The sea is my friend, philosopher and guide. It gave me an identity and livelihood. Without it, I am no one.
Kovalam beach has been my creative space for the past 18 years, ever since I started surfing in 2001. When you involve yourself with Nature, you tend to develop a strange yet beautiful connection with it. In that sense, I often find myself having a conversation with the waves, when I surf. A good alai is food for me.
Humans are consumed by fear; it could be work pressure or societal issues. But once you carry a surf board and start riding the wave, it gives you a lingering sense of satisfaction.
Once you surf, all that matters is the sea. Nothing else. I make it a point to surf everyday, for it brings a lightness to my body and soul. It’s a liberating experience that can’t be put in words. Which is why I spend hours on the beach as it calms me and helps in self-introspection.
Tell me something; where else would you find such a meditative place in Chennai? I rarely come to the city. But when I do make a visit, I stop by Cenotaph Road. I have been frequently visiting the place for the last couple of years for the production of a documentary on me, directed by an Israeli filmmaker.
Kovalam for me is special, compared to other beaches. Remember cyclone Fani that wreaked havoc in Odisha? During that period, I spent 12 hours surfing. And I have to say, it was a memorable day, for the waves were heavy and beautiful.
I had one near death experience in 2010, when I spotted a huge wave near a temple point in Kovalam. This was the time when GoPro camera was quite popular, and I was shooting my ride. I tried surfing on the wave, but I tripped. The pressure from the wave kept pushing me under and I could not resist it. I somehow managed to escape death. Later, when I saw the recording on my camera, it showed that I was underneath water for 40 seconds.
Beyond the sea
What is the one place you would recommend for someone who has no idea about the city?
Kovalam and Mahabalipuram. One can’t help but marvel at the structure of these beaches. Actually, it’s a blessing to live by the sea. But apart from that, these spaces are a rarity. I won’t suggest any place in the city, because Chennai is increasingly becoming an urban space.
Where do you get the best fish in Chennai?
I’m not saying this because I live in Kovalam, but ask any Chennaiite his/her favourite fish...they’d invariably mention Kovalam meen . Even if you go to the outskirts, you’ll find places that serve Kovalam seafood. That’s the popularity of the place.
Is there a place that cheers you up?
I enjoy spending time with my family at Sathyam Theatre. I know that people are crazy about Sathyam’s popcorn, but I never liked it. Maybe I’m not a popcorn person. I love the immersive experience that Sathyam offers. I think it was the first theatre to introduce DTS system in Chennai, which was a big deal back then.
(As told to Srivatsan S)
A column on spaces in and around Chennai that creative minds draw inspiration from
