Dear Faizi

Dear Faizi,

I just randomly thought of you a few days back and that's when I decided to write you this letter. Faizi, when I think of you, the picture that comes to my mind is that of you standing on the shores of Kozhikode beach with one hand around your uppupa, a glass of sulaimani in the other and a wide smile on your face.

When you made plans for your bright future in London, destiny had other plans for you, right? But your unforeseen days with your uppupa was one of the best things that happened in your life. I'm sure you would agree. It just completely changed your perspectives and made you a refined human being.

It was so endearing to watch you evolve from a naive, ignorant youngster to a wiser person. The fact that you were ambitious and didn't give up on your dreams just cos' your dad wanted something else from you, made me love you from the very beginning. You were determined to make your passion your profession. But, what your story taught me was that being successful isn't just about earning a huge salary or leading a luxurious life. Rather, being successful is when we are truly content and satisfied with our lives.

Cooking was your passion and you wanted to be a successful, renowned cook. There was nothing wrong in that. But uppupa taught you that the true beauty of your ability to cook tasty food is when you are able to satisfy and fill the minds of the people who eat it rather than just filling their stomachs - and that is the success of a great cook. I can never forget that heartwarming scene of you sitting teary eyed at that shelter home in Marudai. Most of us youngsters are like you Faizi, little do we realize that popularity and materialistic success are things that would naturally follow only if we remain true to the real purpose of our passions.

Thank you Faizi, for touching our hearts. Ustad hostel sure did fill our minds and not just our stomachs. And yeah, not to forget, thank you on behalf of all the passionate chefs out there. Your story did help in changing our society's perception towards this profession. I know, not everyone can make tasty food, it sure is magic at your fingertips.

Love,
VMR❤

_______________________________

Film: Ustad Hotel (Malayalam)
Direction: Anwar Rasheed
Writer: Anjali Menon
Production: Magic Frames
Faizi: Dulquer Salmaan

[Thank you for giving us Faizi.]