When actor Ryan Gosling was convinced that "his ship had sailed" and that an original musical would never be offered to him, opportunity came knocking.  "The script makes me believe that such a state exists and that it is not bad to be in La La land after all," he said at the film's premier. The movie which is the frontrunner for the Academy Awards this year, is much talked about because of its script and concept - both of which takes you to a world away from reality. 

The dictionary defines this as a state of extreme frivolousness. A state of mind characterized by unrealistic expectations or lack of seriousness.

The 2016 American musical comedy-drama follows a musician and an aspiring actress who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles. The film's title is a reference both to a nickname for the city of Los Angeles and to the idiom for being out of touch with reality. With as many as seven awards in the 74th Golden Globe Awards and 12 nominations for the 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards, La La Land is all set to take cinema by a storm.    

But is it a good idea to be lost in "frivolousness"? Is it time to unlearn what our parents have drilled into us - to be serious about life at all times? "It's good to be free and casual but this permanent phase of La la land is disastrous. Children have to be taught to be serious in their pursuits otherwise they will lose track," says a homemaker Swathika Ganesh from Chennai. Nearer home, Nivedita Sood, an AI pilot echoes the same feeling. "It is good to loosen up, but kids need to know when to bounce back to reality. Unfortunately life is not a bed of roses and it gives you no choice but to be serious," adds Sood. 

It's not just the students who resort to La La Land; even adults like to end up here! 

Have You Ever Been In La La Land? 

It is good to get lost in La La land because it shows you who you really are. Otherwise you are all about going to an office and making money for a future.  

Vir Das, commedianne 

I have a lot of fun on my twitter handle and I know it gives others something to laugh about. That is me in my La La Land giving you something to cheer about.  

Virender Sehwag,  cricketer 

I was in La La Land during my shoot for Om Shanti Om because we had a blast during that period. The moment I am comfortable in someone's company,  I slip into my state of La La Land. 

Deepika Padukone, actress 

I am in La La Land the moment I get back from work.  It is a good way to unwind on a busy day.  My family members get to see this side of me often (laughs). 

Shah Rukh Khan,  actor. 

Youth Reporters Speak About La La Land 

When we keep on  hoping for development that does no good to others but only to oneself; the aspiration turns into  greed, and greed leads to destruction of peace.  Therefore, Being in 'La La Land' helps to turn that greed into self-satisfaction and contentment. Nowadays there is stress and gloom around us that we seek solace in virtual world aka La La Land. Intense craving and desire to achieve something is inversely proportional to what 'La La Land' does to us. So, one must use it to relax occasionally but keep a keen eye on goals in life.

Rashmi Deshpande, class IX, NARAYANA VIDYALAYAM, Nagpur

We face many problems in everyday life. While some are able to face them, others need an escape from reality. Many people spend so much time on their problems, usually resulting in depression. I believe need to create a world of their own, a "La- La Land" for some respite. But we must never escape from reality forever. 

Aditi Rao, class VII, Edify School, Bengaluru

I would say that if the world around you is such that it destroys hope and leads to disappointment, then escaping into La-La Land can help. But, there is a quote which says" Try,try,try till you succeed". 

Ankitha S K , class VIII,  NPS-Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru

La la land is a very 'My' place. It can be personalised according to my needs and can help release all the tension we may have from the harsh realities of life. Drifting off to la la land frequently can may have some serious consequences as well. Dream but don't let dreams stop you from the reality...

Rhea Mane, Std-8, Pawar Public School Bhandup, Mumbai

(With inputs from Sugandha Indulkar, Santrupti, Kumar Amlendu) 

Have You Been In La La Land? Do You Think It's Wrong To Be In That Mystical Place? Let Us Know