Dearest Pakhala,
You remained ignored for centuries. Many looked down upon you, for being too poor, boring looking and stale. People hesitated to introduce you to their guests. You had a really bad time.
Often, you remained within the four walls of a house. You were like that simple housewife of Hindi films which the educated, globetrotting husband never wanted to show around in a party and introduce to the guests. You were just not presentable. You didn’t know how to introduce yourself to the world. You moaned in the kitchen corner and pleased people only in extreme privacy.
And then God sent social media to the world. Suddenly, a world slow-dying with junk food realized you were the elixir. A bowl full of you can undo the damage. People who looked down upon you for being too rustic, too minimalistic suddenly saw potential in you. They dolled you up, took to various happening parties on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, giving away your secret beauty tips. Suddenly, you became a sensation. Everybody started making a version of you and put a family seal on it. They confessed their love, unabashedly. They even called you their soulmate. Pages of your secret diary suddenly went public.
It must have the most exhilarating time for you. Who doesn’t love to wallow in a bit of attention! Now, even you get invited to Five Stars and there is a whole world to woo you, out of curiosity. You are like the most glamourous thing in an Odia kitchen, people even drawing comparison to the Burmese legend Khao-Suey! Don’t get swayed by this Burmese analogy. You are not alike.
You seem to be basking in the glory. You are enjoying the attention of your companions. You seem to be on a hugging and embracing spree. You are partnering with rich people like mangsha kasa, chingudi patrapoda, poshto bara, machha bhaja and even with people with dubious origin like Chili Chicken, jackfruit kebabs. Your independent spirit seemed to have waned. You like to be surrounded by sycophants. Your new buddies I just mentioned, do the same disco with Chakuli, Kaanika, Kakara, Parata and even that Mudhi. The other day, I found them at a bar. I have serious questions about your aspiration now.
There are so many people in parties thrown in your honour that your childhood buddies like badichura, ambula paga, sagabhaja, alubhaja, Kakharuphula bhaja, alu bharta feel tired and left out. They are there, but everybody seems to be taken over by the charm of your rich buddies. And you are so drunk in publicity that you don’t even realize when your rich partners have turned the game in their favour. You have been pushed to a corner. If you don’t believe it, check #pakhala, #pakhaladibasa.
I wonder if you remember how grandma pampered you. She loved you the most. She took utmost care in making you your best version. Parched throats longed for you. You were the hope. Haven’t you heard how Sangeet Sudhakar Balakrushna Dash sang a whole song for you. He said, “You were his jibanadhana”, the most precious thing in his life. People loved you in your simple, no make-up look. They loved you so much that they happily accepted you with a little salt, chili and onion. You exuded such charm and confidence. Where has it gone? You are in a hurry. You have become so publicity hungry that you don’t seem to mind unworthy people around you.
I know becoming an internet sensation is everybody’s wish list. But, don’t be a fool. You are forever trying to impress people in a fancy dress. In cucumber slices curry leaves, onion rings, tempered yoghurt. And wait, coriander greens, grated carrot, beetroot!! How do I find you in this crowd? I believed you were here to take an Oscar and not just attend a Met gala. Gramma never have afforded to click your photograph, even once, but don’t you remember how everybody who came to her kitchen wanted to see you first. Does anybody give you so much intense, real love? It was the reason why your journey withstood the test of time.
You are overdoing yourself with make up and look like a caricature now. Like that stiletto wearing bimbo, stuttering around and hankering for the attention of her boss.