Tweedledum & Tweedledee

If ever proof were required of how inseparable Renu Babani and Kajal Babani are (right), it was there for all to see this morning. The two are sisters by marriage – the former wedded to Kishor-bhai and the latter, to an equally jovial Dilip-bhai, both brothers.
Renu, the elder, was in the Garden as usual, well before time. And Kajal, as usual, was late – strolling in casually (with Mrs Harbans Singh) when we were already half-way through the exercises. She took her position next to Renu and again as usual, they got into a marathon chatting session without losing a minute.
Razia Khan, who was conducting the exercises today, decided to separate the chatter boxes. She grabbed Kajal by the hand and pulled her two places away, next to where Monthi Serrao was standing. Little did she expect Renu to follow promptly in staccato steps, as though she was fixed to Kajal by a mechanical device. It was a comical sight -- never happened before -- raising laughter all around. Razia tried pulling Renu back and Kajal instantly followed -- stop-start, stop-start. This happened a couple of times till Razia threw up her hands in exasperation: “Kya karein? Dono jaise chain se bandhe huey hai!”
Both were back to chatting away merrily (like nothing had happened) while the rest of us observed in silence, partly in amusement but mainly, in admiration. They were two peas of a pod, tweedledum and tweedledee. Eventually, Mumtaz Jahan spoke for all of us, complimenting the sisters-in-law for being so inseparably conjoined. “May God bless you both,” Srichand Arora added.
Incidentally, today happened to be P.Motwani’s (left) birthday. A child of Independence, he completes 64 years on this planet and looked pretty cheerful and sprightly for his age. As one who is rather withdrawn by nature, it was unusual for him to be clapping along as everybody joined in chorus wishing him a happy birthday and a long and healthy life.

Renu Babani explains:
What can I say? The relationship Kajal and I share can be seen by all and we don't need to blow our trumpets. Yes, Razia was determined to separate us and she tried in vain, sheer desperation showing on her face till I eventually told her,'You cannot see the invisible thread'. The ladies in the end suggested that once we go home to ensure we get rid of the 'evil eye'. Rest assured all of you, with such good friends, who always wish us well, nothing can go wrong between us. Mrs Bose, too bad you missed the scene today. You would have laughed for sure. I shall be not attending the Garden effective Tuesday, but will be updating myself with this blog. So keep writing and this way I will know what is going on.
--Renu

PIC OF THE WEEK: 15

What, no takers... even on a Clearance Sale???


HEY, DON'T WE LOOK LIKE THE MODELS ON DISPLAY? BET SOMEONE WILL COME IN NOW!
At least we got each other... So let's be happy and smile for the camera. Maybe, someone decides to come in and buy something!
OK, who's the wise guy who mixed up these faces on the models? Shouldn't we have been placed the other way around?
--Renu Babani

Prima Donnas

With the advent of spring, not only do people become more regular in the Garden, their mood is generally upbeat during the exercises. On an average, we are witnessing a daily turnout of around 30 happy early-risers, all dressed in their colourful best (right). Two or three of them would inevitably be strangers who’d stray in out of curiosity -- only to disappear in a couple of days. They count for nothing. We call them ‘nayi chidiya’, or more appropriately, ‘birds of passage’.
The funny thing about regular members is that invariably one of them, male or female, would unwittingly emerge as the attention grabber of the morning. And this is not such a bad thing. Call this person a prima donna, alpha male or alpha female, s/he would provide the cues for all-round amusement and hilarity. One day, it could be Mumtaz Jahan for her long-winded, grammatically correct proclamations. Another day, it might be Yusuf Rassiwala with his sudden outbursts of “Jai Ho Pandurang Baba”. On a third day, Nafisa Sayed could be in her elements with a battery of wisecracks. Srichand Arora, Razia Khan, Santosh Tyagi, Harbans Singh, Geeta Sardhana and Sunita Jajodia are all past masters at this, triggering unending rounds of laughter – intended or otherwise.
Today was Hari Naraiyani’s day (left). He showed up after a week and was back in form, singing along with the music on Kishor-bhai’s mobile – little bothered about sounding off-key and mixing up the lyrics. He just kept singing and singing like a liberated soul. All eyes were riveted on him – many sniggered, some joked. But nothing would stop Hari-bhai being himself – not even Nafisa’s remarks about “Harey-Bharey bhai doing time-pass instead of exercising”. This is one head-strong 80-year-old, who just couldn’t care a damn about anybody.
Another surprising ‘returnee’ was Uday Atroliya (right), better known as Billoo Barber (for his role in that film) to us. Originally a theatre actor from Habib Tanvir’s troupe at Bhopal, he has appeared in seven films so far, Maqbool and Wanted included. Of late, he has switched to script-writing and is doing some research for Aamir Khan’s period film on thuggery in colonial India. He has relocated to Juhu but we could be seeing him soon on the big screen, in Sagar Bellary’s Hum Tum Aur Shabana.

