Dil- jeeted in December.

Disclaimer: I'm no journalist. Just my thoughts.

This was my playlist on the way to the concert.

(A late post as December was Decembering very hard with work and aging pets health)

Wishes do come true. We were on our way to The Taj President for dinner. Saw a hoarding of the 'Dil-Luminati' concert and I said to my brother: Wish I could go for this.

Cut to the dining table, middle of an awesome meal at Thai Pavillion, said the same thing to my cousin sitting across the table.

Maasi overheard and was like: You like Diljit?

Me: Hell yeah. I have enjoyed his movies. I don't know any songs by him, like, by heart, but I have been following his concert videos across the globe and I do want to watch him live, for the experience. His concert is on my bucket list of life experiences,.

Next thing I know is that my darling Rekha Maasi (RM for us) has 'connections' and will try to get me as many tickets as she can. This is on the 15th night. Concert on the 19th. Let's see....

Monday 16th. WhatsApp message from RM:

Hi I asked for your tickets.. mostly it will be done.. so you and Jayu can go

(except Jayu can't go she's expecting Jayu jr)

Tuesday 17th. 8:00 pm: WA message: Mostly will be done only hv to tell u the no of tickets

At least 2 tickets confirmed

Will let you know if more tickets available

9:00 pm:

Got 3 tickets in hand.. As of today

(FAN bleddy PIT / AND FREE / also my pet peeve for using abbrevated words forgiven)

Am happy as happy can be. Now to make a concert team. Rak was my first choice as we've been planning to go for concerts together but our Raashi never matched. Plus in the 33 years of our friendship (we're not that old, just met as babies), our music tastes have consistently matched. She's in.

Next up was default 'Sarvajanik concert + 1' Sid. Set.

I wished in my heart to get 4 more tickets so it could be a solid girl's night out. Sid fits in very well with the girls.

I was also told that extra tickets means it will go to Jayu's side of the family.

But that didn't happen. Also I didn't get 4 tickets, but 3. Plan is still on with the regular close friends.

Come 19th, I had another wish in my heart. I wish I could take Tazoom. Hadn't asked her thinking she's still holidaying in Portugal. Then again. Wishes do come true.

Called Sid on my way to Bandra. He had totally blanked out about the concert and made other plans.

Took a chance and called Tazoom. Not only she was in town, she was at home in Bandra. And was free. An hour later, four of us going to the concert from Bandra and two meeting at the venue.

Our concert experience started in the Uber itself. With the driver being a Diljit fan, he played all Diljit songs throughout. If I had got an extra ticket, it would have gone to him 100%.

The concert started at 8 pm and went on till 10. It was a great experience, wonderful production and what a party. For us in the fan pit, paisa vasool. Hehe.

We did get a comment from Rak's daughter that a true fan should have got the tickets. True. But I didn't know any.

As a curator for music at the Kala Ghoda Arts festival in the past, I have done this for fans. If the artist permitted, I have even introduced the fan to the musician. If not I have made sure the fan of the said artist had the best experfience as an audience.

This also reminds me of a sweet experience in my last year at KGAF. We used to take a train back home after the shows and the night before the final day we met this elderly gentleman in the train. He must have been in his 70's. Seeing our badges and overhearing our conversation, he shared about his visit to the KGAF office for the program schedule and was very keen to attend the last day's finale at the Asiatic steps. I shared my contact details and requested him to come a little early, making sure he gets a seat in the front area. He obliged. Got him seated right in the front hoping he's comfortable and having a good time. When I went to check the front of the stage to see the opening act's response, Uncle is happily dancing to Kaala Chashma with Anmol Mallik jamming with him from the stage. Bliss. Both rock stars. Uncle and Anmol.

Coming back to Diljit. I really did want to watch him live. And the whole experience was fully worth it. I still get goosebumbs remembering moments of the concert, I can only imagine the emotions his true fans were experiencing. He gave his all for the fans there. And wow. What a fantastic performer. Dil Se.

Dil was on Jeet mode only with our bands glowing in unision with the music.

Now time for some grouses. Tall people. Really happy for you. But do you have to hold a poster on top of your head? Us 5 feet nothing people had to zoom our cameras into 5 to watch the concert even after being so close to the stage. We didn't need to nag you at the concert.

And for the event organisers. We are in India, and of course there will be a network jam. Thousands of people exiting, with almost no network / uber / cabs available, there should have been some shuttle services provided. Even if it's paid. I saw similar service being provided at The Independence Rock. Why not here?

We were the lucky few who got a ride back thanks to Tazoom's God sent child. Took him also an hour to reach from Worli. But it was the best ride back.

Rest of the arrangements at the fan pit were good. Reasonably priced food and beverages. And comfortable service.

More power to Diljit Dosanj for not letting these petty issues making it a 'not so pleasant experience'. His music and his vibe is a Love Love Love Language.

A big thank you to RM for making this happen for us. I got to spend this lovely evening with my sisters who matter the most. Some of my sisters hung out with each other for the first time, and yet made core memories for a lifetime.

Hona ni mein recover.

Fan Pitt Heart Muscle Gang

Rak and Tazoom are pet names of my oldest friends.

Sorry no food post here. Only Dil post.