BLLEEEEEPPPPP!!!!!!
What laid in wait at the other end of my pager call?
Life.
Or death.
Someone stopped breathing?
A heart stopped beating?
Oxygen dropping?
Crashing.crashing
When the only beats i assessed were of the heart.
When rate and rhythm referred to a pulse.
When my instrument was a stethoscope.
When the British Indian doctor in the ER wasn't a character on tv.but wasme
Follow your dreams because nothing is impossible - if you believe.
Pacing around hospital wards with my stethoscope in hand, my dreams of pursuing a career in music seemed just that - impossible. I had a traditional Indian upbringing and my path was already laid out before me. Knee-deep in training to become a doctor, a career change to the music business was not an option. Except that it was. Because I had the ingredients we all need to make things work determination, hard work, belief in myself and above all, faith. Sure, it was an Everest to climb, but I was never one to shy away from struggle.
Completing my education was important to me, so I saw it right through, all the while keeping my focus fixed sharp on my goal. Tension, stress, tears and fears - being a doctor was the hardest thing i've ever had to do. Mostly because I didn't want to do it. Looking back, I'm proud I did, proud I stuck it out. And I can honestly say it literally took blood, sweat and tears to follow my dreams!
Then, after what seemed like an eternity, I switched my stethoscope for a microphone and surgeries for the stage.
Music is my first love and i've been in love for as long as I can remember! Although the music industry is cutthroat and tough, my love for my craft overrides all the negatives.
Always singing, songwriting from the age of 8, playing the piano.
I've also been dancing from the age of 3 - ballet, bharathanatyam (South Indian), jazz, hip hop, bollywood and bellydance. This has led me to national and international tours with world-renowned DJ's, artists and Bollywood acts. Dancing and choreography are what kept me sane at medical school!
Above everything though, I have one major dream. Growing up, there was noone out there doing international music who looked like me and had my background. No Madonna's or Kylie's or Janet's. And to this day that is still the case. Columbia has Shakira, Puerto Rico has Jennifer, and I would love India to have me.
Someone to relate to. Someone who had the same battles. But not someone who turned away from her traditions and culture, but embraced them while still doing what she loved. I want to promote getting your education. I want people to know that even when it doesn't seem it's taking you in the direction of your goals, it doesn't always mean giving up on your dreams, and it even often serves to enhance them. Nothing should stand in the way of anyone's dreams.
Art is my life, singing is my heart and music is my breath - i couldn't live and breathe without it.
hema
x
