Row, row, row the boat!

I was shooting for my film ‘Life Jothe Ondh Selfie. I’m quite an adventurous person, but when it comes to water, I feel a little anxious. I’ve gone on a cruise and also gone boating for a very short distance but rafting was something new to me and a lot scarier than boating due to the speed of water flow. The film involved a lot of adventure and we had to raft for an important sequence in the film. We shot at Rishikesh. Rafting can be extremely scary for someone who is inexperienced. When the director Dinakar sir narrated the script to me, I had absolutely no qualms but my perception changed when I looked at the speed of the water. Watching people raft gave me the chills! We were well equipped with rafting suits, life jackets, a doctor, and an ambulance on the shooting spot but still, I couldn’t fathom the idea of having to raft! Once we get into the water, there was no looking back! It stretched up to 9-10 KMS.

I got into the raft with my team – Sadhukokila sir, Sudharani Mam, Prem, and Prajwal. All of them were pretty excited and confident about their swimming skills. Aside from me, Sadhu sir was the only one who was a little intimidated by the idea. I was the youngest of the lot and I expressed my fear to the others. I almost cried because I had a lot of plans to fulfill and the worst thing is I’m not even married. HAHA 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ My technical crew had already gone rafting the day before and they made sure it was safe. They kept assuring me that everything would be fine and that I’m going to enjoy the experience. Here are a few pictures from that day. Just look at me BEFORE & AFTER 🤭

We clicked this picture just before getting onto the raft. We wore matching rafting suits!

Instructions being given to us before taking off

I was so scared and unconfident that I couldn’t look anybody in the eye.

Mentally preparing myself for the trauma that lies ahead. I was internally chanting all the prayers I could remember! 🤣🤣

Rechecking with my director “Do I really have to go?”

The rapids were divided into 3 levels. The speed increased as we kept going further. Take a look at the second image, the raft is half underwater.

We were given instructions on how to row the raft. We had to follow the instructor’s gestures because his voice wouldn’t be heard while rafting anyway. One small mistake and we’re done for! The instructor himself fell into the water but God knows how he came back on so quickly!

And…. Yayyyy!!! We made it! Look at me looking all accomplished

Truth be told, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I never expected to, but I did!! So much so that I kept asking my team if we could go another round. HAHA. The team laughed because initially, I was the scaredy-cat refusing to go rafting.

There goes my rafting experience. I must say there’s victory ahead of fear! Go out there, and conquer your worst fear! 😊

Here is the rafting video on the BabeKnows Youtube channel! 👇

-Hariprriya