meet new and interesting people.

Lara Kirubakaran

Lara is a medical student at AUA. When she's not immersed in a Boards and Beyond video, she's writing movie reviews, analysing the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe, or writing poetry in the solitude of three in the morning. Lara is deeply passionate about neurology and Mads Mikkelsen.

Manasi Chattopadhyay

Manasi is a Second-Year BA student at the Manipal Centre for Humanities. She loves to be identified as a nephophile, a dog-lover, and an occasional painter. She is also a bookworm and a fan of mythological fiction. A mug of instant coffee is her fuel for the day. Her hobbies include Photography and Stamp collection.

Neeta doshi

B.Tech in Computers with 10 years in IT industry. Turned

homemaker to raise daughters. Pursuing my dreams now that they are grown up. Training in Hindustani classical vocal for 5 years. Freelance Creative Writer, Voice Artist. Personal blogs, creative essays, poems, story VO, YouTube promos VO. Work sample - linktr.ee/Neeta_FindingMyVoice

Prashasti

A postgraduate resident in Paediatrics, Prashasti is a doctor who likes to slow down and listen to more than what the stethoscope can hear. Been in Manipal/Mangalore for ten years now, she likes her coconut water by the sunset, and hopes to write more often.

Raymon Sam

Raymon Sam is a third year BA student at Manipal Institute of Communication. His aesthetic focuses on capturing everything from raw untethered emotions found in each moment to discovering beauty in mundane objects, places, and things.

Soumy Kumar Patel

I am Soumy Kumar Patel, currently studying in the second year of B.A. Humanities. My interests involve literature, specifically 20th century literature, I also love reading poetry and sometimes writing it too. I use poetry as a medium to put down my astonishment or even more negative emotions down in words

Srija Bhalerao

Srija Bhalerao is a student, reader, and writer who finds solace in words. She finds her inspiration in nature, small moments, and many light-hearted talks. Nice to see you reading about her, so

check her page- _word.vibe_ (I’m a lazy writer but it’s not exactly a waste of your time.) Okay, thanks!

Srividya Devadas

Srividya Devadas completed her MPhil in Philosophy from Trinity College Dublin in 2020. Before that, she did her MA in Philosophy from the Manipal Centre for Humanities and her undergraduate program in Craft Design from the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design. It was during her undergraduate program that she developed a passion for photography. Srividya likes to capture the essence of every day and pause that moment in time through her photography. She is also an avid writer and documents her creative writing and photography on her website.

The Exasperated Idealist

A dreamer. An idealist. A college student who would change the world... if it weren’t for all those assignments she has due. Always living in the future tense. Find her buried in murder mysteries when she isn’t being consumed by self-doubt.

Vishvajith

passive blogger, daydreamer, retired engineer, a bit of theater, bathroom singer, un-professional drummer, thinks he’s a writer, good at banter, cartoon character, pressure cooker, brain baker, stupid rhymer, just a life lover

The Teatotallers

Editors-in-Chief

Aishwarya Sabarinath

Aishwarya is a 3rd year BA student who likes to write for work and fun. She is currently learning about herself by exploring different career choices and will talk to you about spirituality and the universe for days. Her personal bio will change every month as new movies inspire her personality.

Arati K. Prasen

Arati is a final year MA literature student who loves libraries, beaches, baking and everything pop culture. You'll find her either reading in a quiet corner or gushing over a new obsession. If she's not dancing, she's either thinking or reading about it.

Anupriya Shasheendran

Anupriya is a second year Masters student majoring in English at MCH. You'll often find her gazing up at the sky, at the clouds, sunsets and especially the moon. She finds comfort in a perfect cup of coffee and her go-to series- Gilmore Girls/ Modern Family/ This Is Us. This moonchild also loves dancing her heart out, writing poems, and trying to catch up with her TBR list.

Tarang Mathur

Tarang is a first year Masters student at MCH. He loves to read, listen to music and watch movies, series and anime.

Anirudh Prabhu

Anirudh is a first year Bachelors student at MCH. He loves anything to do with paper- origami, books, money- and is passionate about food and photography.

Aksharaa Agarwal

Fiction

Nandhitha (Head)

Nandhitha is a final year sociology student at MCH. She loves learning things, be it about Foucault or just discovering that there will always be a rainbow only in the OPPOSITE side of the sun. She loves reading and watching movies in her free time.

Aksharaa is a BA first-year student at MCH. The friendly neighbourhood bibliophile, she’s always up for incessant discussions on film, art, philosophy and more. She has both a passion for literature and penchant for the pen- or the occasional paintbrush and pencil.

Angadh Singh

Angadh is a second year Bachelor’s student at MCH. He loves making music and shredding on his guitar, reading fantasy books, and MMA.

Chetana Agnihotri

Chetana is a second-year BA student at MCH who is constantly listening to music, loves food and coffee, and likes writing poetry. She enjoys watching movies (for the cinematography and script), series (including anime) and thoroughly analyses them later. Sometimes you can find her sporadically practicing boxing combinations.

Shakti Prabhu

Shakti is a third year sociology student at MCH. Who loves and misses her three cats, two dogs and is obsessed with animals and insects!

Tenzin Dekyong

Tenzin is a second year student at MCH who enjoys reading and running during her free time.