Prithak says:
Quite a wonderful group of dedicated people who make me think that perhaps we youngsters are really missing something out here. Wish I was a part!
--Prithak

Renu Babani answers:
I guess age doesn't really matter. As long as one has the heart, he/she shall sing, no matter in tune or not! All are in their own mood in the mornings, own thoughts, and of course, own element. We all want to be heard above the rest, whether others like it or not. We are individuals and of course, like to be acknowledged and accepted amongst each other. This is what keeps us coming back each morning -- that familiarity, knowing that no matter what we say to each other, despite the grumbling, complaining, muttering under one's breath, we are one big family and do miss each other no matter what anyone says!
--Renu

Like Old Times

It’s back to old times with Yusuf Rassiwala (right). He has been attending the Club every day, the whole of this week and what’s more, is conducting the exercises as regularly as he used to earlier. Maybe this has something to do with the treat he had given for his Xylo on January 24 (see post). Let’s hope he acquires many more such goodies and we get to have him more often in the mornings… along with the khajoor barfis, of course.
Many may fault Yusuf-bhai for being too laidback, even slow in the way he conducts himself in the middle. But in many ways, that is what makes the exercises so very enjoyable. Rather than being rushed through one drill after another at breakneck speed, we can take our time to smell the attar (yes, every morning comes with a fresh gush of the aroma, thanks to some of our lady members) and enjoy Kishor-bhai’s divine collection of music from his mobile.
Yusuf-bhai engages in small talk, keeping everybody at ease and there are no military-like commands, “Baatein Kum” or “Pay Attention”. At the same time, should he notice somebody faltering, he would re-do the exercise for his/her benefit. This has happened a number of times. The upshot of it all is that we get to let our hair down and be more playful with one another -- especially Shekhawat-ji (below, right) who just needs an excuse to go charging at the ladies during the Slow and Fast laughter round.
Today, Shekhawat-ji did a double whammy. After he was through with ‘emptying his pistols’ on Ramila-ben, he turned his attention to Mumtaz Jahan for the Lion and Lioness round. Surprisingly he went full-throttle at her, grunting and growling on and on, till she finally threw up her hands: “Kya Shekhawat-bhai, aap ek ke saath naachte hain and mujhe khaane ko aatey hain?” Yusuf-bhai had a ready reply: “Kyonki aap masaaledaar hain!”
Amidst all the light-hearted jabs and jokes, it was nice to see Sandhya Narang (left, above) looking more composed and confident about herself since her husband’s passing away (see post of September 20, 2010). She is nowadays more into yoga than the Laughing Club exercises. She complained about the weather “not suiting” her and promised to be regular with us once it becomes warmer.

Many Apologies

Sorry, Big Laaf had to take a break this morning. As such, there is no blog today. MANY APOLOGIES.

Renu Babani says:
Guess everyone needs a holiday, though the biggest surprise was not seeing Mr Bose at the Garden. He is a regular and one sees him sitting on that bench, always with his ready smile and cheery 'Hello' or 'Namaste' to everyone. So it was really unexepected not to see him. Even during the laughter and exercise sessions, one often sees him observing everyone in silence, listening to the chatter. At the end, he talks to the members and by the evening somehow comes up with an interesting article. Yes, surely missed the blog today, but hopefully will have a good one tomorrow.
--Renu

Republic Day

Today was Republic Day, the one national holiday that has become totally out-of-sync with the times. The occasion means nothing to the common man – members of the Club included. Most of us don’t even know why it is celebrated. So it was hardly surprising that no mention was made of it this morning at the Garden – barring a customary ‘extra laugh’ at the close of the exercises.
Still we had our fun. In keeping with the holiday mood, there were smiles and a sense of bonhomie all around. Sunita Jajodia looked relaxed for a change and mingled around after the surya-namaskar prayers. One obvious reason was that her old friend and walking partner, Santosh Tyagi had come visiting. The latter had stopped attending the exercises after shifting residence (see post of January 21) earlier in the month. She joked that today being a national holiday, she could “get leave” from home to visit the Garden.
For Geeta Sardhana too, it was a reunion of sorts with friends, since she had been away for her daughter’s engagement ceremony. Happily, everything has gone off well for her. And then, there was Ramila Mistry, who had been preoccupied with her daughter’s return from the U.K., now determined to attend the Club regularly. Also, Renu Babani and Kajal Babani hugged each other for the camera in a rare display of sisterly love (right).
Everybody was into bonding big time, even as there was no special reason to do so. If Shekhawat was in a particularly playful mood while training his ‘pistols’ during the Slow and Fast laughter round, there were three ladies today vying for his attention. And at the end, Arora had to comment, “Bahadur sipahi, maidan chhor ke bhaag gaya!” Quite clearly, everybody was making the most of a holiday that had fallen mid-week after a long time.
Yet another member to have returned to the fold today was Nazma Sayed (left). She has been through a harrowing time after her nephew was hospitalized in a near comatose state following medication for malaria that had gone horribly wrong. The 20-year-old boy regained consciousness after eight days and is still in a precarious condition as he has to be fed through a tube inserted in his neck. Meanwhile, Nazma’s sister who suffers from high BP and diabetes, collapsed one afternoon on the road and had to be also hospitalized.
“All this had to happen at the same time,” she narrated, tears in her eyes. “Please pray for them!”

