In the journey of life, we sometimes meet strangers, who become our lifelong friends. We share stories, exchange smiles and bid farewell, never to meet again. But those forgotten conversations hold a secret power - the power to inspire, to heal and to connect us in ways we never thought possible. Those encounters with such strangers may be forgotten, but their impact lingers like a gentle breeze on a summer day. We learn valuable lessons from those chance meetings. We learned empathy from the stranger who understood our struggles, courage from the one who faced their fears, and resilience from the one who overcame adversity.

 

We discovered that we’re not alone, that our stories are intertwined, and that every encounter holds a hidden gift. On reflecting on those forgotten encounters, I remember one vividly with the famed actor, Gulshan Devaiah, I met in Goa last year, which touched my heart and changed my perspective of life. Gulshan Devaiah is an actor known for his roles in Shaitan and Hate Story. His performance in Shaitan was critically praised and earned him a nomination for Filmfare Award for best male debut. He has starred in web series such as Afsos, Duranga, Dahaad and Guns and Gulaabs. He blends into each character he portrays so seamlessly that you forget it is him on screen and the character just takes over. Nothing is over or under played, nor does he ever come across as crass even when he rattles off the meanest dialogues.

 

He is an actor with a penchant for the unconventional. Be it playing a cop struggling to balance work and family in Dahaad or the angry Bhavani in the all-out commercial Galiyon Ki Rasleela Ramleela, every role seems to fit Gulshan like a glove. I met Gulshan at Taj Citade de Goa Horizon Resort, where he was having meal with his friends. As soon I recognised him, I just went across the table to say ‘Hi’. He responded with the warmest smile and started conversation, as though we know each other for ages. I chatted with him about his movies and web series and complimented him for his superb acting. He humbly accepted the compliments and came over to our table to have a brief chit-chat. The few minutes we could spend with the famed actor made us realize that fame and stardom do not spoil everyone. There are simpletons like Gulshan who do not have the slightest of ego and his aura speaks for him. The stranger that day became a friend forever. I never know when we might meet again, but as the great poet Rumi once said, “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” Let’s cherish those chance meetings, and let their light guide us on our journey. (Author is in the teaching profession)