As part of our endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from India and around the world, we invited Renuka Gangan for an interview with us to understand more about her inspiring entrepreneurial journey so far. She is an Author, Poet, Singer, Composer and Founder of ‘Nadabrahma’ Production House. Let’s learn more about her inspiring journey, her background and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Renuka:
Talk us through your background and your journey, please.
If I have to speak about my journey so far, I will probably have to start from my childhood. As a child, during school days especially, I was a very shy kid. Especially during my early childhood days, hardly had one friend, that too we would not interact much. However, after college and my MBA, I slowly became a very outgoing person and to some extent an extrovert.
Academically, I have studied finance. MBA in finance from Mumbai University. Later I completed PG from IIM Kozhikode in Finance. Work-wise, I have been working with an MNC (Oracle) as a Business Analyst/QA.
My first poetry, I had written, when I was in school. One of my aunts, she was bitten by a scorpion. That incident prompted me to write a poem. An artist needs some trigger points. In 2016, I had some difficult times on my career front.
During those stressful days, suddenly I had composed a tune, in my dream, while sleeping. I was really surprised that I was able to make a song using that tune. My journey as a songwriter started from there and I have made quite a few songs in Hindi, English and Marathi under my production house ‘Nadabrahma’.”
Since 2020, because of the lockdown, we will spend more time at home and probably spend more time with ourselves. This gave me an opportunity to write more. I got into the habit of listening to podcasts and videos of some amazing motivators and leaders of this world. Because of them, I started following a ritual of writing regularly.
After a few months, I had written quite a few poems. I used to post a few on social media platforms. Maybe because of these, one day a publisher approached me. I got a DM from them, stating that they were interested in publishing my poetry book. It has been my dream for a long, to publish a book. So, this opportunity helped me fulfil my aspiration to become a writer.
My first poetry book ‘Love Mince Pie and Some Magic’ was published a few months back. This book was not planned. It just happened.
I believe few things happen when they have to happen. The second book, on the same lines, ‘Submerged in Love’ was released a few days back.
What made you passionate about ‘Writing’?
In 2008, I had written a poem and a few lines on life and shared it within my organization. My HR head had appreciated my writing a lot. That gave me a realization that I have the potential to write. It is important to have someone who appreciates your work. It is also important to have a critic. Both help you to grow and become better at your craft.
My mother is an amazing poet and songwriter. She has written poems and songs in Marathi. I have got this talent for writing from her. As mentioned earlier I started writing at a young age, but the inspiration to write a book came from the desire to help and motivate people and bring a smile to their faces through my writing.”
Could you please share with us a little bit about your book, please?
No human is untouched with love. But the taste of love, the meaning and essence of the experiences and emotions can be felt in different ways. Love, Mince Pie and Some Magic and Submerged in Love is a collection of a few emotions which a woman in love feels.
The fire of love and its different traces are being portrayed in the form of poetry. The real, imperfect, flawed and yet beautiful and magical world of a lover has been captured in this book. The romance, longing, passion, pain, her feelings for her paramour that has been woven in the anarchy of words, will take you on a journey from the sun, moon, skies to the depths of the ocean and from empty spaces to paradise.
Our emotions are enclosed under the disguise of the intellect. Poetry is a small attempt to give expressions to all these unexpressed and unstated feelings.”
The fire of love and its different traces are being portrayed in the form of poetry. The real, imperfect, flawed and yet beautiful and magical world of a lover has been captured in these books.
How did you manage your work schedule with finding time to write?
Whatever art form I create, be it songs or poems, these just happen organically. Even if I have to sit down and write, the idea is somewhere lingering in my mind for a while. Else some words just get formed while in the flow of thoughts or while doing nothing.
Since it is my hobby and not a profession, I do not have to worry about managing it along with my work. Singing makes life beautiful even during tough days. Writing helps to express feelings and emotions, in a very creative and artistic way.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
I get motivated by every person who is already motivated. I have a tendency to imbibe good qualities for people around me. My parents and mentors motivate and influence me.
But I believe, a person should be motivated from within. Generally, whenever I face any adversity, I feel challenged and compelled to prove my worth. So far, a lot of things I have done in life are a result of the adversities that life has thrown at me.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
1) I always get what I want. If I decide that I need to attain something, I put all my efforts to achieve my goal or aspiration.
2) My values and ethics mean the world to me.
3) Always have short term and long-term goals. It works as a roadmap in your life.
4) It is important to be fearless and confident. What others think or say about you or your plans, should not deter you from achieving your goals.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
Spirituality and music. God is always there to guide and protect me.
There are going to be days in every person’s life when everything seems pointless and hopeless. If I face such a situation, I tend to listen to motivational speeches. Sandeep Maheshwari speaks so well and I like to listen to him.
Again, music is my heart and soul. I listen to the right kind of music and I am back on track. In general, by nature, I am a very positive, cheerful and happy person.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
No one achieves overnight success. It is important to work on ourselves and be our best version. Hard work and consistency are important.
Again, you cannot work on something, which you do not enjoy. Analyze your strengths and things which you like and are passionate about.
In my case, I am good at multitasking. Finance, writing, singing and sometimes painting/sketching. But I cannot be great at everything.
Find out your own niche and then give your best.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
All you need, if you want to write, is to be yourself. If we consider writing poetry on love, for example, then every person will speak about similar feelings and situations.
What will make you unique is your perspective, the way you look at the situation and narrate your experience. Someone will present a sky like a sky through their words, someone else will see it as a canvas, painted with different objects.
Also, if you want to write, then just start writing. Keep writing regularly. You do not create an extraordinary piece of art every day, however, if you keep writing, there are going to be days when you will be satisfied or even overwhelmed with your own skills.
Again, a writer also has to have an interest in reading, I feel. Reading will help to develop one’s skills in many ways. It will help to grow your vocabulary, will give you a different vision to see things and open new dimensions.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
