Breaking away from conventional professions, there are people who are sustaining a livelihood by teaching paragliding, running a dog clinic, writing travel blogs and modifying bikes.
Bringing stories of such men and women and their jobs on the screen is Discovery Channel’s new series India’s Best Jobs. Featuring some well known and some not so well known people, it will be hosted by singer and actor, Meiyang Chang. “Their work is unconventional and born out of passion. Even the conventional ones have been innovated in such a way that they stand out among the crowd. Like Ranvir Brar, who inspired by local kabab vendors in Lucknow, decided to pursue his love for food and became the youngest executive chef at the age of 25. He later moved on to become a successful entrepreneur and TV show host,” observes Meiyang.
Those featured include Naved (radio jockey) Zakir Khan (stand-up comedian), Prashant Sawant (personal trainer), Anshuka Parwani (yoga instructor), Manoor Sachdeva (dog behaviourist), Vijay Singh Ajairajpura (customing motorcycles), Akriti Khatri (female detective) and Harpreet Bacher (wedding photographer and cinematographer). “The 13 in the show get maximum satisfaction from their work which does not necessarily mean monetary. Choosing what is close to their heart they found what really makes them happy giving them a complete sense of fulfilment, satisfaction and contentment.”
Meiyang says the show will provide close insight into these varied jobs. “I wasn’t aware of canine behaviourist or female detective or that travel blogging could earn a living till I did the show. In Jaipur, I met Vijay Singh, from a well off family who on his own has established Rajputana Customs, one of the first customised motorcycle operations in the country. Every modification of his has a distinct touch of Rajasthani art in it.”
Their examples, Meiyang hopes, will inspire audience to take up hobbies as professions. “We never consider taking up our leisure activities as employment. These stories show how it can be done. For example, if one likes painting or music they should either perform or do something revolving around that.”
Withstanding pressure
Apart from their courage, Meiyang finds their ability to withstand pressure praiseworthy. “Family and peers discouraged them yet they overcame never to regret their decision.” He takes up the case of Shivang Mehta, a journalist, who is now a traveller and natural history photographer. “Love of forests pushed him to leave the cosy comfort of corporate offices and starting Nature Wanderers which conducts wildlife photography workshops and tours.” Similarly, he tells about Akriti Khatri whose curious mind led her to establish Venus Detective Agency, a field dominated by men. “Despite that she is successful.” Likewise, he says, Zakir Khan struggled as a college drop out to make a career in radio production and comedy.
Meiyang was able to connect with these stories at a personal level since he too left dentistry to become a singer. “I always loved music and when the opportunity to take part in Indian Idol 3 came, I took it. My father was very supportive as he asked me to do what made me happy. That was the turning point for me and from then on there was no looking back with acting and hosting coming as add ons. Today, I love each and every moment of it.” Being forthright, Meiyan adds, “I, at least, could fall back on dentistry but many of them had no such comfort. I salute their guts.”
After wrapping up this show, Meiyang is all set off for his gig season after monsoon besides planning to cut some singles. He has recently completed doing a web series Untag in which he has essayed the role of a multi talented person. “My earlier characters were either from Nepal, China or Northeast because of my looks which I felt narrowed down my choice. With Untag that changed since the character could have been from anywhere. This, I hope, will land me other interesting roles,” he says.
