Music – A Constant Companion
Music has always been an important part of my life. I received several years of training in Indian classical vocal music, which has deeply shaped the way I listen to and appreciate music. Although Indian classical music remains closest to my heart, my musical interests extend across a wide range of genres, including semi-classical, folk, fusion, rock, and Rabindra Sangeet.
I particularly enjoy the interplay of different musical instruments—from the expressive melodies of the piano, guitar, sitar, violin, and flute to the intricate rhythms of the tabla and drums. I am especially fascinated by how composers incorporate classical ragas into film and web-series soundtracks to evoke emotions, create atmospheres, and bring scenes to life.
For me, a beautiful tune is often the beginning of a musical journey. I usually find myself drawn to the melody first, and only gradually become interested in the lyrics. Perhaps that is why meaningful background scores hold a special place in my heart. I love music that can tell a story, convey an emotion, or create an entire world without necessarily relying on words. Some of my favourite background scores are October Theme, Doshhomi Theme, Latika's Theme, and Jessie's Land.
Whenever I get the opportunity, I also enjoy attending live concerts. There is something particularly special about experiencing music being created and performed in front of you—a connection between the musicians, the music, and the audience that a recording can rarely reproduce.
Cricket – Beyond the Boundary
Cricket has always been an integral part of my life. I am a right-handed top-order batter and a right-arm off-break bowler. Beyond the game itself, cricket has profoundly influenced the way I look at life and approach its challenges.
I often find myself relating the ups and downs of life to situations on a cricket field. Whenever I face a difficulty, I try to think of it as a challenging phase in a match. I ask myself: if I were in a similar situation on the field, what decision would I take? Should I defend, attack, be patient, or change my strategy? Surprisingly, cricket often gives me the answers.
The game has taught me that every situation demands a different approach, that patience and persistence matter, and that one should never lose hope just because things are not going one's way. Sometimes you need to play a long innings; sometimes you need to take a calculated risk; and sometimes you simply need to stay at the crease.
One of the most unforgettable examples of this, for me, was India's T20 World Cup match against Pakistan on 23 October 2022, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. At one stage, with India struggling in the chase, the win probability had reportedly dropped to around 3%. But Virat kept believing in himself, held his nerve, and produced an extraordinary innings to take India home. That match remains a beautiful reminder that a situation that looks almost impossible is not necessarily over. The match highlights and post match analyses part 1 and part 2 by Virat are here.
I often think about that innings whenever life becomes difficult. You may not always control the circumstances, but you can control how you respond to them. Sometimes, all you need is to stay at the crease and keep believing.
For me, cricket is much more than a sport or a pastime. It is a way of thinking, a source of perspective, and an inseparable part of who I am. In many ways, I have learned to understand life through cricket.
A Few Other Things I Enjoy
Beyond mathematics, music, and cricket, I enjoy a variety of things that help me unwind and explore the world around me. I love watching movies and web series, particularly thrillers that keep me guessing until the very end. I also enjoy going for random walks, playing badminton, and heading out on hikes whenever I get the opportunity.
Reading novels is another pastime I cherish. I have also developed a fondness for photography, especially capturing nature and, more specifically, the ever-changing moods of the sky. There is something fascinating about how the same sky can look so different from one moment to another. Some photographs taken by me are shared below.
I also enjoy putting my thoughts into words and occasionally writing about different topics that catch my attention or that I find relevant. For me, these little interests are wonderful ways to take a break from mathematics while continuing to stay curious about the world.
