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A single girl's Delhi diary |
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By: Yamini Batra |
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Date:
2008-12-26 |
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Place: Delhi |
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Yamini Batra the Radio One RJ counts the pains and pleasures of being a single woman in the capital
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Big city, Big woes: The journey from Gwalior to Delhi wasn't easy, says the author
File Pic | Hailing from a small town like Gwalior, I came to this city with dreams in my eyes and a fire in my heart to make it big in the 'big bad world'. My journey started with running from pillar to post searching for an opening in Radio or fashion in Delhi and NCR. That made me realise that South Delhi was possibly thrice the size of Gwalior, and travelling up down everyday was a task in itself. I would pack my bag, wear my best formal attire, carry umpteen copies of my CV and my past work and set off to face the wrath of interviews at every possible radio station (typically filmy, some would say). Luckily for me, things worked out at Radio One and the rest, as they say, is history.
But as soon as I got that monkey off my back, it was time to look for a place to stay. Landlords hate the idea of single working women getting anywhere near their property and scowl at the idea of an RJ who works on the late night show, as if it's blasphemy. After having looked at 34 apartments of varying shapes, sizes and localities, I finally settled into a paying guest (PG) accommodation in a posh locality in South Delhi. There, I interacted with a new social beast called a landlady she is that animal who will give you the worst possible food, lay down all possible restrictions like an army general on red alert, will do the equivalent of legal robbery in terms of extracting rent and will try her level best to make your stay as uncomfortable as possible. Only, when I had somewhat gotten used to this creature, I faced a new demon the frustrated Delhi male. High on testosterone and low on ethics, this beast prides itself on objectifying women. Over a mere parking issue, I was beaten black and blue by my next door neighbour, who believe it or not, was a 72-year-old man! Post this incident, I interacted with the much 'feared' Delhi Police who border on being colour-blind I mean they are colourblind to most colours barring the colour of money. I finally had to move to a new neighbourhood where I faced a yet another hideous creature the nosey neighbour. This is a specimen who excels in passing snide remarks, will expertly set up all possible roadblocks to your social life, will invade your privacy with a smile and try to make life a living hell.
Having survived all this in the past six months, I would say my journey has been an eventful one. Some would say that I am lucky to have come out of this with my spirit still unscathed, and that is an achievement in itself.
In all this madness, I found joy in long walks at Khan market, the rolls at 36 Chowrangee Lane, crazy partying at some of the best hotspots in the city, long drives around India Gate, shopping at some of the best malls and then some more at flea markets in Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar, savouring momos in a busy marketplace and many such memorable moments.
But what really brings a smile to my face are the messages that I receive during my show Dil Dosti Etc, which in a big way, sums up what the people in Delhi stand for.
Even after all this, I won't hesitate once before saying Delhi is "dilwalo ki"!
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