Winter Recedes

Winter is on the wane. Shawls and sweaters are coming off and attendance at the Garden is beginning to balloon in what appears to be a concerted celebration ahead of spring. It is already warm and sunny by the time we wind up from the exercises.
Srichand Arora took charge of the Laughter Round this morning, even as Nahid Khan was present, but with an eye infection. (Eventually, she had to leave before-time.) For some reason, people get extra talkative in his presence and it is not as though he is not party to all the chatter. But it is always with a humorous twist. On the one hand he could be constantly cracking jokes and delivering one-liners and on the other, he’d suddenly chide someone with a “Baatein shaam koh!” shout, much to everybody’s amusement.
Of late, Arora-sah’b has started a new ploy to restore order during the exercises. Instead of pulling up a talkative member, he would target somebody else close-by – who could actually be a silent spectator, not having opened his/her mouth. The sudden reprimand gets the person startled for a moment, but the chatterbox would have got the message by then. More often than not, this ploy has proved effective with everybody.
An exception would be someone like Kajal Babani (right). Arora-sah’b treats her as a daughter and she knows she can take liberties without being shouted at. Even otherwise, being the youngest in the Club, everybody treats her with immense fondness. (In fact, Monthi Serrao and Yusuf Rassiwala often address her as “Baby”!) So Kajal Babani has a ball every morning – fooling about, chatting, passing comments, exercising or not exercising at will… And nobody minds, her sense of humour being another endearing quality about her.
Sunita Jajodia (left) was however, to trigger the biggest joke of the morning. As usual, she was in a tearing hurry to go home and made her impatience felt every time there was an interruption or delay. Exasperated, Arora-sah’b snapped at her just before she had to leave midway through the proceedings: “Just leave your address behind, we’ll go to your house and do the exercises there!”

Renu Babani says:
Strange, isn't it? Before everyone would be so serious when Mr Arora would do the laughter/exercise routine. However, guess Mr Arora must have realised, 'If you can't beat them, join them'! So he has ended up being part of the chatter and joins in the fun too. Yes, I guess no one is really spared, and somehow, everyone's turn does come in the end. It maybe in just a passing comment or just a jovial remark, but every individual gets his/her turn. However, as long as it is not offensive or just aimed at one individual, it is fine. We are here for fun, so let's make sure it stays that way!
--Renu

Familial Bonding

Call it ‘joy of sharing’ or ‘sharing of joy’, familial bonding between members just gets stronger by the day. After all, it is with the family that we share all our happy moments first – be it a birthday, some accomplishment, return from a vacation… or any good news worth celebrating.
Today, Yusuf Rassiwala distributed khajoor burfi in the Garden (right) to celebrate the acquisition of a spanking new eight-seater MUV – Mahindra Xylo. In all modesty, he called it a “bada family car”. But he could not also suppress his sense of pride at having met the demand of an insistent son, not to mention the snob value the vehicle carries.
While sharing his joy, members suggested taking the car out on a long drive and whether or not Yusuf-bhai approved, everybody would pile in. Fearing she would be outnumbered, Khatoon Baig pleaded for a place, at least on the roof of the Xylo! Mumtaz Jahan tried to be more reasonable, insisting that Yusuf-bhai take his family along in the car when we set out on a picnic next.
Yusuf-bhai incidentally, is toying with the idea of a trip to Shirdi. Shekhawat-ji however, is not too keen because of the distance and the time it would take by road. An alternative is to take the overnight train, as put forth by Sitaram-ji. Dilip Babani, who has been a regular to the Sai Baba shrine, also has some ideas to reduce the rigours of travel. Bapu Rane requested that regardless of the mode of transport, he be allowed to catch the kakad arati early in the morning.
Meanwhile, it was nice to see both Nahid Khan (above, left) and Razia Khan return to the Garden this morning after a brief break. Both appeared cheerful and in good spirits. Also, Ramila Mistry (right) ‘staged’ a comeback, doing a little jig before joining the group, as is her style. She was greeted with an “Eid Mubarak” from Srichand Arora – suggesting that to see her these days is as much of a rarity as sighting the Eid moon.
All in all, a nice enjoyable Monday morning.

