17/05/2014
INTERVIEW : ARUN MAHESH BABU
Q: Arun, is it true that you are called ‘Sabu’ or ‘Saifu’ belovedly by your friends? How did Arun transform into ‘Saifu’?
A: Yes, ‘Sabu’ and ‘Saifu’ are latest additions to my huge collection of nicknames. Many of us will know the gigantic, skimpily dressed Sabu from the famous ‘Chacha Chaudary’ comics. It was during the Bharat darshan that some of my friends discovered this uncanny resemblance that we share. Hence the name. And Sabu is pronounced as Saifu is southern parts of Kerala, from where one of those guys that named me hails. Hence Sabu became Saifu. But to be true, I would have preferred Chacha or Choudhary or something, as I personally feel I connect more with him (intellectually) than with Sabu.
Q: When were you born? What is your sun-sign? Do you think your character is true to its traits?
A: My birthday falls on 30th of August. I will turn 23 this August. Im a Virgo. As to whether my character suits my sun-sign, hmmmmmm........
Q: Its a popular story amongst OTs that you have many spotted tigers, I mean, you have spotted many tigers. Is it true? Were all of them in zoos?
A: (chuckles!!) I’ve never seen a zoo in my life. I have spotted 6 tigers in the wild as of date, and still counting. In fact, I know two of them by name. Of course, it goes without saying that all of them know me by name.
Q: Sticking on to wildlife, I’ve heard that you are a professionally trained horse rider. Can you let us in on this little-known secret?
A: (lol!) Little known secret? Wow!! That’s news for me. Anyway, yes I have been training in Horse riding since the last four years. It all started when I was in the 1 Kerala RNV Corps of the NCC. By the way, I was squadron leader of the team. Yes, it all started there. And I have been riding ever since. I’m so fond of riding, that I often ride in my dreams as well!!!
Q: Can you tell me what the most amazing moment of your life was?
A: Its not something that happened in India, but abroad. When I was in NY. It was when I stepped into the UN headquarters on 22nd Avenue, NY. I really felt on top of the world. It was a really proud moment for the UN.
Q: Can you narrate to us some equally shocking moment, one that stretched you the most?
A: Yes, there was this one time, when I was in Koraput. We were on a secret mission through dense forests, me, the SP, the DM, and the paramilitary forces. We were moving on a tip received about insurgency activity nearby. We were crossing a bridge, when suddenly the militants opened fire. The car right in front of ours burst into flames. We were under ambush. It was really exciting.
Q: ok, now let’s get to know more about you. Who is your dream date?
A: (without even blinking!!) Charlize Theron, though its not gonna remain a dream for long now.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: well... the list is long, you know. I will just tell you a few that you people can relate to. I love watching documentaries, and my favourite one is “Operation Thunderbolt”. I love firing and my favourite gun other that the Bofors, is AK 47. I use to fire every weekend when I was in Sambalpur. I also collect Jerseys, T shirts, and banners of football clubs. My favourite team is FCB.
Q: What would you buy if you had all the money in the world?
A: this is actually one of the few things left on my bucket-list. I would go and get myself an Embraer 6E02.
Q: what is your favourite quote?
A: I love this quote by Adolf Hi**er, as I can very much relate to it – “Never compare yourself with others, you are insulting yourself.”And you know what? I have even made a small customisation by replacing ‘yourself’ with ‘them’!! (LOL)
Q: If you were to be offered any role of your choice in a movie, which one would you pick?
A: I’d become the President of the USA in Air Force One.
Q: Can you tell us about some of your achievements during your short stint here in 2009?
A: well, my whole stay of 3 months here back in 2009 was eventful for the entire academy. It would take another hour to recollect and recite each one of them. As a sample, I will just tell you about the athletic meet, where I won gold in the 200m, 4X100m and 4X400m events, silver in 100m, 400m, and the long jump events.
Q:( WOW!!!!) if that’s the case, Mr. Sabu, then why do you seem to be totally out of shape now?
A: (hangs his head down) well, that is due to an almost life-ending accident I had in 2009. I was playing football at Happy Valley with a couple of kids from the Tibetan school. It so happened that I was trailing by a goal, and in a haste to level the score, I tripped on the football and fell down, hurting my knee badly in the process. I have never set foot on the ground ever since, and the rest is history.
Q: To end on a thoughtful note, Saifu, being the ‘Senior Citizen’ of the batch, what changes do you see among the OTs between then and now?
A: (Angry) “calling me a senior citizen is an assault on my individuality!!” but I feel that people now are not enjoying life like we used to back in 2009. The OTs seem to be confining themselves to their rooms, with I-dont-know-what!!! And there seems to be far less adventure spirit within them now. They all seem to have actually turned Senior Citizens, unlike me!!
Thanks a ton, Saifu anna, for that energetic, revealing, insightful few moments off your busy schedule. We all know how busy you are around the academy. Catch you later then!!
