Is there a most common regret submitted? There have been two concurrent themes we’ve noticed. The biggest theme is relationships—especially staying in the wrong relationship for too long. It’s amazing how many people have said they regret every day they are still with him or her. The second theme, which is even sadder is communication - several people noted they will never speak to their father before they die.
What do you each do when not working on Regrets? Nick: I pay my bills working in financial publishing. The last few months have been especially tough with the market conditions and so it’s made putting on the exhibit that much harder, but also provides something fun to focus on. I also dabble in music, theatre and film productions.
Rani: I am primarily an actress, which means if you’ve ever ordered a drink at a bar in either New York or Los Angeles, chances are I’ve served it to you. To pay the bills, I’m a bartender here in New York City. There are many other things that spark my interest, especially practicing yoga, and hopefully finishing a film I am currently writing, as well as a book of poetry.
Is there something else you plan on doing with all of the material submitted? We hope to have over 1,000 regrets by the end of the exhibition. There is a Wall of Regrets where visitors can post their regrets when they come and we will collate all of these into a book and publish for charity.
What are your biggest regrets? Nick: If you had asked me that a few months ago I would have struggled. But it’s much easier now having thought about it incessantly for the last two months. My biggest regret is not being able to sing. I love live music, I have a recording studio and put my voice through a million effects. But it’s never the same.
Rani: I must say that unlike Nick, I find it harder to answer that question now. A few months ago, I would have said my biggest regret is not being married with children, but the more I thought about it that turned into a non regret. Now, I would say my biggest regret is giving up the Saxophone - if I think of all the time that’s gone by I’m convinced I would have been really good if I’d stuck with it.
Please share your strangest "only in New York" story. Nick: I was in a nightclub, now closed, in the backroom with a friend just talking. A well built man walks in and sits down with us. His suit is from the 80s. It turns out it’s his first night of freedom after 20 years in jail. Within the next thirty minutes fifteen equally built men came in, hugged him and walked out. My friend (a 110lb woman) even stepped in to stop an altercation when fists were about to fly and told them to “calm the fuck down!” He then poured a huge bag of cocaine onto the table and asked us to fly to Vegas that night with him on a private jet - it was something out of a movie. It turned out he was third in line to huge mafia family and had killed more people than I’ve had sex with. We said no.
Rani: If you look at some of the pictures we’ve taken, I’m sure that went through the minds of the people watching us! I work in a bar in Greenwich Village, so I always have very strange experiences. Off the top of my head, I remember a few months ago, some graduates from Columbia University had a reunion at the bar. Very well dressed, upstanding people. Then out of nowhere a girl walked through the bar dressed in leather with a gag in her mouth. She tried to ask me where the bathroom was, but she couldn’t speak too well.
Rani, did you really sleep on a cot at CBGB when you were 9? Tell us a little bit about what you remember from that time. Rani: I love that time in my life. My dad is a musician and I was, and still am, his biggest groupie. I would beg my parents to take me to all of my dad’s gigs. My mom was also a singer in an all female singing group in the 80’s so I got to hang out at all my favorite places, The Limelight, Danceteria, The China Club, and CBGB’s. I slept on a cot from time to time, it was late!!! I was completely opposite of my parents at the time very conservative little kid. But I could always hang with the best of them
Which New Yorker do you most admire? Nick: I’m a huge Woody Allen fan. I grew up watching his movies and his vision of New York is one the reasons I came here. I’ve always seen New York in a romantic black and white. And you have to admire anyone who comes up with the Orgasmatron.
Rani: I really think my favorite New Yorker is the guy who owns the cheese shop across the street from my apartment. He’s been there for like 25 years, I eat there practically every day, and he still looks at me like we’ve never met before. I can say I love that guy.
Given the opportunity, how would you change New York? Nick: Make all taxi drivers do the “Knowledge” - the London taxi test that means they have to learn for two years, and be polite and knowledgeable.
Rani: I would make some parts of NYC untouchable to chain stores. I get so upset when I look up and expect to see the stationary store I go to all the time, and it’s turned into a Gap. Leave the mom and pop stores alone, stop raising their rent, and give them a chance.
Under what circumstance have you thought about leaving New York? Nick: Only to go on vacation.
Rani: I did. Moved to LA. Learned my lesson. Next question please.
Do you have a favorite New York celebrity sighting or encounter? Nick: Lunch was Bono was pretty cool - but it wasn’t just me. And he probably doesn’t remember me. If I could sing he would have!
Rani: When I was 11, backstage at a Hall and Oats concert at The Garden, Christie Brinkley told me she loved my bag. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I still have that bag. It was a pink plastic clutch “Gear” bag, and had a picture of a woman on it drinking a 7-up.
What's your current soundtrack? Rani: I’m all about Santigold right now.
Nick: I just came back from London and got into Hockey. Their new single “Too Fake” is excellent.
Best cheap eat in the city. Rani: Lamarca on 22nd street. Great affordable food, great people.
Nick: Bar Vetro - great place, good wine list and very reasonable food.
Best venue to hear music. Rani: It’s been so long since I saw any performances so I’m not sure. I think the Bowery Electric is cool though
Nick: Cake Shop is worth a visit and the new High Line Ballroom.
