It’s good to have options, or so they say. But how good is it exactly? And are there really options? Such has been the conundrum surrounding Sohan Shrikhande, an as yet anonymous child of remarkably anonymous parents, a duo of which I am a part.
In 2008, six months after Sohan’s birth, his Dominican nanny declared, “¡Le gusta música!”
“Todo niño gusta música,” said my wife in her extremely-broken Spanish. The kid, after all, would be studying for the MCAT, we imagined.
In 2009, two years after Sohan’s birth, he playfully conducted along with a musical cartoon.
“Look at that!” exclaimed his paternal grandparents.
“I’ll be more impressed when he can poop in the toilet,” I responded.
Over the ensuing three years, Sohan developed an abnormal obsession with the Wiggles.
It was cute, except when it wasn’t. After Sohan dressed as a Wiggle for Halloween, some friends even questioned if everything was okay with our first born.
By 2012, we realized that all was thankfully well.
Sohan had ditched the Wiggles for the Fresh Beat Band, and using a plastic keyboard, he began playing songs by ear.
Taken aback, in lieu of an anatomy book, we gifted him a digital piano.
From there, more encouragement followed, particularly after early indications suggested the Olympics weren’t in the cards.
The novelty of having a musical family member lasted several years, with Sohan often fielding requests to play cover songs from relatives, both distant and near.
When it became apparent, however, that a musical path was far from a pipe dream, such requests quieted, replaced by mentions of computer science, finance, and, yes, the MCAT. Sohan’s exemplary academic performance only complicated matters further.
Music will be a great hobby.
You can do a double major.
How will you make money?
If Sohan was deterred, he didn’t let on. To the keys, he added the drums. Then came the saxophone, followed by the guitar and the bass.
And finally, realizing his shell was not armor, he added still-developing vocals.
With the last addition, the idea of a one-man band took root—just Sohan, his thoughts, a few instruments, and a digital audio workstation (otherwise known as software to record music).
The mixing and mastering? You guessed it.
When it was all said and done, the result was a two-song beginning entitled Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong, consisting of a pensive opener and the autobiographical eponymous track.
“Overrated”
“Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong”
Clearly, as a member of the aforementioned parenting duo, there is severe bias in my assessment of this debut.
And, of course, there are still whispers of those other paths, summed up by the ostensibly optimistic there are options.
But, one must ask, in the case of Sohan Shrikhande, are there really?
12 Responses
I heard a professor once say “Follow your talent, not your passion”. I don’t know what he said after that, but I think you’ll strike gold (not necessarily only financially) if they are the same thing. Could be the case with Sohan. If you like the path you’re on and can see great things ahead, the other paths are just distractions to your journey.
Well said. When everything aligns, there’s no need to overcomplicate the journey.
Sohan is a multi talented young man who has a bright future, regardless of which path he chooses to take. He’s lucky to have great guides.
Thank you! Appreciate it!
Sohan is so well rounded and will do exceptionally well, the genes not withstanding 🤣. !!
Thanks! I agree, especially with the genes not withstanding part. 🙂
well said Naveen babai.
Indeed.
passion+talent+hardwork+familysupport= happiness and success.
So true! Hard to go wrong with that formula.
Sohan has displayed his talents in his studies and music. Rather than predicting the future, it is best to wait and see what happens in his future.
Very true! I guess the only prediction is that good things lie ahead.