Renu Babani says:
Yes, it was great to see familiar faces that were missing for a while. It was a lovely morning, what with Yusuf-bhai and his random spurts of 'namastes'. Apart from the regular banter, constant chit-chat and of course, despite the constant reminder of 'kindly pay attention to the exercise', everyone left laughing and in high spirits. The sweets were a special treat and hopefully, we shall catch sight of the SUV one of these days!
--Renu

PIC OF THE WEEK: 14

For collectors of currency notes, how about this rare, one-of-a-kind 100 dollar note?

How much is it worth in Indian rupees?
--Bhaswati Bose

The new USD note -- guess Abraham Lincoln better move over. Here comes Mr Sitaram! A rare note, up for auction. Any buyers? Bidding starts at... Any guesses???
--Renu Babani

Gala Celebration

Today was Srichand Arora’s birthday. By hosting a gala celebration jointly with Dilip Babani this morning, he flagged off the Club’s first birthday bash of the year in the Chinese Hut.
Dilip-bhai’s birthday was on January 10; but he had kept his party on hold in deference to the senior member’s celebration this morning. With their wives, Kajal Babani and Kiran Arora, along with almost 40 members of the Club in attendance, it had to be an affair to remember.
Even those not-so-regular for the exercises every day, made it a point to be present and wish Dilip-bhai and Arora-sah’b on the occasion.Our in-house Guruji blessed the two with a short-but-sweet speech on why we need to cherish these moments and how much both Arora-sah’b and Dilip-bhai mean to us. As the heart and soul of the Club, they not only bring good cheer and happiness every morning to the Garden, but more importantly, they have been instrumental in infusing a sense of togetherness among members. The words were greeted with the customary three bouts of loud laughter, followed by a round of warm hugs and backslapping.
Earlier, the members and guests joined in chorus to wish the duo “Happy Birthday”, clapping and dancing together as per tradition. And in between the generous servings of phapra-jalebi and other savories, Sitaram Hivarkar broke into his medley of devotional and semi-classical songs, befitting the occasion. This was verily a celebration from the heart that touched everybody deeply.
The only dampener of the morning was the absence of two key lady members. Geeta Sardhana is said to be busy with arrangements for her daughter’s engagement ceremony. And Nahid Khan has reported sick. Or is there more to it after what transpired with her yesterday? Let’s just hope neither of this is true.

Renu Babani says:
Yes, the party was fun. The turnout was termendous. We ladies were serving plates continuously and somehow there seemed no end! However, as long as everyone had fun, that is what counts. I suppose we are making the most of these parties and no matter what anyone says, also await such occasions. So, once the month begins, a note is generally made of the birthdays and a party on the agenda is there for sure. Hopefully we shall see Mrs Khan back in action on Monday. Geeta, please get back to the Garden as well. We miss you. For those who have been lazy due to the weather, well, no more excuses. Now the days are definitely better. So get your butts out of that bed and MOVE!
--Renu

On Auto Pilot?

The old bugbear about pacing of the exercises has come to haunt the Club again. Some members are under the impression that we need to be on auto-pilot and each drill must be conducted like a clockwork mechanism. So a little hastening of pace by say, Razia Khan or Srichand Arora amounts to upsetting the program. Or an occasional humorous aside from Yusuf Rassiwala becomes a delaying tactic and has even led to someone walking out.
So far Nahid Khan (above) has been doing a fine job (almost) every morning in conducting the laughter rounds – if not the exercise sessions also. She is invariably among the first to arrive in the Garden and by default, the responsibility of starting the day’s proceedings rests on her. Besides, she has her style – an unhurried tempo, a rhythm we are all accustomed to by now. After all, nobody is as regular at conducting the exercises as she is.
This morning, for some strange reason, a few members decided to pick on her for rushing through the routine. Some ladies discovered she was not allowing them enough time to go through their motions properly. Khatoon Baig was suddenly having difficulty exhaling during the Clearing-the-Lungs exercise. A few even pointed to Nahid not paying enough attention to her own movements and Yusuf-bhai had to abruptly stop the exercises to demonstrate how a particular drill has to be done with knees bent.
Nahid was left with no option but to suggest that anybody else was free to take her place and conduct the exercises henceforth. Of course, Mrs Harbans Singh tried to placate her by playfully punching her cheeks; but the damage was done. The faultfinders had a different agenda in mind and ended up hurting the feelings of a well-meaning lady. Significantly, none of the men have ever had a problem with the way Nahid conducts the exercises – or herself.
Earlier in the morning (it was still dark then), Santosh Tyagi (left) dropped by to say her goodbyes as she is shifting residence. She is not sure if she would be able to make it to the Garden again from her new place (near Adarsh Nagar petrol pump), though Shekhawat-ji kept assuring her that it is not too much of a distance. All she requires is the will to come.
Another spot of bad news: Razia Khan (above, right) is not well. She has been down with malaria for a week and the fever refuses to subside. Besides, she is suffering from terrible weakness. Let us hope and pray she recovers fast and is able to join us every morning as before – hale and hearty.

