Main Characters and Sidekicks

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This other day, a thought passed me, “would we be the way we are now if films had not played a role in our life. Would our expectations have been the same, or our dreams and thoughts?” I am what most people call “FILMY”, with my love for drama and the concept of an ideal life that these movies present to us. Most people I know have grown watching either cheesy Bollywood movies or the power packed south Indian action films. Media through films have become a huge part of our lifestyle today.

I recently started college. COLLEGE, a place I had only earlier seen in romcom movies.  A place, romanticized way more than it should be, and after 2 whole semesters, I understood the whole scam.

How often do we mark a day as good or bad is usually how ‘happening’ it was. “What all happened”, “how interactive you were”, “how much of the center of attraction you got to be. In my words”, “how much of the main character you were today?”. This might not be making sense right now but stick with me.

Your Own story!

It is a human mentality, we don’t like to be the outsider, it’s uncomfortable and unwelcoming. It’s cold. We like to feel warm, emotionally and mentally – just like the main character of any drama movie.

It is not bad to romanticize your life. Many people get motivation just by doing it on a daily basis. The issue that arises is when we start to think that we ourselves are not the main characters of our lives. You must have heard that “one will always be villain in someone’s story.” What I want to ask is, “what are you in your own story?”

Broken, tired, looser, insignificant – most common words people, especially teenagers, associate with themselves. The feeling of not being the main character. The feeling of being just a sidekick. Only after introspection can one realize how much we compare ourselves to the movies, the scripted stories, acted and directed.

We all have been there, feeling like everyone belongs except for you, and my dearest reader, that is not true. You matter more than anything. Being alone, not having anyone to talk to, or not many to call your friend is alright. Even though others look more effortless than you, everyone is going through their own set of “sidekick problem”.

Remember

Just remember, it’s just one day and not your life, and life my friend, is not a movie. And even if it was, no one can be the main character of your life more than you are. Act practical, join clubs, pursue hobbies, be the nerd you want to be, and don’t be harsh on yourself. It took me years to learn, but even among your peers, others will respect you only when you respect yourself, which very much includes thinking kindly about yourself. You my friend, need no claps and cheers, you are a blockbuster.

An Article by Priya Varma