Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Whistling and our family


Ours is a family where whistling is almost a tradition. Situ dada taught me the simplest form when I was around 8. I remember my classmates pretending to be outraged by it (I'm sure they were impressed, maybe even a little jealous). I understand that studying as we were in the RSS run Saraswati Shishu Mandir, it was expected of them to take the moral high ground all the time.  

The more elaborate whistling (with fingers) was taught in a more elaborate class held by Cheeku dada, spanning various ceremonies in the course of Shraddha didi's wedding. Kids of all age-groups were welcome to learn the art, and the course was followed by practicals exams.

Now, be it in college auditoriums, after winning cricket matches, in cinema halls at item numbers, Dil To Pagal Hai style whistling on an empty moon-lit roads, while dancing at baaraatstapori style whistling, or whistling for the heck of it at family gatherings - this is a tradition that has helped us connect with each other and baffle others over the years.

Here is to many more years of whistling our way out of blues!

Did you know?
1. RD Burman has used whistling in his songs a number of times.
2. Anu Malik is an accomplished whistler. He often whistles for his own songs (like Main Hoon Na title track)
3. I found the Sanskrit prayers we used to say in our school on the wikipedia page :D

2 comments:

arohan said...

rebel from sarswati shishu mandir :P

Kanupriya said...

Arey nahin, not a rebel. At the most, an unusual student :P

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