Renu Babani says:
Personally I feel Mrs Khan conducts the exercises really well. Less chatter and more attention amongst those who complain would make a difference. The ladies who feel that things are being done in haste can go through it in their own manner and motion. We should appreciate the ones who stand in the middle and do the exercise daily, ensuring that we follow as well. Not everyone has the guts to do so, and not all can remember the routine despite doing it daily. So let's be a little more grateful and less critical please!
--Renu

Reverse Ratio

Men outnumbered the women today. This is a rare occurrence in the Garden for what has come to be a predominantly women’s laughter club. It looked as though the men had decided to turn the tables on the ladies this morning with an emphatic show of strength.
The key culprits for letting the ladies down were absentees Geeta Sardhana, Harbans Singh, Razia Khan, Ramila Mistry, Mumtaz Jahan, Neelam Garg and so on. They are known regulars, instrumental at maintaining the status quo in the Garden. What additionally tipped the scales in favour of the males was the sudden appearance of some not-so-regular members like Yusuf Rassiwala (left), Ram Shukla and P.Motwani. In the end, the tally was 13 men, 10 women.
The women did not like it one bit. Initially they were patronizing enough to indulge the men in their sudden jubilation. “Kuchh der ki khushi hai,” Sunita Jajodia remarked in the hope that before long, the missing lady members would stream in en masse through the gate. When that was not happening and instead, Sitaram and Motwani walked in one after another, she lost heart. “Gate bandh karo!” she yelled, echoing Arora’s typical clarion call every other morning.
Still, with Monthi Serrao and Kajal Babani showing up, there was some hope left. Their presence was however, to be offset by the likes of Dilip Babani and Harish Wadhwa striding in purposefully to uphold male pride. By then, the other men had unwittingly become the butt of many female jokes.
Nafisa Sayed (right) for one, began mimicking an elderly member’s awkward Nachh Baliye movements with a vengeance, punctuating each body turn with a loud “Yehhh jhatka! Yehhh jhatka!” As if on cue, the poor fellow kept to his rhythm, little realizing that the joke was on him. Ultimately, Nahid Khan brought about a truce by rejoicing with the men: “Aapke khushi mein hamaari khushi hai.”
What more of an ego boost do men need?

Renu Babani says:
YAAAYY! Finally, the men outnumbered the women. What a victory for them! They were overjoyed. It showed on their faces and of course, they made sure they pointed it out to the ladies constantly. But the ladies were not to be outdone. They took it in their stride bravely (no choice really) and laughed. Yes, today was another day of constant chatter and non-stop banter, causing disturbances galore during the exercise session. Despite being chided and reminded to pay attention and talk later, no one paid heed. The atmosphere had reached its climax. Will the men outnumber the women till the end of the exercise? They did!
--Renu

Candid Camera

The camera, they say, does not lie. A picture is supposed to speak a thousand words. So what would you say about the picture on the right, which was clicked this morning?
Well, there is tension in the air for sure. Arora is in a foul mood. Somebody (name withheld on request) has needled him so bad that he is ready to take that person’s case. Dilip Babani is restraining him while Renu looks on, zapped out of her wits at the sudden turn of events. Shekhawat is trying to broker peace, saying, “Kya zaroorat hai yeh sab ki?” Sitaram is totally at sea and is obviously at pains making sense of the proceedings. Words like “Pehn di takey” fly thick and fast (though Arora has not seen Yamla Pagla Deewana yet.) Kishor Babani is the sphinx, who knows everything, but refuses to get involved.
Now, look at the picture closely and you get another version of the story. One of the ladies (name withheld on request) had jokingly commented that Arora appears much too sullen and grumpy for comfort these days. “Kya tabeeyat theek nahin hai?” she enquired solicitously. Arora kept assuring her that all was fine with him, much as he is currently under immense stress at having to redo the interiors of his home. “Aap hamein daant-tey bhi nahin hai!” the lady persisted. That was enough provocation for Arora to fly off the handle. In this grand display of machismo, he assumes a defiant stance while Dilip-bhai challenges the woman to take on Arora. The latter fled, much to the amusement of other ladies (left) present.
There is yet a third story to the picture. Arora’s birthday is coming up on January 22. Dilip-bhai’s birthday was on January 10. They want to now host a joint celebration this Saturday at the Chinese Hut for Club members. So here they are, ‘gracefully’ inviting the ladies to grace the occasion. Others look on, confused.
Now, which of these three stories are you inclined to believe?

