However, the problem started with the stage arrangements as both the guest artists had different kinds of requirements and there was a delay in appointing the subcontractor. Bikash himself started negotiating with both the guest artist and after several rounds of meetings and cajoling efforts made by Bikash, a midway was found. Still, there was a substantial delay in the process and the subcontractor had to deploy additional manpower and equipment, costing some additional payment to them. As a  Leader Bikash built relationships with the artists, fostering trust and collaboration which solved the problem. He conveys the vision of the event to the guest artists and inspires them to deliver their best. 

Back up the power supply and the acoustic arrangement was made. The performance can be visible from all the stadium galleries with display boards all around. The stage design was approved by Bikash after consulting the two guest artists through video conferencing and their team of experts in sound and internal space arrangement for their pieces of equipment etc. Everything was going on at a breakneck speed and no one had time for rest. One day the Directors and the CEO, came to the ground and saw the people working the way he never expected, they seemed to be very happy and did not wait long and praised Bikash and his team.

 The other group, completed their sponsorship targets and started the booking of tickets as fixed by Bikash and no management approval was sought. Necessary provisions for free tickets for the VVIPs, patrons and other invited guest was kept in excess so that there should not be any problem later.

 The third group organised six groups of different ethnic troupes to display their music and dance for 5 minute slot to every group and another 10 minutes were kept for our in-house talents to show their performance. Every front was going fine and all the people, with the proper guidance of Bikash working round the clock. There were no complaints or fatigue when they saw their leader working round the clock with their hand in hand. Bikash arranged for food for all the workforce at locations so that time is not wasted. Bikash as the Leader ensured the team was aligned with the vision of the event, motivated and mobilised the teams, emphasizing the significance of the chosen event for the company in realizing the event’s goals.

As the event date approached, chaos began to surface with some panic reactions on some small issues as the people were nervous, Bikash understood the same and convinced the team to be relaxed and think coolly. It’s during this phase that the contrast between managing and leading becomes most evident. Bikash played the role of leadership perfectly while his managers were in a panic.

 But suddenly a major problem arose as one of the main sponsors suddenly withdrew from the programme and we are totally at a loss for what to do. Bikash started contacting all possible places and likely, he was able to convince one to our rescue. The decision to sue the defaulter sponsor was sent to our company’s legal department. Bikash coordinated with all the managers, so that, we were ready in all respects two days before the show and had a relaxed day previous to the day of the show.

He goes on checking each and every activity so that there is no missing link. 

All hotel rooms were checked, the menu was finalised and transport was arranged at various locations as necessary. 

With a clear concept and planning, the morning meeting everyday discusses any pending issues related to the Venue and provision of logistics in coordination with the performing groups , coordination of the Two groups and a break for the local artists, ticketing and sponsoring the team and their progress and concerns, security and crowd management, Liasioning with the state departments and personnel security staff of the artists technical audio/video, lighting and backups,  hospitality for the visiting artist like accommodation, catering and backstage arrangements and decisions taken at those meeting itself and managers were allowed to take some on the spot decisions. After the sponsorship issue was settled, things came under control and we were all sure of a grand evening. 

 Bikash was a relaxed man.

He called me to his room, ordered a fine scotch and both of us enjoyed it and hoped everything would go fine. 

We had full rehearsal two days before the show and the shortcomings that came to light were rectified. The Artists and their instruments started arriving and our respective teams were busy along with our subcontractor to putting them in the right place. Even then It was backstage, where performers, technicians, and organizers moved with a sense of urgency that bordered on chaos. The pressure here was palpable, like the rising action in a story.

  The dummy performers, adorned in dazzling costumes, were busy with last-minute rehearsals, nervous energy coursing through their veins. Their voices, usually so powerful on stage, were now reduced to hushed whispers, exchanging quick reminders and well-wishes.

