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“We know that Pathways has stars, and tonight, they shine solely for you…” 

For weeks, the excitement has been building in the Diploma and Career Programme space: rehearsals in every other room, music blasting in the corridors and sounds of laughter from every corner. Pathways Has Stars!, is a last hoorah, giving the DPCP2s the opportunity to put on the performance of a lifetime, to celebrate with friends, parents, and teachers alike.  

The arrival of the parents, our distinguished guests, and the senior leadership team marked the official beginning of the event. It was heartening to see them decked out in various shades of purple, embodying this year’s theme of purple and black. As the lights dimmed and a hush settled over the crowd, our wonderful emcees took the stand and set the stage, beautifully explaining the concept of PHS! and the importance of the evening. 

Our School Director, Captain Bajaj, set the tone of the event. His speech talked of hope, harmony and gratitude, conveying the vitality of these characteristics in fostering an optimistic future. Purple, which symbolises royalty, was prevalent in the atmosphere, resonating with the stars of the show, parents and teachers, as said so eminently by our School Director. Following that was Senior School Principal, Ms. Sangeeta Nag’s story of how PHS! came to be, touching the hearts of everyone in the audience, and was relatable, to say the least.  

Then began the much-awaited performances! 

A short skit was the first thing on stage, depicting the common household scenario of a parent telling their child to study. This was met with retaliation, the daughter exclaiming that her mother wasn’t much better as a teen herself, disco dancing in clubs wearing bell bottoms and sparkly clothes. A fitting description of the latter part of the 20th century.  

Next on stage was the enrapturing movements of our very own disco dancers, keeping us hooked as their bedazzling outfits sparkled like stars on the stage; fitting, is it not?  

The extravagant wigs, glittery tops and Michael Jacksonesque hats paired with hit songs like Dard-E -Disco, Koi Yahan Aha Nache Nache and Jhoom Jhoom Jhoom Baba took us back in time. Our audience could be seen singing and dancing along, some even managed to remember the steps from their own teenage years!  

??Next up, a short representation of what our classes at school really look like. A depiction of a typical modern day classroom was presented by our shining stars. Ranging from detention activities like paper ball basketball and taking selfies, to respecting all kinds of people (including non-binary of course!) and conversing with your teacher with that quintessential carefree drawl, the DP/CP 2s represented all! There was an equally humorous representation of a classroom from the parents’ times, reminding the audience of the casual school romance and pranks from their time. 

This rendition was followed by melodic covers of Get Lucky and Aaj ki Raat. A huge props to the meticulous light and sound team; the lighting effects were a terrific treat to the eye and added to the mood. The audience loved every second of the performance, evident by the way they tapped their feet and clapped to the beat. 

Then came the romance scenes – definitely the most entertaining! Starting off with our very own lovesick Rahul singing Sara Zamana to an oblivious Simran, the stars acted flawlessly. The analogy to the all-time favourite romance characters, was loved and appreciated immensely by the parents who thoroughly enjoyed the old filmy vibes of the scene. Not to forget, the swoon-worthy exchange of poems was one of the best parts of the show! The creative lines and immaculate delivery had the audience whistling and clapping throughout. 

The stargazing scene with soft romantic music coming from oboes, added to the cinematic feeling, a soft pink spotlight making it even more perfect! The performance was loved by all, even though the offstage chemistry didn’t match the onstage one. The awkward moments didn’t go unnoticed! 

The music in the parents’ veins only seemed to rise as an enthralling performance of Neele Neele Ambar was up next. The parents were hit by nostalgia, and their energy was even more infectious than the performers on stage! 

Before it’s revealed what was bestowed next, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard-working backstage crew. Although there were a few awkward moments of silence - it seems the crickets agreed - and extra-long blackouts, the stagehands were very fast. A job well done! 

Teenage relationship problems – such as a jealous girlfriend – are nothing new. However, the same was given a very realistic twist to depict Gen-Z romance. The cringy pick up lines led to uproars of laughter in the audience, “Dil ki mithai” for example left the parents snickering at how cheesy they were. Now, what’s a good friendship without a fair share of pulling each other’s legs? Our onstage group of friends did just that, causing a breakup of all things! Adding a tinge of old generation romance, the act wasn’t completed without a fair share of paradigmatic ‘ek tarfa pyaar’ stories! 

Next up was a soulful and energetic dance on the likes of Sapno Ki Rani and Chaleya – a mix of modern and antique music. The charming kurta-clad boys and stunning girls in shararas, lit up the stage with their irresistible effervescence! 

In the realm of heartwarming nostalgia, only a few scenarios can surpass the comic excellence of 90’s puppy love on a moving bus. Soon, the amphitheatre was blanketed with an agape silence, broken only by the dulcet cover of Apna Dil Toh Aawara. With utmost grace and elegance, the musicians left the parents beguiled by the rich sitar strings and gentle beats of the tablas.  

The decadent performance was followed by a return to Indian roots, a transient and supple dance that transfixed one’s eyes to the stage.  

Elation in the charged air rose as the limelight spotlighted the six students of yesteryear, who challenged each other for a dance off. The bass thumped alongside heartbeats as the jazzy discotheque songs of the 80s, like Saath Samundar Paar and Aa Dekhe Zara, rang throughout the air.