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Very interesting pictures. Looks like a morning Stand-up Qawwali Muqabala with Arora-ji and Mrs Harbans Singh in the lead. Mr Arora's expression speaks a lot, but I am sure the pic was taken moments before he burst into laughter -- like he does often. Ladies, as usual, are more composed and smiling.
2. Hai agar dushman dushman... Hum kisi se kam nahin, kam nahin!
--Harish

Renu Babani says:
Amazing, isn't it? Every face has a story to tell and all depends on how people tend to scrutinize and make up tales as they fancy. In regards to Mr Arora, the poor gentleman seems rather in a daze. He may feel fine but with everyone literally deciding on his moods, guess he has no choice! The various reasonings and stories seem to be flying fast and furious, not giving him a chance to even explain. Kindly leave the gentleman alone to whatever mood he maybe in. After all, he is entitled to at least that. Besides, it is morning, and trust me, even I am not in my element at times. Albeit, Mr Arora, thorough gentleman as he is, seems to have taken things in stride as usual and had left everyone pondering what on earth is wrong with him? I am sure the joke was on us!
--Renu

Bhaswati Bose says:
Obviously, the third story is correct. Arora-ji and Dilip-bhai are inviting everybody for their birthday party on Saturday.
--Bhaswati

Unequal Contest

In theatre, unless there is conflict, there can be no drama. In cinema too, you need a ‘clash of opposites’ to generate some excitement. Likewise, in our day-to-day exercises at the Garden, we need to create unequal contests to make the mornings fun and fulfilling.
And what better rivalry can there be than pitting men against women?
Imagined though it is, the ongoing contest has all the makings of a full-blown gender war -- but with a difference. What began as a silly numbers game (see post of July 20, 2010), now keeps everybody on their toes over whether there are more men than women in attendance, or vice-versa. It has long been established that there can be no way the men can beat the women in numbers, but we still rejoice at the appearance of every male member at the Garden gate and Arora-sah’b still pretends to break into sobs whenever he catches sight of a lady coming in. Attempts at waking men up in their beds or calling for the gates to be shut (the moment the numbers even out) have proved futile. Women have been winning hands down.
Of late, the competition has been taken a notch higher. For the Lion and Lioness’ round, the men have a star campaigner in Dilip Babani (left) who can sustain the beastly growl for on and on and on… long after the others have given up. But then, he alone cannot be any match to the combined ferocity of the many deadly damsels who, with eyes popping and tongues lolling out (above right) can outsnarl the daylights out of anyone. Besides, with Dilip-bhai not being too regular these days, the men have lost out in this contest as well.
Now, they have devised a new way to take on the women, with Shekhawat-ji in the forefront. He waits for the Slow and Fast laughing round before starting his Ho-ho Ha-ha with forefingers trained on one lady or the other. Initially it was Ramila-ben and then, in her absence, his target practice shifted to Geeta Sandhana. When neither is present, Nahid Khan (right) becomes his default target. With a Bapu Rane or Dilip-bhai egging him on from behind, Shekhawat-ji can go on and on for ever – emptying his bullets!
At least here, there is no competition.

Renu Babani says:
The ladies somehow do outnumber the men, no matter what... wonder why? If, on some rare occasion, the males outnumber the women, it is a victory for the males and they rejoice so much it is unbelievable. However, it is all done in good humour and the constant banter keeps the atmosphere light. Every comment is given a reply and that leads to laughter from everyone. Our group is definitely unique, unmatchable and we return every morning, just to be in each other's company. I personally would like to thank each and everyone for making our guests feel so comfortable when they came to the Garden and for the movie. They were impressed by the group and assured us that once they return from their tour, they will take a group picture to show everyone back home. Also thank you, Blog Monster, for your daily posts, which keep us interested on what is going on. At times there are certain details which we do not even pay attention to but somehow you do see it. Your writing is interesting and keep it up, because without you, we wouldn't be even known.
--Renu

