An Intriguing Interview

June 2017

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious days!

An Intriguing Interview

I yawned as I woke up to the sound of the door knob turning. My mom came in the room and told me to wake up. “It’s still seven on Saturday mom!” I said as sunking into the pillows, but only then did I realise that I had a television interview. With TV9 and NEWS9, I had an interview but had forgotten about it for my mind was in snore mode. To the faucet I went to turn on the tap that let the invigorating cold water flow out. When the chilling water hit my face, a galvanizing blast shot through me, making me want to get ready quickly. When I was ready, my mom showed me an article about my book in the Vijayavani newspaper. It added to my present excitement and positivity.

My hair done, required items packed and the car downstairs, it wasn’t long before we were in the car and ready to go. And as usual, I fell asleep, my head resting on the pillow that leaned on the wall.

The car halted to a stop, waking me up with a start. Looking out of the window, I rubbed the sleep tears out of my eyes. My dad pondered towards the door with a suitcase full of books that was requested by the director. The nerves gripped me once again and froze the bottom of my feet. We were welcomed by an anchor named Radhika and after some discussions, I went to change into my clothes. A shamrock green silk blouse with gold stitchings worn with a berry blue long skirt was completed by a black headband with glimmering crystals and a gold earring that my mom was wearing since she was six. My hair was straightened and let loose, some strands brushed my shoulder and the others swayed down and the thin stroke of eyeliner highlighted my eyes. My parents, their friend Dr Shankar and I went to the set to start the recording. Mrs Radhika led the way, her warmth towards me made me lose the nerves.

First, they started out with the English interview for NEWS9 to make me comfortable around camera. The interviewer, whose name was Mr Sandeep, introduced himself and casually asked my questions in a congenial manner. A peerless interview later, we took a break before the shooting in Kannada started. Mr Sandeep took a selfie with me and I handed him a book. Surprised, I was when he asked for my autograph!

Dr Shankar, the interviewer and me! (from right)

The Kannada interview for TV9 went quick and well. Another signed book was given to Mrs Radhika who pulled me into a warm hug. We were asked to go outside to the garden to take the final shoot of my parents and I casually reading my book.

In the car, we joyfully talked about the successful time there. And of course, I had a good sleep in the car. 💤💤

To my grandparents’ house, we went to have lunch. Thoroughly washing my face, I changed into some comfortable clothes. Hot Sambar we ate for lunch with some scrumptious chips. When we washed our hands and were about to leave, there was a meow. When we looked at the balcony-like space in the hall, a golden furred cat with her two kittens were pleading us for milk. Regularly, it came to the small place where no dog could chase her and her kittens. My cousin put a bowl of milk that was slurped up by the cats right away. The cute kittens looked at us gratefully with their sapphire blue eyes. Bidding goodbye to my uncle, aunt, cousin and grandparents, we went home.

The next day (Sunday)…

From 6 in the morning, the television was on, though my program was to start at 11:30 and end at 12:00. My parents and I were getting jittery due to excitement. At 11 am, I was bathing when my dad shouted that the promo was on TV! For my dad had paused it, we took a video of it; a memory that would last for long.

‘It’s eleven thirty one!’

My excitement was elevated when the anchor said ‘next is the ET special!’ The promo coming on the bottom of the screen was stopped and another anchor said something that made me realise –

“That’s me!”

I dug my nails into my palm out of joy and watched the show.

“We keep hearing stories about young achievers every now and then but only after you meet one that you realise the weight of their accomplishments. We caught up with an eleven year old who has made hundreds feel the same way.”

“Guinness record holder at age 9, acclaimed novelist at age 11, meet the wonder girl of Karnataka!”

The rest was just amazing. The editing was amazingly phenomenal! As soon as the clock struck twelve and my program ended, calls after calls my mom, dad and I received all together. My English teacher, Shalini Ma’am, called my mom, full of praise. My friends that they absolutely liked it and their parents sent me their blessings. Our principal, Deepa Ma’am, sent a message to all the teachers, asking them to watch it. Elated, I was when so many gushed over it. But that was just the beginning, unknown to me.

At 7:30 pm, we were once again before the TV, our eyes glued onto the screen. On TV9 it was broadcasted (Kannada) and I was elated once again, my nails digging into my poor palm.

‘Ding!’ ‘Ding!’

My phone had messages from two unknown numbers. Thinking of waiting till the programme was over, I set my phone aside. The Nanna Kathe (translation: My Story) programme was in a slightly different format which I slightly liked more as it was thirty minutes of my talking.

After the shower of calls, I checked the two messages on my phone. It was from two people who saw my number on TV! They congratulated me and said that they are waiting to read my book and I am the pearl to Karnataka’s crown. I was just nonplussed at their messages and soon replied.

The day was just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (or uh... You can say amazing)! I just couldn’t sleep for most of the night.

Monday

For it was Ramzan (also known as Ramadan), we had a holiday. I had come on The Hindu newspaper that day and we decided to go out for lunch. Going to Polar Bear ice-creams, we celebrated with some sandwiches and ice-creams.

‘Ding Ding Ding! Ding Ding Ding!’

My phone rang and lit up with an unknown number. I lifted, thinking that it was one of my friends. But to my surprise, a girl had called me to congratulate me! She said that she too wants to become an author and I was her inspiration. It was just amazing to hear her words. She asked me if she could stay in touch with me for ideas and I agreed, happy to make a new friend.

The best long weekend of my life, it was and I enjoyed every bit of it.

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