A unique open mic event hopes to spark a new joy for life, creativity and curiosity among Mumbaikars past the age of 55 years
Meenakshi Menon addresses a gathering of seniors
You have to forget who you were to redefine who you are,” states Arvind Kumar Upadhyay. The 69-year-old ‘struggler’ was once a regular presence in the boardroom of textile corporations. Now, he joins fellow Gen-Z actors from Versova in auditions. Upadhyay’s journey and second innings will be among the many that will find centrestage at the Suno Sunao Sunday Mano open mic, for people above the age of 55, in Bandra this Sunday.
The event is helmed by Do With Lit and Gen S Life, a platform aimed at enabling self-dependence among senior citizens online and offline. Meenakshi Menon, founder, Gen S Life, shares, “The general perception is that older citizens are a burden. You stop contributing. This is completely false. As seniors, we need to recognise that the narrative needs to change.”
A moment from a previous event
A serial entrepreneur, 66-year-old Menon experienced this narrative in close quarters. “It was in 2023, when I stepped into a high-end electronics store to buy an iPhone. The salesperson, though kind and perhaps not knowing better, suggested that I should buy something less technologically complicated.” It was a reminder of how people on the wrong side of 50 often find themselves patronised. “As a society, we are all guilty of this. We often tell our parents ‘Be careful. Slow down.’ You are coming from a place of love, yet, your words slowly chip away at their confidence.”
This, combined with the awareness of vulnerabilities and social perceptions further prevents many seniors from enjoying life. “Yet, we have no EMIs, no responsibilities or even inhibitions, sometimes. But we need to learn to live life again,” she declares.
Arvind Kumar Upadhyay during a rehearsal
Few manage to do it with ease. Take Dr Jashodhara Purkayastha. An MPhil and PhD, the former teacher signed up to sing at the open mic through Instagram. “For four decades, my world had revolved around teaching and academics. I now do things that make me happy,” shares the 68-year-old Mira Road resident who has recently pulled her husband into her singing adventures.
Upadhyay agrees. He adds, “To keep yourself young, you need to be busy at your own joys. I remember the hesitation in my mind when I first signed on for an acting class. But I realised quickly that I cannot hang on to my CEO past and expect to learn new things,” he shares.
Kailash Koppikar at a performance
It will be a new adventure too for Kailash Koppikar. The 58-year-old public relations professional has been working on his stand-up sets since January this year, though always for a younger audience. Having opened for familiar names like Punit Pania and Akash Mehta, Koppikar admits, “I would often be among the oldest performers on stage. It was not easy, but you need to muster up courage. You need to believe that you have more to offer. I have been backstage, and most comics treat me as one of their own,” he admits.
Menon hopes that more such events will restructure a change in perception. “These social barriers need to be broken, It is important to build activities and avenues that are specifically designed for this generation in order for that to happen.”
Swapan Purkayastha with wife, Jashodhara
ON May 18; 4.30 pm
AT Jashn Studios, Off Linking Road, Bandra West.
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