Lazy Monday

Mondays are lazy days. Most people wake up late after a busy week-end, too tired to make it to the Garden. The few who manage to turn up are usually so groggy and bleary eyed that they somehow go through the motions of exercising and rush home as fast as they can to catch some more sleep. Besides, it is still winter in Mumbai and things do take time to warm up.
Much of the morning went into discussing the Saturday movie, Yamla Pagla Deewana. Kishor Babani liked it so much that he watched it a second time yesterday with Dilip-bhai. Shekhawat-ji (below left) is still raving about the Patiala-peg jokes and says that he had never laughed so much in any other movie. His grandson was so engrossed that he did not even realize that he had eaten six samosas in the course of the screening. Srichand Arora, who missed the movie because of guests dropping in for lunch at his place, joked that he had “sacrificed” his tickets for Sunita Jajodia’s sake. The latter had made a last-minute requisition for two tickets to accommodate her son and daughter and Mr and Mrs Arora’s tickets were utilized thus.
Amidst this light-hearted banter, just as we were leaving the Garden, Pratap Bhatt (right) showed up, looking frail and weak. He has pulled down considerably since we last saw him about two months back. It seems he had developed a hole in the lung and was under treatment all this while. Doctors have expressly prevented him from exerting himself in any manner – least of all exercising in the morning.
Happily, Bhatt-sah’b feels better now and believes that he has "recovered completely". Nevertheless, he would require 10-12 days before he feels confident enough to join us in the Garden on a regular basis, as before.

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Nice to see the daily competition on the number of men and women who join the exercise group every day. Men need to increase their number to beat the number of women. Bhai-log kucchh toh karo, padosiyon ko bhi bulao ! Everyone also seemed to have enjoyed the movie as one could see them remembering the good times they had.
2. The Sunday (holiday) mood lingers even on Monday mornings and therefore they are indeed lazy. It takes time to accept the reality of going back into the rat race for survival.
--Harish

PIC OF THE WEEK: 13

2-G Spectrum can also be fun -- when G stands for Geeta-ji!


This lady can go to Bollywood, what do you think? Maybe a mother's role...
"Maybe this pose is acceptable... Who knows, a producer may decide to take me for any role!"
--Renu Babani

Nice to see Geeta-ji's picture being flashed in a business board room. The excecutives look fascinated and zapped by her innocent expression!
--Harish Wadhwa

Yamla Pagla Deewana

Santosh Tyagi and Sunita Jajodia did not leave the auditorium in the middle of the show. Bose-babu did not have a haircut (see December 25 post ) either. Everybody was so taken in by the antics of the sardars on screen that nobody stirred out even for a leak. And at the end of three hours, all 24 of us were fit to roll down the aisles – so hilarious was the movie.
Yamla Pagla Deewana was by far the most enjoyable and best organised movie outing we have had so far. The timing was just perfect – bang in the middle of the month. We got to watch it within a day of its release. Besides, Kishor-bhai had thoughtfully ensured that our seating arrangements were such that everybody could let his/her down without being conscious of the person sitting next. The ladies chose to be with their own, tittering and cracking up among themselves, while the men, not having to be at their best behaviour, simply went berserk at every cinematic gag and prank.
Above all, the movie was the winner. Playing petty conmen in a family, the three Deols – papa Dharmendra and sons Sunny and Bobby – were in their elements, just as we had wanted them to be: crazy, boisterous, irreverent and plain stupid. This was looniness at the extreme, not the kind of film that has to be experienced with the head, but by the heart. And the best part is that it makes no pretence of logic, actuality or even a storyline. Yamla Pagla Deewana is honest, unadulterated comedy at its ludicrous best – total value for time and money. Little wonder, a delirious Shekhawat-ji just could not get over the 'Patiala peg' hang-up, long after we had left the auditorium.
Earlier in the day, we had two surprise guests from ‘Caneda’ in the Garden. Mrs and Mr Ramniklal Parsotam (left) are samdhis of Renu and Kishor Babani and they are here on a vacation for a few days. This is their first visit to India. They caught us at our morning madness (mercifully from a long shot as they kept to the walking track) while we went through the exercise routine. Later, the couple graciously joined us for the movie.

Bhaswati Bose says:
The movie was good -- total paisa vasool. Watching it in a big group was all the more fun. Indeed, it was the most enjoyable movie outing we have had till date. It was nice of members to bring along their relatives. As I always say, the more the merrier!
--Bhaswati

Service Before Self

Celebratory feelings of goodwill and bonhomie spilled over from yesterday as the Garden witnessed a still heavier turnout this morning. Adding to the merriment, Shekhawat-ji (right) spread some 'sweetness’ with home-made til ka laddoo, traditionally associated with Makar Sankranti. As they say, ‘til gul ghya, ani god god bola’. The sesame seeds used for this exquisite preparation were incidentally, from his khet in Rajasthan.
Meanwhile, ‘Gyan Guru’ Kishor Babani unwittingly pulled off the biggest joke of the day. Yesterday, he had enlisted the participation of all those interested in watching Yamla Pagla Deewana on Saturday and accordingly, brought their tickets this morning -- only to find that some more members were interested in joining in.
As one ever ready to be of help, he uncomplainingly collected their share of money and promised to book their tickets today. There was a minor accounting issue as the tickets rates were slightly over-priced (this being the first week-end of release) and he had to collect the differential from each member. Here he is seen (above) with brother Dilip (in red striped T-shirt) tallying figures.
At the end of all the jiggery pokery, Kishor-bhai had a confirmed list of 18 paid members for tomorrow’s screening. An additional nine tickets had to booked. So our man takes out his car, makes a second trip to Cinemax and finds he’s arrived too soon in the morning. Again, not one to complain, he smilingly goes home and before long, sets out a third time for Cinemax. This time he is lucky and books the nine tickets.
Mission accomplished, he returns home triumphantly, having all 18 tickets in his possession. And then it strikes him: He has booked tickets for everybody, but not for himself! So again Kishor-bhai takes out his car and dutifully drives all the way to Cinemax to book a single ticket for himself…
Now, what can you say of this man?

