Saavi .Eve Teasing. And Jodhpur Police!

Dear Reader, after reading the heading of the blog, are you assuming that this blog is related to a show on air? Probably, a social issue- about which I talked about on air a few days back and now I am here to shed some gyaan?! But then, believe me- this time this is no on air experience. In fact, this is a real incident. That happened with me.

Was Saavi stalked?
Did someone chase her?
But she is a Radio Jockey???

Are the questions haunting you? If yes, I have an answer. And unfortunately, in affirmation! Yes, RJs can also be a victim of eve teasing. (For those who do not know the meaning of Eve teasing, let me explain- Eve Teasing is the making of unwanted remarks or advances by a man to a woman in a public place.) In fact, as a normal girl I have all the rights to walk in public. To talk in my space. To be who I am. And it is here itself, someone tried to enter my space. To tell me something I didn’t approve. This is how it happened:

6th Nov 2016, Sunday: I had returned from my home town Kota and had to move to my office for next day’s show’s preparation (that’s how it happens in Radio) I started from my home alone (that’s my right – you know- as a free girl in India- I have this right like anyone else). I had just moved a few metres when a man aged almost 35 years, wearing blue jacket passed a comment. “Madam, main chhod doon aapko.. bade sahi chal rahe ho..”

What? Did he say that to me? Yes? But I told him nothing. But he had actually said that to me. A single sentence that made me angrier like hell. And frankly, it’s not just me who got angry. Every girl gets angry. Who doesn’t? and plus this man’s expression- attitude- stance he talked as he owns me. And it’s then when I shouted. With three tones up- I actually spoke everything I felt as a woman…
How dare you tell me? Who gave you the right? Don’t you realize you are talking to a girl? You cheap. In my flow in Marwari and anger together I felt he hadn’t expected this response from me. But he continued being strong. Took his bike and moved ahead. I kept shouting at him. He probably thought I’ll go now. But don’t know what kept me going- but I still kept shouting. Not for help but scolding the scoundrel. In this course, a thadi waala was smiling almost promoting him. I was angrier. I walked to the thadi waala where this guy was the visitor to shout- “Why are you smiling- don’t you know you are supporting him??” Thadiwaala: Ye to regularly aate hain.. (with that smiley look) I didn’t stop. The culprit finally stepped down from his bike and moved inside somewhere not to be seen by me.

By the time I reached my office, frankly, I had two things in my mind- How dare some one?? And second- there has to be a lesson. But dear reader, do I tell you something, I was happy I protested. Even if the others kept silent I kept going. I literally felt- What I tell on air to the people to oppose the worse- I lived it. I felt good for not being me. For not being afraid.

But more had to be done. How??
Should I call my office mates? They’ll come. But we’ll begin a group war that has no end. So, what next? I thought, no one has hurt me physically but I’m hurt morally. If I stop how will I say it on air again that let’s oppose. I dialed 100 number- but that was busy.
Meanwhile, my Guard saab Narender Singh Ji told, “Madam aapne bataya nahi- Aap kaun ho??” Me: Agar use pata hota main kaun hoon.. to kya wo aisa karta??” Finally after all the thoughts I dropped a message to the Commissioner of Police Jodhpur- Ashok Rathore Sir that read “Good Afternoon Sir. A short request, had to talk about eve teasing in pratap nagar area. And if I was the victim how to deal with the same? Please suggest.” I dropped the message at 3:28 pm and to my surprise- I had his number flashing on my phone screen. He called. The commissioner of police called to enquire if I was alright. If everything was fine. I shared the details. Commissioner Sir: Aap complaint darj karwa sakti hain.. and main aapke paas kisi adhkaari ko bhejta hoon. Me: Right Sir.