 Technicians scurried about, adjusting lighting rigs, testing sound systems, and ensuring that every technical aspect was flawless. The weight of the entire production seemed to rest on their shoulders.

 One team were juggling multiple tasks, from resolving unexpected issues to coordinating the arrival of VIP guests. They were managing a never-ending list of to-dos, trying to maintain a semblance of order amid the chaos.

As the minutes ticked away, the tension in the backstage area reached its climax. The culmination of months of hard work, creativity, and dedication was about to unfold on the stage. The pressure was at its zenith, and just like the turning point in a story, it was time for the grand reveal.

At last the final day arrived, All were tense, Bikash with his smiling face encouraging everyone, but I know internally he was also very tense as everything was on his head but not show his nervousness to anyone.

And ultimately, the moment arrived. The curtains were lifted, and the stage was gradually illuminated and soon bathed in a flood of lights and the stadium gallery lights were gradually put off. The audience erupted into applause, and the pressure building behind the scenes shifted. This was the showtime pressure, akin to the climactic moment in a story.

The team previously nervous and anxious, transformed into radiant stars. Their voices soared, their movements were impeccable, and they delivered their best. The pressure that had gripped them was now channelled into their grand performances in all the front.

Technicians, who had meticulously set the stage, now operated with precision and grace. Their efforts were hidden behind the scenes, but they were the backbone of the show’s success.

Bikash watched from the wings, their faces a mix of anxiety and pride. They had navigated the backstage chaos to bring forth this spectacle, and now they were witnessing the audience’s emotional engagement, the true climax of the story. The CEO was interacting with the VVIP guests and sponsors. Things seem to be going  well.

As the musical reached its crescendo, the showtime pressure reached its peak. Every note, every step, and every lighting cue executed flawlessly. The audience was captivated, transported into a world of music and magic. The pressure was no longer a burden; it was the force that had created this unforgettable moment.

In the grand musical show, just like in a compelling story, the backstage pressure and the showtime pressure were essential elements, each playing a distinct role in the unfolding narrative of art and entertainment.

After the first group’s enthralling performance, the local folk and musical troup presented their performance. It was a brilliant performance and the crowd was shouting all along enjoying the show, which they had not expected, then came our team, They were a bit nervous at the beginning but overall people liked it as we were changing from one theme to another from the word go.

Bikash and I were behind the stage relaxing taking a scotch as the show going as planned when the second group entered the stage. There were loud noises from the crowd as people mainly came for his and his team’s performances. Shouting and singing and dancing by the audience along with the artist going on in full swing.

As the final notes of the grand musical show reverberated through the venue, the audience’s thunderous applause signalled not only the end of the performance but also the conclusion of a remarkable story. The performers took their well-deserved bows, their faces radiant with the knowledge that they had brought a magical tale to life.

Backstage, the pressure that had been building for weeks now dissolved into relieved smiles and tears of joy. Technicians shared a moment of satisfaction, knowing that their unseen efforts had contributed to this unforgettable night. The Organizers, our company CEO, Bikash and all of us too, breathed a collective sigh of relief, proud of the show’s success.

In that moment, it became evident that the grand musical show was more than just a performance; it was a narrative in itself, filled with dedication, passion, and the pursuit of perfection. The story had reached its resolution, leaving a lasting memory in the hearts of all who had been part of it, both on and off the stage. It is a triumph of the leadership.

And so, as the curtain fell and the stage lights dimmed with stadium lights coming back, the grand musical show came to an end, but its story lived on in the hearts of the audience, the performers, the technicians, and the organizers. It was a tale of pressure and climax, of hard work and creativity, and of the transformative power of music and art. A story that would be retold, cherished, and remembered for years to come. Bikash’s leadership made it possible and he showed how a team to be led, involving them totally, encouraging them to share their ideas and always smiling even in the most critical situations and all credit for success is given to the team.  

                                         ******************CONCLUDED***********************

Rajat Chandra Sarmah

Mail ID: rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com