I remember faces. When I meet people, their faces stay with me. To an extent that I feel I am solving a puzzle by finding resemblances. It’s a good thing cos I can almost instantly recognize people when I meet them for the second time. However, not all of the memory is for good. If I see a celebrity in real life, I would not know who the person is. All I know is that I have seen the person but for that moment, I fail to recall. This could also be my lack of interest in stardom so to say.
So, a selfie with a celebrity is not my thing. Never. Early this year, at Bangalore airport, Irfan Pathan was at a hand’s distance and while many were clicking pictures, I was wondering who this guy looks like only to be told later who he was. Yes, I can be like that. I just have a tweet from that day but no picture.
However, this July when I was attending NASSCOM HR summit, the last session of the two-day program was by actor Boman Irani and he was there to share his life journey. It was inspirational. Bollywood celebrities have never made the cut in my life so far but Irani’s story touched me. His struggles, how he kept going despite the tough phases and how it’s never too late to start in life. He was a storyteller throughout the talk and I loved how he engaged one and all. Even those who had to leave early to catch flights.
So when the session ended, the team wanted a selfie with Irani and this time I too wanted one. I had a good team of extroverts and they made way for me. Moving through the crowd of HR professionals, we were right next to Irani when my colleague could not spot me. She was ready with her phone camera and yelled, “Where is Parul?”
Quick, called out Irani, “Yes, where is Parul?”. Standing next to Irani, I replied, “Right here!” We burst out laughing. All of us. We clicked that selfie – my first with a celebrity and left the conference jubilant at our achievement.
His face is now one I will not forget. Ever.
Writing a personal story for Yeah Write #279 today.
happiness and food 
Your Post made me reminiscent . Remember you sent your Pic with my Book & that Pic of yours & review has been sent to so many people that people know more about Parul , then the first time Author Rajiv Bakshi . So you are a celebrity for me & my readers at least .
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That’s so sweet of you to say. It’s your book and your success.
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Oh this is wonderful. I’m like you. I don’t think I would go to take the selfie too unless ofcourse the celebrity, like Irani in your case, actually impressed you not by their stardom but something more.
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Yes. His life story is just so inspiring. Thanks Naba.
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I too am not fascinated with celebrities and can understand how you can’t recognise them. In fact there is a very fascinating story of a Naval Officer who was approached by Raj Kapoor during the shooting of Sangam (?) None of the officers took any notice least of all the handsome pilot who got off the plane. Raj Kapoor was a bit miffed and went up to him and shook his hand saying ” Hello, I’m RajKapoor”. The officer continued looking blankly at him so Raj Kapoor re-introduced himself. This time the officer got peeved and said ” Ok. I’m XYZ” !
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I can be that person. Sometimes, I just can’t connect seeing someone on TV or silver screen.
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I’ve read and seen in a couple of videos, the life of Boman Irani and he truly is a legend. One of the finest stars I truly admire. His acting maintains the faith in Bollywood. And seeing a star like him, who would miss the selfie?
I’m sure you had a wonderful experience.
Cheers
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It was awesome. Couldn’t stop applauding. Thank you Geetika.
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Boman is such an amazing actor. Aha! Your celebrity moment and reminds me of meeting Anu Kapoor at the airport. I throw my bag and requested for a picture, exchanging visiting cards.
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Wow! You were like a go-getter. I would have stood in a corner watching 😉
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Wow! Lucky you!! I louuuu Boman Irani. One of the finest actors !!
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That he is. With you there. 🙂
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This post proves how humble, witty and kind you are. And what a fun memory!
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Thanks for saying that,Danielle.
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that is so awesome. I have heard about his story and it’s very inspiring. He has worked so hard to reach this level. I am not lucky when it comes to celebrity … no random meeting… never got RT … no photographs too 😛
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Ha ha! I get RTs and that’s good enough but pictures, this was the first 😉
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This is such a lovely account! I’m bad at remembering faces but faces like that of Boman Irani, I cannot forget. I love this natural actor. And, that reminds me. I have a selfie like this with Shankar Mahadevan!
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Wow! He is such an awesome singer. Yes, some fine actors even I know I will not forget. 😉
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Every time I have had the opportunity to meet a celebrity, I have instead dropped my eyes and pretended not to recognize them. I dunno. At the last moment, I don’t want the interaction. Thanks for sharing!
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We see them and watch them talk, fight or argue. It almost feels we know them but then they don’t know us to stop by and say hi. Isn’t it?
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Lucky you! Boman Irani is one of my favorite actors and I’ve heard he’s a genuinely nice person. I loved your post, Parul. I have an eye for spotting celebrities every time we pass through Mumbai airport, but I’m always too shy to walk up to them and say hi.
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You are lucky that you spot folks. Thank you, Hema.
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I love that he inspired you with, “It’s never too late to start in life.” This is what I needed to hear today. I really did.
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He started his career at 35+ and that part really spoke to me. It never too late as long as you get to do what you love. Thanks, Lisa.
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Funny, I was reading something today that said that 1% of the human population have an exceptional recall for faces. You’re part of that 1%! I love that you can’t remember how you recognize celebrities, though. I think that’s a good thing. So glad this particular one was a great experience for you.
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Thanks Meg! That 1% with a flawed memory I guess 😉
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A woman told me once when she worked from home, she kept the tv on in the background to make it feel less alone and that she had coworker’s. She went to a party, met a celebrity and said to him I’m certain we’ve met before. The two spent some time trying to figure out where they’d met, but could never come up with it. It was only much later, after the party, she realized he was on the tv show that was running in the background of her workday.
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Oh gosh! That’s too funny 😉
Well I can do that too!
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I can remember names the first time I meet people, but I’ll never be able to match the face if I meet the same person a second time!
The Boman Irani incident is too good! Just goes to prove that some actors are pretty down-to-earth when they interact with others!
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Oh I agree. Thanks Mithila.
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Lucky You, Parul, both for the selfie and for geting the oppurtunity to listen to him.
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I agree, Preethi. Just cos of the conference.
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I wonder how the celebrities feel when hounded on their mood off day. It must be a tremendous weight to carry and always be a goldfish in a crystal bowl
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So true, Sweety. Not many can do that.
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Indeed a cool story! Thank you for sharing your link!
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