Harish Wadhwa says:
1. Kishor-bhai is always willing to take the lead and do something for others. His jovial self and noble personality is worth admiring.
2. Blog Monster, I would like to see the main picture changed -- similar to the one you had last time where one can see so many smiling faces and people laughing away to glory. This pic, though of surya puja, shows the backs of all people.
3. Nice to see that there are so many movie buffs interested in seeing the newly-released movie. Have a great time, enjoy a lot of popcorn and bring back some nice memories to share.
--Harish

Festive Air

Today was Makar Sankranti, an auspicious day by the Hindu calendar when the Sun transits from Sagittarius to Capricorn in the northern skies. Although there was no deliberate attempt to celebrate the occasion (a Lohri get-together is however, lined up for the evening in the Garden), an air of festivity pervaded through the group this morning.
One reason was the unusually huge turnout with a number of old and familiar faces showing up after a long time. Ram Shankar Shukla (in brown sweater, below) looked hale and hearty, scotching rumours that he had met with a serious road accident. All he had suffered was a deep inch-long gash on his right palm when a kid rammed his tricycle into him. Nothing serious, he assured us.
Yusuf Rassiwala was also there, for once in white T-shirt and looking dapper for his age. He confessed to being a bit “confused” about his fitness regimen as doctors have forbidden him to exercise in the morning. He suffers from a heart condition and with an added BP problem, he cannot take chances exerting himself in the morning cold. But for this, he said, he feels fit – both physically and mentally.
The other reason for the festive atmosphere in the Garden was that word had got around about the movie outing scheduled for Saturday. There’s at least something to look forward now and many members, who do not usually join for film shows, have evinced interest. Yusuf-bhai helped Kishor Babani in collecting cash for the tickets, which would be picked up this evening.Meanwhile, there’s some talk about fixing the next picnic for Harsh Giri, a holiday resort close to Thane. Neelam Garg (left, in fuschia print) has been there recently and for its entry fee of Rs 350, she’s all praise for the place. The ladies now want to go there, only that nobody is prepared to formally propose the idea, lest she’d have to do the organizing part and then… what if it turns into another fiasco like Chokhi Dhani (or Goa, or Alibaug) earlier?
Better to wait and watch.

Harish Wadhwa says:
Besides the festive air, one feels like staying in bed, cosily tucked in a light blanket with the chill weather outside. A garam chai ki pyali is more tempting than stepping out for the exercises. Aaraam karna bhi utna hee zaroori hai, iss bhag daud ki zindagi mein.
--Harish

January Movie

Our picnic plans have been getting repeatedly scuttled; but not so the movies. Thanks to the timely initiative of ‘gyan guru’ Kishor Babani (panel right), we should now be able to keep our January 2011 appointment at the cineplex with a yet-to-be-released laugh riot, Yamla Pagla Deewana this Saturday.
Kishor-bhai assumes charge from Yusuf Rassiwala (below, left) who had started the practice of a ‘movie outing’ every month for members and their families. Since September 2010, we have been able to catch three movies -- the last one, Tees Maar Khan being an unmitigated disaster (see post of December 25) in all respects. These days Yusuf-bhai appears to be much too pre-occupied with personal issues to be able to attend the Club regularly and cannot be expected to apply himself on movie shows as earlier.
Kishor-bhai announced that he would be trying for tickets of the morning show on January 15 at Cinemax, the plex closest to us. Going by the instant response of those present, it looks like he will have to herd a contingent of 25 members (if not more) and their families. This is surely a happy augury in the New Year, for which Kishor-bhai deserves our full support and cooperation.
The other development of the day was that Harish Wadhwa (left) is back from Delhi’s biting winter cold after attending the global alumni meet of BITS (Birla Institute of Technology and Science) Pilani, his alma mater. He had a limited edition wrist watch as a momento to show for it and many inspiring stories to narrate -- of extraordinary achievements by extraordinary ex-students of the institute, many of who were his batch mates at one time.
Harish-bhai is a wonderful raconteur and it was a rewarding experience as he took us on his trip down memory lane.