Dear Reader, frankly- I am as normal as you people are; and if the police helps me, I am proud to say even our future is enlightened. Donno why but we all believe less in Police?? Right?? Kuchh nahi karenge.. But they did it. Made me feel safe, secure. Immediately after the word with Sir, I was visited by the SHO, Chaupasni Housing Board- Jabbar Singh Si and three other officials. Within half an hour I was with some good people. Rahul from my office also came in a few minutes and together we visited the site- the thadi where it all happened. I was made to sit in the car itself while in normal attires, the police asked the thadi waala: Kya hua tha yahan? Thadiwaala: Kuchh Nahi! And he was not ready to tell the name. but police has their own measures. Finally the thadi waala spoke: Vickey Fighter. Vickey Fighter?? Naam to bada khatarnaak hai.. Swaroop Singh sir from the department was called for help. As he arrived, I was told: Madam aap jaaiye.. humein naam pata lag gaya hai.. bande ko hum pakad lenge”

I came back with Rahul. Abhi- my co –jock also arrived. Together after some research we realized- Vickey Fighter is a history sheeter. He has his name in the police records on 26th Position. By this time, neither he had an idea who had he eve teased nor I was aware of his level of crime. All I knew was- you cannot tell me anything. As a woman I have the rights to be me. I informed my parents at home. And definitely supported me. Commissioner Sir called again. And guess what he told me? – “Achchha kiya aapne bataya humein.. kyonki aise cases mein log mukar jaate hain.. ya kaarywaahi nahi chahte.. We’ll search the person. History sheeter hai—but you do not worry.”

Finally at 9 pm, I received a call from Jabbar singh sir again. “Madam, pakad liya hai- aap shinakht karne aa jaaiye.” And yes, for the first time I left for a police station for something like this. Ab tak sirf TV mein dekha tha. As I reached, Vickey Fighter stood there. But this time with no attitude, no pride. With his hands joined- he told me- “Didi, Maaf kar do.. ab nahi karoonga” And all I wondered- is this the same man whose eyes were boasting in pride-main kuchh bhi kar sakta hoon..? Look at the world. For him- I was an item a few hours ago.. and now I’m DIDI. Wow! He pleaded. But I had one thing in my mind. This is a gimmick. Finally Police did their work, gave him a lesson. Pitaai Hui?? Ha! Hui. He deserved it. For taking every girl for granted. He cannot do it to me. He cannot do it to us!

And this is what I wrote back to Commissioner Sir: Sir, have been to the police station. Recognized the culprit and m really thankful to you and your team. Couldn’t have expected a better response. For me it was the best way to handle the situation. I reiterate- policing in your management is worth a mention. You have made me believe in the system more than ever. Regards. Saavi!
Could I say more? Probably No. But wait he gave me a helpline number for girls in Jodhpur: 9530440800

So Girls! Go On! Raise your voice against the ill :)

Saavi and her estimated boyfriends!!

A blog just after Karwachauth..? No dear reader, this isn’t a Karwachauth special post. Just that.. some things have been happening since long now.. I thought, kyun na iss bare mein aapse hi kuchh baat kar loon!

So, as the heading reads.. ‘Saavi and her estimated boyfriends’… I must admit- people estimate a lot about me these days. They imagine, they mis- conceptualize, they mis-relate, and finally conclude- Ye to RJ hai… iske to bahut saare chakkar honge. And believe me this line is a mini heart attack statement for my Father- hey Bhagwaan! :D But Papa, don’t worry- that’s what the world thinks. Aapki bitiya pehle jaisi hi hai.. utni hi non interested!

In fact, one of my colleagues told me something hilarious a few days back..Which I wish to share here.

Fortunately or unfortunately I am the only girl in my office (except my super boss). And because my parents reside in a different city, my male colleagues are extremely considerate to drop me home safely. Sometimes, it’s Nikhil, the other times it may be Abhi, Ankit, Rahul, Priyawat Sir, Dhirendra.. all take care that I reach home safely. And practically, I thank them from bottom of my heart towards their gesture. I’m blessed to have colleagues like them. :) Even if I face any issue, I guess- they’ll be the first people who I ever give a call to.

But probably, the world thinks differently. They are the same, Ladka Ladki saath aate jaate hain.. kuchh to gadbad hai Daya! Khair, kissa kya tha?? Time to know the same!!

