Any given new year for that matter brings with it the
promising glow of a new start. But, as many like me believe, it is how you
start the new year that sets the tone for the next 365 days and how they go. So
you have to get it just right. But while one might want to get it right, for
anyone working in the entertainment industry, they will know that that’s a tall
order. New Year’s Eve is the one night in the entire year when anyone working
in this field can double, triple or even quadruple their normal rates,
depending on how popular and in-demand they are, and actually get the asking
price. So it’s a tough one. Thankfully for me though, it all just fell into
place and I honestly believe that it happened because of a certain person now
watching over me from above…
Now I don’t mean
to brag in any way but I’m just stating the honest truth – in the past, getting
a gig for New Year’s for me was never much of an issue. Calls would start coming
my way by August or September from different establishments and event companies
asking me to keep the day on hold till the men with the money had decided if
they could accommodate me in their costings and eventually one show would be
finalised by October or November. In 2015 however, I received calls from seven
different places and people but each and every one of them fell through for
some reason or the other and it got to a point where I was kind of upset and
frustrated. I remember telling my mum: “I can’t believe I don’t have anything
to do for New Year’s. After years of always working on that night, it feels so
strange to be jobless!” and she, in all her wisdom, said, “Have some patience.
Maybe this is God’s way of telling you to take it easy and enjoy the night.”
But I wasn’t
convinced and mentioned the same to my sister and a couple of close friends
including Leanne, who runs the ever so popular Calamari in Candolim with her
husband Verner. They had started up this venture way back in 2003 along with
our other close friend Regi and together, turned it into the super successful,
the-place-to-be shack it is today. When she heard of my predicament, she very
sweetly and promptly asked me to be their guest on the big night as most of our
group, including my sister and brother-in-law, would be there too. I was left
speechless! Now instead of spending it at home as I thought I would (since I
didn’t want to go anywhere else), I would be spending it at my second home with
family. What more could one ask for?
But more came my
way a few days later when Leanne called and said, “If you’re ok with it, Verner
and I would love to have you host the night here at Calamari and we’ll pay you
for it too.” Okay with it?!? I was over the moon about it!!! Now in addition to
everything else I was getting to do what I loved while at my home away from
home, surrounded by family and be paid for it as well? I couldn’t believe my
ears! Also at the very last minute, an old and may I add very good looking
friend called up asking if he could come keep me company… Who else could I
notch it up to except The Man above and my new guardian angel?
And that’s how I
began my 2016… On the beach in Candolim, under a beautiful crisp night sky,
surrounded by great music, fantastic food, delicious drinks, fabulous
fireworks, family and friends, loads of love and laughter, mad dancing and a
roller coaster of emotions for the year that had been. And if this is going to
set the mood for the rest of this year for me, I couldn’t ask for more! All I
can say is, bring it on!
