Musically inclined
David Masilamani
(Blackjack)
Musician, DJ, poet
The secret of youth is notoriety! I realised this in college. As I was not much into studies, most of my time in college (St Stephen’s) was spent in theatre, aquatics and enjoying music.
I remember travelling from Meerut to Delhi on a daily train to attend college. It was a lot of fun doing so. I was also part of a blue jeans anti-establishment group, which catered to students who were interested in co-curricular activities over academics at college.
I didn’t see academics as the only objective for me in college. Our intention was to have fun too. The average student would think only as far as getting a degree and not spend days thinking about future. We would take things as they came. While some would pursue civil services, engineering and medicine after college, others would take up the road less travelled — arts, theatre, music, etc. Quiz master Siddarth Basu was my senior in college who represented this culture. He was fondly called ‘Babu’ by other students.
Lyrics by musicians like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen shaped my mind. They helped me in exposing the singer and acoustic guitarist in me. Those days, Delhi's music scene was always vibrant and classic rock was in the air. I remember many of us being hugely influenced by the Woodstock festival. I carried on with my solo acoustic performances. Later the theatre bug bit me. Thanks to my voice, I was chosen to play the role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. I was also part of Barry John’s group — Theatre Action Group. Because of all the fun I had, going down the memory lane always brings me back happy memories.
— As told to Rhik Kundu
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