Skip to main content

Still alive - But at what cost?

 Still Alive — But at What Cost?


I recently watched Still Alive by Samay Raina. My first encounter with his work had been through India’s Got Latent, and I remember feeling distinctly out of place. Perhaps it was the generation gap, but the excessive use of foul language and the overall tone did not sit well with me. It felt uncomfortable, almost jarring. Yet, I couldn’t ignore the fact that the younger audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy it—drawn to its raw, unfiltered humour.


On repeated recommendations, and in the backdrop of the controversy surrounding his show, I decided to give Still Alive a fair chance. What I discovered surprised me.


Beyond the language—which I still find difficult to fully accept—there were thoughts that lingered long after the performance ended.


One of the most striking ideas was the undeniable importance of connections in a country like India. While talent and hard work matter, networks often open doors that effort alone cannot. It’s a reality we may not always like, but one we cannot ignore.


Equally powerful was the emphasis on self-belief. Life is rarely smooth, and adversity is inevitable. What defines us is not the absence of struggle, but the resilience to keep going despite it. Every individual faces challenges; strength lies in the way we confront them.


Another aspect that resonated deeply was the role of parents. Parenting is not just about providing—it is about shaping values, building emotional strength, and guiding a child through life’s uncertainties. The foundation laid at home often determines how one navigates the world.


There was also a quiet, yet profound reminder about dealing with difficult times. Not every situation calls for advice or a motivational speech. Sometimes, what a person truly needs is presence—someone to simply sit beside them, to listen, or even just offer a comforting hug. Words, in such moments, can feel insufficient.


At the same time, the importance of having a personal value system stood out. In a world that constantly pushes boundaries, it becomes even more essential to know where one stands—and to remain grounded in those beliefs.


That said, I did not entirely agree with the way the performance concluded. Nor do I feel that India’s Got Latent should necessarily return. However, this experience did make me pause and reflect. Perhaps the younger generation is not merely seeking shock value—they are also searching for honesty, even if it comes wrapped in discomfort.


Still Alive, then, is not just a title. It is a reminder—that beneath the noise, the irreverence, and the rawness, there are thoughts worth listening to… if we are willing to look beyond the surface.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When silence becomes a cry

  When Silence Becomes a Cry: Reflections on a Child’s Inner World The recent news of a student’s suicide in Delhi has left a heaviness in my heart that I cannot shake off. It forces me to look beyond headlines and into the shadows where a child’s unseen emotions often sit quietly, waiting — sometimes too long — to be heard. As teachers and parents, we find ourselves asking the same painful questions: Who went wrong? When did it go wrong? How does a child reach a point where ending life feels easier than living it? Children today live in a world far more complicated than the one we grew up in. We like to believe that they are protected, loved, pampered, and supported — and many of them are. Yet, beneath that comfort lies a silent pressure. Their minds are overloaded with expectations, comparisons, judgments, and fears they don’t know how to explain. A child rarely says, “I am scared” or “I feel ashamed.” Instead, he withdraws, hides behind a smile, or breaks down over something...
Post a Comment
Read more

calmness in the face of destiny

  Calmness in the Face of Destiny We often come across conversations about astrology, hard work, destiny, and the paths we choose in life. There are people who are astrologically not aligned, yet they decide to make their own destiny—sometimes by working tirelessly, sometimes by accepting situations as they come, and at other times by simply choosing not to react. They stay calm, pray, chant, and draw strength from an invisible power. And strangely enough, these practices truly help. Looking back at my own journey, I often wonder how I passed through certain testing times—whether it was a personal challenge or a difficult situation with a dear one. Somewhere, I’ve realized that the images of gods we keep around us, the symbols of faith that we carry, add to our inner strength. There is an aura, a protective energy, that holds us steady when we feel shaken. After watching the play Hamare Ram, I reflected deeply on the character of Lord Rama from the Ramayana. His life is the g...
2 comments
Read more

The great power play

  The Great Power Play: Where Do We Stand? Power—whether political, economic, or psychological —has always fascinated humankind. Every individual aspires to rise high enough to influence decisions, shape narratives, and dictate terms. That’s human nature. In governance, this instinct materializes through political parties—groups formed on shared beliefs and interests. On paper, it’s simple civics. In reality, it’s an intricate web. We call ourselves democratic. We vote with care. We choose wisely. Yet, despite the promise of representation, citizens often remain caught between conflicting interests when two opposing parties shape the nation’s discourse. The ruling party pushes its agenda; the opposition challenges it. While criticism keeps the ruling bodies in check and drives them to work harder, the motivations are rarely altruistic. After all, human beings, by nature, gravitate toward self-interest. Zoom out to the global stage, and the power play becomes even more pronounced. ...
Post a Comment
Read more