1. Actually, one fine evening Ankit (my colleague) went to a Mirchibada shop (Here in jodhpur Mirchibada is the national food) Someone from the shop staff asked him… “ye jo aapke saath aati hain… ye Bhabhi ji hain kya..??”
Ankit: Kaun..?
Shop Waale Bhaiya: Ye Aapke saath aksar jaate hain..
Ankit: Bhai ye meri colleague hai.. RJ Saavi hai, radio par show aata hai inka
Shop waale Bhaiya: Achcha..??

And I m sure, though the conversation ended, Shop waale Bhaiya wasn’t convinced. Ankit told me about this stuff quite late. He told me, “Saavi.. aap phir pata nahi kya sochte..!” Socha to sahi maine.. tabhi to likh rahi hu! But guess what dear Reader; I actually laughed after all this, because those who know me quite closely know… nobody tries to impress me. I ‘bhaizone’ the people quite spontaneously. That’s me! The cruel one! And this is the reason, why even in my 11 year old career people have not been able to talk much about me. All they do is IMAGINE!

2. For example, I remember, during my initial days of my RJing- my boss was my co jock. He is 10 years older to me, and such a respectable figure.. who taught me 90% of radio.. has always been a brother figure to me. But some listener asked me a few days ago.. you liked him…?? Right I told- Please NNNNNOOOO! He is Brother figure.. his wife is my Bhabhi! stop thinking so. Inspirations don’t make people your boyfriends!

3. There is another incident, a colleague was questioned by his friend. Bhai! Bhabhi ke haath mein haath dalkar ghoom rahe the?? (Off course I was being talked about here! ) My colleague was baffled.. Kya?? And listening to this I was angry too… Because one- main logo ke haath mein haath daalkar kabhi nahi ghoomti.. plus you are talking about a girl you do not know! Please spare us! We are Radio Jockeys.. and we deserve to be respected for what we are and similarly we have the right to be taken fairly. Humare bare mein baaten mat phailaao! Your fun is someone else’s loss.

4. A few years back, someone told me- aapka to boyfriend NIT Silchar mein tha na??? I was like- YEKyaTha? Ye to thought process ke bhi baahar tha..

Sach kahoo, aise kayi incidents hain.. that is why I told my landlords- that there will be my colleagues who will drop me home safely. My parents know about them.. So don’t misinterpret. They mean my safety. Sabse badi baat- they actually drop me home respectfully. The world when talks about women being unsafe.. they make me feel safe  Thanks guys! You make me respect the men :)

Also, jinke dimaag mein ye baat hai.. ke kyun mere colleagues mere boyfriends nahi ho sakte.. I have answers for them. But meet me personally someday. You’ll know… bahut khadoos hu main… hahahah. Bahut zyada Khadoos. Itni khadoos ladkiyan Girlfriend material nahi hoti :P :D


To bas .. spare yourself n me too!

Two Cities and 8 Years of Radio!

May 22nd 2016, Another wonderful date when I'm going to write :)

Frankly, at this moment, I am confused- how to start. Not because I am writing after a long time, but because I am actually confused. Why?

OK, I have an answer. So dear reader, today I am in Jodhpur. Returned this morning itself from Kota after a week long holiday. (Ji ha.. mujhe bhi chhutti milti hai! Mere 1000 episodes kuchh saal pehle ho chuke :)) ye baat alag hai- this holiday was purely meant for home. Just home. Fewer official commitments and more time for home. Met my nephew.. the Super cute Duggi.. Life can be so beautiful with kids :D No one except family knew that I am in Kota. Did not update on Watsapp, Facebook or insta. Why? Two reasons. 1. I was away from the social media too. 2. Hum itne bhi bade celebrity nahi hain ki logon ko humare location ka farq pade.. :P

However, during my visit, I could sense something. Something that is sweet as well as a little Khatta Meetha. Nahi Samjhe? Ok let me explain. 12th December 2013 was the date when I came to Jodhpur. Though my roots are from Marwar and we speak Marwari at Home, I was born in Kota. Read in Kota and my first Job and 1000 episodes' Record happened in Kota itself. 6 Years of Radio, 8 years of Job and 24 years of life,.. all in Kota. Everyone thought Saavi kahin nahi jaayegi. Even I thought so. Unless, Big FM hired me.

