Shekhar Sen turns 50 on 16 Feb

Every time, I meet my this naughty childhood friend, memory goes back to first time I met. Thin, short and indomitable. Innocent looks were damn deceptive. Anurag was his name. A good singer, definately the best in St Paul's School at Raipur.

I was however, more impressed by his acting. When caught by Principal, you could instantly bring tears and a story that would often get him to class without a warning. Entire history class he would narrate me Ranu's latest novel, looking straight at the teacher. His jokes, very original, always brought instant smile, yet when teacher asked for explanation, innocent face oozing sincerity could save him but not me!

We were good at bunking class. He would have some original ideas to do so. Then I would paddle him around on bicycle while he would mimic all teachers, and our most favourite, the principal Mrs Chaudhari. I do not recall him ever sad or emotional except when he was acting.

We remained good friend. I saw him growing to a great singer, actor, writer, director and now painter. The goodness in him remained same. He is full of joy and life and friendship.

And, yes, I have never seen sad ever thought our 44 years of friendship. His journey from Anurag to Shekhar Sen had many challenges that some times scared me, but for someone as crazy as Anurag, nothing can stop him from fulfilling his dreams.....

Very few are as lucky as I am, 44 years of golden moments, full of fun. Deep down in my heart I am consciously aware that, his oft repeated sentence " Naukari mein no curry - Jobs are without curry" may have influence my own course of life. I don't know how many more lives he may have changed/influenced but I am certain that through Kabir, Tulsi, Vivekanand and Saheb - he changed course of theatre, artists and reminded many of us how to lead a simple and good life!