Reflections of a Shakespeare Amateur

 “Learning my lines, cracking my joints, and still stealing a laugh or two.”

Reflections of a Shakespearean Amateur: Still Learning, Still Laughing

It was 5 a.m., my early-morning cuppa in hand, pondering life, the universe, and the curious case of vanishing socks — profound questions, all of them. Outside, the world was still asleep, giving me a rare audience of one: me, my thoughts, and the slightly judgmental cat silently assessing my wisdom. Two timid tabbies mewed meekly outside, politely pleading for their morning snack, reminding me that even at 5 a.m., life has its small but persistent demands.

I’ve reached that wonderful age Shakespeare so memorably described in As You Like It as “the lean and slippered pantaloon, with spectacles on nose and pouch on side.” The Bard knew exactly what he was talking about — a stage of life rich in experience, occasionally creaky in the joints, and gloriously free of pretense. Just in case you’re wondering, yes — I’m still alert, decisive, and fully in command of my faculties. Muscles occasionally twinge, joints click and pop, but I take it in stride — proof that years add character, not limitations, and that even the most stubborn knees can occasionally offer a soliloquy of their own. I must admit, I’m a bit of a brat — I even Googled my name the other day and was pleasantly surprised at what I found! Apparently, I’m a teeny-weeny bit known, which I decided to enjoy without taking it too seriously.

Home is where life’s lessons hit hardest and funniest — and I’m happily outnumbered by the women in my life. Wife, daughters, granddaughters, even the cats — all demanding my attention in the best possible way. My two granddaughters think I’m hilarious — which, frankly, is the fan club I’ve always wanted. They laugh at my jokes with such conviction that I sometimes suspect they’d give me a standing ovation just for sneezing in rhythm. Between them and the rest of the household, I’ve learned humility, patience, and the art of surviving polite but relentless interrogation.

At work, the scene is much the same: teachers, principals, leadership teams — a dynamic, predominantly female environment that keeps me engaged, alert, and constantly learning. Leading six of the UAE’s largest schools sharpens the mind like nothing else, and the teaching profession has a unique way of keeping you young, no matter how many candles are on your cake. I laugh, I make others laugh, and I enjoy it — with clarity, intelligence, and perspective.

I’ve earned my applause, and it’s still very much there on a regular basis — but I take it with a smile, not as a measure of my worth. Over the years, I’ve commanded stages, delivered keynotes and TED Talks, and led leadership training sessions in many settings. I am passionate about writing for newspapers and my blog, and while I’m no social-media influencer, my presence online keeps me connected, curious, and fully engaged.

Running into former pupils worldwide, seeing their respect, intelligence, and achievements, reminds me that I must have done something of worth in the classroom over the years — and it fills me with genuine pride.

I’ve been in the spotlight in many forms — as a musician, a headmaster in Pune, a school principal, and now as the leader of six of the UAE’s largest schools. I still work hard, I still dress sharp, and I still laugh loud — often at myself. Life is enjoyable because I choose it to be; I believe it’s worth living, and that belief shapes the way I show up every day. I enjoy surprising people — including myself — and I’m grateful for the mix of work, family, humour, and reflection that keeps me fully engaged.

The younger me chased the world’s applause; the older me just wants to keep learning, laughing, and making the most of every curious, joyful, unpredictable twist life throws my way!