Being a Marwari by my origin and following the customs of Marwar I was placed in Jodhpur. The Bluecity, jahan sooraj kahin nahi chhipta. Originally, when I came- I hadn't thought much. As in, all I thought was- I am destined to be in Marwar. 6 saal tak Hadoti aur students ke betterment ke liye Radio ko jeene ke baad... Ab Marwar ki behtari ke liye kaam karenge. That's it. But that's not all.

After my departure from Kota, I got long messages describing betrayal- jaise maine sheher nahi duniya chhod di hai. :P Listeners are so cute that they fought for me on facebook statuses. Kota waalas and Jodhpuris together claiming and imagining that I belong to just one city. Kotawaalon ke liye Kota ki saavi, aur Jodhpurwaasiyan waaste.. Jodhpuri Saavi. In fact, when I meet the people from Kota- they tell me a lot- like- Saavi Jodhpur ka paani suit kar gaya.. aajkal photo badhiya daalti ho :D , or something like-- kOta ko to bhool gayi ho Saavi!!

However, dear Reader.. Is that claim even required? can I forget Kota.. or Jodhpur... I have my reasons too:

1. Kota ho chahe Jodhpur, hum hain to Indians hi. Arey bhai Chak de India mein bhi Shahrukh Khan ne kaha tha.. Yahan koi state player nahi hai.. everyone is Indian! :)

2. It's about good work, whether I am in Kota or Jodhpur- I will never discriminate towards good work. Kota ho chahe Jodhpur- my show will always talk of the betterment of my city and development of a logical approach.

3. I feel like a wedded lady- even before my wedding, why? Kota ko peehar aur Jodhpur ko Sasural ka darja mil gaya hai. But frankly... (if you are a woman reader)you already know that Maayka ho chahe sasural.. they are yours with no discrimination.

4. Most of the people thought that I may not be able to survive in Jodhpur. Why? A girl away from home.. haww Khuli tijori!, Arey kaam mushqil hoga wahan! Ok yes, changes bring difficult time, but does that not give us the opportunity to grow?

5. In the past 8 years, I have realized that people may be different in each city, but good work remains common. For example- In Kota people are blunt. They say what they feel blank faced. While Jodhpuris never hurt anyone in person. Meethi boli Meethi hi Daant bhi. But can we compare the two cities? Claiming one is good and other one is bad! Nahi na.. so it's about living your own qualities.

Bottom line- Let's not discriminate amongst cities. Let's praise each other. Lt's take good from each other. And if I can be the link.. I will be the happiest :) :)

With Lot of Love and Respect for each listener of mine- whether from Kota or from Jodhpur :) Let's make world a better place :)

27... Buddhi ho gayi hu main!

27… Aah!!

I just turned 27 the last Sunday.
I know women don’t disclose their ages to public at large. But it’s OK. Buddhi ho gayi hoon main. Exactly if you ask me, at 27 I feel old. A bunch of experiences... A match of opposites... that’s what I am. I am emotional- but have turned heartless. I am wise- but equally foolish. I am strong- but things do make me weak. I am Saavi- at 27.

But it’s OK. I like my life as it is. God couldn’t have given me better. 8 years of Radio career, almost 10 years of Job, a family who will cry if I die and a few people who accept me as I am. It’s more than OK. It’s more than I asked for. It is beautiful.

Dear Reader, you know what- this birthday was the first one when I wasn’t there with my family. Ya, I realized it just now itself. In 27 odd years, first time- no one was along. It was a silent day. I should call it peaceful, but will even rename it as lonely too. I talked to my family. With my Papa staying awake to wish me at night.. ohh he has never done it for anyone else. It was.. Overwhelming. Mamma wished at 11:58 pm… the first wish however. My jiji told… have a chocolate.. feel happy. I had the chocolate and told myself, “Not bad Babu- life is teaching you!” As readers, you might be thinking- Saavi why didn’t you party? Well two reasons- One, I don’t really party- bachpan se hi zara sudhare se hain. Two! I didn’t feel like.
I missed home. I didn’t tell them- but I missed home.
But now that it’s over, and the day has passed, I know I can handle it. Infact, after a real long break- it’s time to brush up some old chapters of my life. 5 chapters from my life. Dear Reader, here is Saavi to open up her heart- narrating those five incidents from last 27 years when Saavi cried. Ladki hoon na… rone ka adhikaar hai babuji!! :P