Raaghav Chapa

Raaghav is a first year at MCH - he loves photography, cars, and football. Street food and music makes him happy!

Dishari Ghosh

Dishari Ghosh is a first year Masters student at MCH, who believes the most in engaging with different perspectives, be it with fictional stories or with real experiences. With her two dogs, she loves road-tripping around the country, chasing sunsets and soaking in narratives.

Non-fiction

Aatreyee Ghoshal (Head)

Aatreyee is a final year undergraduate student at MCH, majoring in Sociology. When she isn’t writing assignments or working her part-time jobs, you’ll find her snuggled at home watching a Ghibli movie with a cup of tea. She enjoys writing, sunsets, cats, painting, and trying her best to learn the violin.

Siri Lucille Chenni A.K.A Riven

Riven is a second year undergraduate student at MCH. They love writing, discourse and dogs. They enjoy listening to Hozier and long scenic walks.

Nandana Joy

Nandana is a first-year BA student at MCH who finds solace in music and naps. She’s fascinated by the social sciences and is constantly trying to be the best version of herself.

Mythily Zanjal

Mythily Zanjal is a first year Master’s student at MCH who loves anything to do with Harry Potter and Zombie movies. She loves walks on the beach, reading books and webtoons, and trying out different recipes.

Sarah Hussain

Sarah is a final year postgraduate student at MCH, majoring in Literature. When she is not busy listening to a Taylor Swift album, she enjoys reading, gazing at the sunset and watching Schitt's

Creek. Sarah also enjoys penning down her thoughts in a journal with a cup of coffee while her favourite mellow songs play in the background to calm her mind.

Harshita Kale

Harshita is passionate about storytelling and wants to give a voice to untold stories and perspectives from around the world. You can usually find her reading, writing, listening to mono (by RM) on repeat and gazing at the skies. She believes kindness and empathy can change the world. You can read more of her work at @_.inkedbyh._

Meghna Haridas

Meghna Haridas is a first year Master's student at MCH who is happiest on a stage with a mic in her hand. Passionate about movies, music and poetry. Often find solace in writing down her thoughts that she finds hard to say.

Mrinalini Murthy

Mrinalini is in her final year at the bachelor’s programme at MCH! She loves dance, music, lifting, and nerding out about computers and social science. She loves to challenge herself by learning new skills and tries to better herself everyday.

Illustration and Graphic Design

Nehla Salil (Head)

Nehla is a third-year BA student at MCH. She once spent 40 minutes trying to make the perfect cup of masala chai.

Nethra Gopalakrishnan

Hi, I am Nethra, a final year student at MCH and I love things that are larger than life whether it's movies or fashion. I am known among my friends for my ability to paint and create exquisite works of art whenever I am stressed while listening to Ritviz. I primarily function on coffee and a tiny bit of optimism.

Devika Nair

Devika is a second year master's student at MCH who is passionate about Indian literature, classical art and music. She loves to travel, journal and create illustrations.

Maisah Irfan

Maisah is a final year postgraduate student at MCH, majoring in History. You can often find her poring over a book with a cup (or two) of coffee in her hand. Passionate about art and travelling, she hopes that someday she will be able to keep up with her evergrowing TBR.

Amelie Dutta

Amelie is a second year BA student at MCH who enjoys photography, sculpting, and painting open scapes. She is a certified scuba diver and an avid traveller who loves birding. She is also a fitness enthusiast who loves playing table tennis.

Sagarika Wadiyar

Sagarika Wadiyar is a second year BA student at MCH who visualises the world by painting her favourite things about it. She enjoys spending time with the people she loves and listens to music

to unwind. A cat person through and through, she adores Luna, her cat and fantasises about living in a cosy home, mothering many more felines.

Anusha Shetty

Anusha Shetty is a first year MA student at MCH. She loves to doodle, sketch and listen to music at all times. She is ambivalent at times, like she was while writing this. She likes journaling and giving random facts about the latest Netflix shows.

Public Relations

Rhea Menon (Head)

Rhea Menon is a second-year MA Sociology student at MCH who owns more combination puzzles than clothes. She may have a new passion project every week, but she is never tired of good conversations.

Sreya Das

Sreya is a BA second-year student at Manipal Centre for Humanities, who loves music, nature, and writing poems. She is also interested in playing basketball and watching thriller movies/series.

Amshula Ravi

Amshula Ravi is a second-year BA student from the MCH who loves to explore different avenues of reading and writing. She likes to listen to music, watch TV shows and enjoy the beauty of nature. She is always open to learning something new and is also fond of engaging with things that excite her.

Archisha Sanyal

Archisha is a 2nd year BA student who is an explorer with all her heart. She loves to do the things that seem impossible, and loves the sense of achievement that come after words. She reads and writes in her free along with all of this. She aspires to be a nomad, both in life and

academics

Oishee Dasgupta

Oishee is a second year BA student at MCH who likes to venture into new food and cuisines and its associated cultural background. She’s also into exploring new music every now and then, and loves crime documentaries.

Akanksha Banerjee

Akanksha Banerjee is in her 2nd year at Manipal Centre for Humanities. She has varied interests, ranging from music, to art, to writing, and continues to nurture her skills in these fields.

Vidmahi Rao

Vidmahi is a first year BA student. She is into dance, drama and karate. She likes to read and listens to music every now and then. Chai or coffee depends on her mood.