Episode 10 — The Mime Artists
“I started focusing just on what interested me. The rest fell into place.”
The first time I met Girish it was at the gym where we both worked. But I did not have an opportunity to interact with him at a deeper level. We got a chance to really know each other when we were part of a company wide initiative that brought together about 3500 employees and ex-employees. But what the event really did was bring together a team of really different people who would not have an opportunity to talk to each other under regular work circumstances. That was how I chanced over the gem that was Girish Bijjal.
He told me that the practice sessions started at around 6 AM each day and that the artists finish for the day and get back to work! That was when I realized that this guy was passionate. When I reached out, he was really particular about me interviewing his friend and partner in crime, Vinod Kumar who was the co-founder of a mime theatre group called the Emoticons.
“If it was anything else, I don’t think I would be able to wake up at 5 AM or 6 AM. I wake up automatically.” ~Vinod Kumar S
I spent a good amount of time observing and soaking in the play that was being rehearsed at the Indian Heritage Academy (which is a buzzing hot-spot in the heart of Bangalore for the performing and cultural arts). The plays were about slavery and harassment which was really intriguing.
Vinod later talked about how they use theater as a means of communicating messages to people because everybody loves stories. Stories with no talking, portray various aspects ranging from the implementation of a new or reinforcement of ethical Standards in an organization to issues like sanitation, education and other issues that are worth giving a thought.
“ You have to get your hands dirty, that is the best way to learn. Learn by doing. It is a process. It takes time.” ~Girish Bijjal
These guys have had a very tough journey, but they are not even thinking about the rewards. They are satisfied knowing that they are doing something to pursue their passion and that they are making strides in the field that they are interested in. All of this while working a full time job!
“It is also the team, each of us is coming from different parts of the city. So we motivate each other to work hard.” ~ Vinod Kumar S
Their grit, dedication and certainty is one that is infectious and one that you need to tune in to feel.
“Believe in yourself, work on your belief and then the world will believe you.”
Tune in below to find out what else we spoke about!
They perform regularly in Bangalore and if you want to see them soon, do check out their Facebook Page.
Get in touch here:-
Girish Bijjal
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/girish.bijjal
Gmail — girish.bijjal@gmail.com
Vinod Kumar S
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/vinod.s.50
Gmail — vinnglad@gmail.com
Emoticons
https://www.facebook.com/emoticonstheater/
By2 Coffee Films
Podcast Information:-
Interview by: Naga Subramanya B B
Recorded on: Rode SmartLav+
Recorded using: ASR Recorder for Android
Jingle Credits: Ivan Chew, Edited by Naga Subramanya
Recorded at: Koramangala Roof-Top, Bangalore
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