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A Trip Down Memory Lane (With a Side of Chuckles)

These blogs are my love letter to music, films, and the arts, sprinkled with a healthy dose of nostalgia. Think of it as a musical time machine, fueled by memories from the past six decades (yes, I’m that old, but my memory’s still sharper than a tack – knock on wood!).

Believe me, writing these blogs is easier than trying to wrestle a badger into a tutu. Compared to the chaos of making videos or podcasts, it’s pure bliss, like a warm bath after a long day of chasing pigeons.

Now, people often ask me, “Nanda, how on earth do you come up with these topics? Do you have a magic crystal ball hidden in your headgear? Honestly, I haven’t the foggiest. Ideas just appear in my head like uninvited guests, probably fueled by the endless reservoir of memories sloshing around in my brain. It’s like my mind is a popcorn machine, and the kernels are random moments from my life, just waiting to burst into stories.

Speaking of my life, let’s rewind to my childhood in Madras. Picture this: a young Nanda, growing up as a solo adventurer in a world of books and rusty cars. My dad, a distinguished professor of physiology, had a peculiar fondness for resurrecting ancient automobiles. So, while I was busy devouring books like a hungry termite, he was outside battling with rusty bolts and greasy engines. It was like living in a bizarre sitcom, with a bookworm for a son and a mad scientist mechanic for a father.

But hey, life’s a mixed bag, right? And it’s the sweet and sour memories that make it worth savoring. Just like those old songs we used to hum while lugging our backpacks to school, filled with textbooks and delicious lunchbox treasures. Ah, those were the days!

Now, let me introduce myself properly. I’m Nandakumar Nayar, but feel free to call me Nanda, Nandu, or even Nandan, if you’re feeling fancy. I dabbled in chemistry during my college days, but somehow ended up in the airline and tourism industry. Oh, and I also moonlighted as a guitarist in a band, spreading musical joy throughout the land. Teaching music, writing blogs, and creating podcasts – I’ve done it all!

Back in my school days, I was part of a band that could seamlessly transition from The Carpenters to The Beatles, with a sprinkle of Eagles and some classic Indian tunes thrown in for good measure. I’m a self-taught guitarist and keyboardist, but I also have a soft spot for Indian classical music.

So yes, I’m a bit of a “Jack of all trades,” although I prefer to think of myself as “better than average” at most things. (Modesty has never been my strong suit, as you may have noticed.)

Nostalgia: More Than Just a Rearview Mirror

Remember those simpler times? When imagination reigned supreme, and pushing a broken wooden toy car across the floor felt like cruising in a Mercedes? Ah, the good old days, when Murphy radios ruled the roost, with their magical “tuning eye” that helped us navigate the airwaves. (For the youngsters, it was like a primitive version of Shazam, but with a lot more static.)

What’s This Blog All About?

Somewhere in the labyrinth of my mind, I seem to have recorded every song, every film, every experience. Even now, I can hear Sir Cliff Richard’s “Bachelor Boy” battling with the haunting melodies of “Chinna Chinna Mookuthi” amidst the crackling static of Radio Ceylon. (If you have an Indian connection, you might even remember those golden oldies!)

While we can’t recreate our youth (sadly, those school days and mommy’s lunchboxes are long gone), we can still relive the emotions. That’s the power of nostalgia, my friends! It’s like driving with your eyes glued to the rearview mirror – maybe not the safest way to travel, but it sure helps you appreciate the journey.

These blogs are my attempt to capture those nostalgic vibes, to rekindle the magic of the past through the power of words. It’s a journey through six decades of memories, a kaleidoscope of sounds, sights, and stories.

Let’s Chat!

If you enjoy these nostalgic ramblings, or if you have any juicy tidbits about music or films from the 70s and before, do share! I might be a one-man band, broadcasting my thoughts into the void, but I’d love to hear from you. Let’s turn this monologue into a conversation!

In Conclusion (Because All Good Things Must End)

There was once a singer who claimed he could make it rain just by singing the raga Megh Malhar. His secret? He simply refused to stop singing until the heavens opened. (Persistence is key, my friends!)

Disclaimer: The Fine Print (Where the Lawyers Have Their Say)

Just a quick heads-up: I don’t own any of the images, screenshots, or songs that might pop up on this site. They belong to their respective owners, and I’m just borrowing them for a bit of nostalgic fun. The words, however, are all mine (for better or worse). So, enjoy the show, but please don’t sue me!

(This is the fine print, where we keep things legal and boring. But hey, it’s still important, so don’t fall asleep just yet!)