Kee Art Stories

In this episode, I share one of my most unforgettable hostel memories — a night when a bomb blast shook the city, but my world stayed oddly normal. Growing up in Sri Lanka amidst constant conflict meant bomb blasts weren’t new to me. But in an Indian hostel, I learned for the first time how patriotism and collective grief felt for others. It’s a story of culture shock, survival instincts, and a plate of fish I just couldn’t ignore. Tune in for a raw, real, and strangely funny reflection on how our backgrounds shape the way we see tragedy and life itself.

What does freedom really look like? For some, it’s a big leap — for others, it’s something as simple as waking up after sunrise or skipping the curry leaves on the plate. In this episode, I take you through my journey from a deeply disciplined childhood in Sri Lanka to discovering unexpected freedoms in a hostel in India. While others struggled with homesickness, I found joy in the little liberties — no fixed meal times, no one checking if I finished my veggies, and the sheer wonder of living life on my own terms. This one’s a nostalgic, funny, and heartfelt reflection on how freedom doesn’t always come with a bang — sometimes, it just quietly changes your world.

In this very first episode, I open up about my journey from the war-torn streets of Sri Lanka to the vibrant, chaotic freedom of India. Born and raised in a country where survival was the priority and not self-expression, even something as simple as walking freely on a street in India felt like a luxury I never knew I craved.

But soon, I found myself in a space where people around me—despite their freedom—seemed weighed down by everyday complaints. From water shortages and traffic to annoying bosses, the contrast was stark. I couldn’t help but reflect on the differences in perspective that shaped me, and how those experiences continue to influence the way I create, express, and live.

I talk about transitioning from being a Tamil-speaking performer in Sri Lanka to suddenly studying in an English-medium school in India—where I was considered a below-average student. From being lost in translation to finding my voice, my story is one of extremes, resilience, and rediscovery.

This podcast is for artists, dreamers, and wanderers—for those who think they’ve missed the boat, those at the crossroads of confusion, or simply those who enjoy listening to stories that make you pause, reflect, and smile. I’ll be sharing personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes from the world of creativity, and the many people and moments that shaped me.

This is just the beginning. Welcome to the journey.