Perfectly imperfect?

In the world of advertising, we often come across one word again and again—Perfect!

Perfect fit for clothes, perfect taste of tea, or a perfect blend of coffee.

In photography too—perfect click, perfect pose, perfect smile, perfect lighting, perfect angle, etc., etc., are overrated. To capture a single “perfect” photograph of a baby, photographers spend hours calming and relaxing the baby, trying to get that exact mood.

But in reality, a messy lunch where a baby spreads food all over—his face expressing the entire menu along with all its colours—is a far more mesmerising sight, isn’t it?

My friend is not racist, but after undergoing a caesarean section, when she first saw her baby, her immediate reaction was,

“Hey! Is it mine? It’s black?”

That perfect cinematic cry, tears glistening in the parents’ eyes, and a satisfied smile—none of that was captured. Yet the memory was perfect, because till date it brings laughter to the entire family, including her daughter.

We glorify so many situations in anticipation of “picture-perfect” memories—and end up disappointed.

At the wedding of the same friend, during vidai, the cameraman and the groom’s relatives were fully prepared to capture an emotional, sentimental farewell. But in reality, due to lack of manpower on the bride’s side, her father was busy managing locks and keys. He simply told her,

“I am busy. You go.”

The bride hurriedly sat in the car and said, “Let’s go.”

The scene shocked the groom’s side and later became a source of endless fun and teasing at every gathering.

Life is never as perfect as reels. And these imperfections make it lively, interesting, and unpredictable—bringing in elements of surprise.

Realistic photographs at events bring out natural chemistry and bonding, don’t they? Sometimes, in a recipe, the unintentional addition of an ingredient makes the dish surprisingly tasty.

My father believes imperfections are a way of gradually moving towards perfection—just like failure is the first step towards success.

For years, I searched obsessively for the perfect frame for my living room. Many times, I came very close, but rejected them due to the background. Then one day, when I finally found the frame of my dreams, I literally jumped off the bus and grabbed it from the vendor. But after hanging it on my wall, I hardly remember ever looking at it—even though I pass it a thousand times a day.

Imperfections—and our attempts to hide them—are actually the beauty of the game. Once we get that “perfect Aishwarya face,” we freeze it in every frame, turning it plastic so it looks flawless every time.

The perfect date, perfect first night, perfect partner, perfect friend, perfect outfit, perfect job, perfect salary—these are nothing but dreams. And when one dream comes true and becomes reality, we naturally chase another, because life must go on.

So there is nothing perfect—no person, no time. Everything exists in the present, however imperfect it may be. And that imperfection is the most perfect thing of this moment.

The 31st is here. Don’t wait. Don’t stop for the perfect time.

Embrace every imperfection and move ahead—because the show must go on!

Happy New Year!

Pournima Dhere