1. When my hairband broke: Yes, I was barely 3 or 4. An LKG Class student. I remember, I had some favorite things like a phoolwaala chammach (with a rose encarved), aam waala tiffin (mango shaped) and red waala hairband (my school dress waala band). And guess what I never let anyone use these things. Not even my story. Khaana khaaun to bas uss chammach se; shaadi ho, chahe party baalon mein band lagega to red waala hi. And then one morning, jab auto aane waala tha.. red band zara loosened sa lag raha tha—I tried to tighten it up the local way, bend karke .. kar hi rahi thi ke suddenly- it was gone.. toot gaya!! I felt as if hairband nahi mera dil toota ho! I cried for hours.

2. When Kavitji wore my dress: Ok, you may not know who Kavitji is. She is my elder sister. Technically my pair. With similar health and height, people called us twins (but frankly.. she always looked better and prettier)so, one day- when I was in class 2 and Kavitji in class 3- she had an activity where she required a dress in yellow and black- a frock specifically. And my new dress was exactly the same specification. MORAL: as Indian households say.. beta.. didi ko dress de do. But who was ready?? My parents tried it all, while I declared.. “nahi doongi.. meri hai!” Mine is mine.. Jaise dress nahi jaaydaad ho. Finally my family was ready with another idea. As I slept, and the new morning arrived- gharwaalon ne mere saath cheating kar di. And Kavitji wore my new dress without my permission.. (who cared for my permission though ) And plus she was gone befor I woke up. And this moment I felt like a girlfriend whose boyfriend cheated her!! Huh! My home turned a ‘Kopebhawan’. I cried again.. for two hours!
3. When I signed in place of my teacher: I was in class 4. And our Maths teacher Neelima Ma’am always collected the homework notebooks in the morning, before the assembly for checking. And poor me- my auto was always late. Nateeja.. notebook mere paas.. aur dark e ma’am daantegi. I feared Ma’am and her scolding. So, ek naya raasta nikaala, I thought copy khud hi check kar lo. I checked the copy myself. But haaye re phooti kismet- pehli baar hi kuchh ulta kiya.. pehli baar hi pakde gaye! Kavitji was called in my class (beizzati poori hui). And my family came to know of the blunder.
They didn’t spank me.. they explained and the first time I cried for a genuine reason!

4. When I got 80% in class 12: This sub heading could have two reactions- 80% mein bhi roye?? And second.. 80% is fine.. phir kyu roye? So dear reader, actually I was a good student. My previous home boards had been good.. I got 90% in the same.. and from 90% to 80% it was a blow! Though I knew it wasn’t my mistake totally.. as the same year I suffered from asthmatic attacks and kept a lot more ‘beemar’ . But, that’s not an excuse. A good student scoring low.. bad. The only good here was that I scored highest in Business Studies. I cried again because the very first time I realized that a disease can spoil it all. And the time gone cannot bring it back. I cried as a the second heartbreak happened.

5. When my boss scolded me: Yes this is when I was in job. An early job- because destiny chose me. But I was young and definitely non-samajhdaar types. I remember on a weekday a client interview was to be recorded. One of the major education clients. And before the interview, I don’t know mujhe kya soojha.. I asked the client his name. My boss heard it and after the client moved- I was gone!! Asking the client his name was a blunder. Boss scolded me- Samajhte kya ho apne aap ko.. celeb? Client se koi naam poochhta hai? Ohhh No! I was sorry! And I re-cried. Par iss baar I understood that we aren’t the best. The world possesses many more who are worth it and you are nothing!
And dear reader, for all this while you read the stuff Thanks!
Such experiences have taught me that you won’t get what you desire. You get what you deserve. And Ya, a confession, I am not narrating an important incidence that made me cry.. Something like a heartbreak,, par wo issliye.. kuchh secret secret hi rehne chahiye! Rest.. keep readin!