Day 357

Looks like yesterday’s blog post has had an effect on Santosh Tyagi (below). Responding to the concerns of members, she turned up this morning, looking fresh as a daisy. The many days of rest have done her a world of good. She was down with not only pain in her leg joints, but viral fever and flu had also got the better of her. Happily, she is able to put all that behind her now.
However, the scene stealer of the morning was the film actor, Om Puri. From the time he entered the Garden, 17 pairs of eyes from our group followed him intently round and round the walking track. We could see the man trying his best to keep to himself, even as some people were eager to befriend him during his walk. Sitaram Hivarkar was so taken in by the sight that for some time while exercising, he had forgotten that his back was turned to us. Pratap Bhatt was convinced he was seeing Om Shivpuri, while a few insisted this had to be Amrish Puri. The name of Madan Puri also came up. Khatoon Baig intervened to clarify that all the Puris of the Hindi film industry were brothers, only to prompt a cheeky remark about chholey-puris by Nafisa Sayed.
Seeing so much interest centered on one person in the Garden, Srichand Arora walked up to Om and asked him to pose with us for a group photograph. After initial hesitation, the actor agreed. So, all those who jostled to get into the frame, here’s the pic (lead photo) that made your day.
And let us not forget to thank Arora (who unfortunately, is partially hidden in the back) for arranging this rare photo-op.
Says HARISH WADHWA:
Here we have another celebrity in the group. Om Puri-ji is a great actor and person. Hope he joins the Big Laaf club. Did you notice from the picture that at least three men are sporting big pot bellies (and some trying to hide) despite daily exercising? Kuchh karo bhai-logon to stay fit.
Says RENU BABANI:
Today was quite amusing as the main hero of the day was Om Puri. Everyone was trying to befriend him and he was the headturner for all. The discussion was whether Amrish Puri and he are brothers. I guess the same surname was the cause for confusion. The day ended well with him readily joining us for a group photo. This shows that even actors are humble and normal people like us.
Says BHASWATI BOSE:
We should all thank Arora-ji for this group photo. Ideally he should be standing next to Mr Om Puri. I request the Club's official photographer to be more careful in future. Om Puri-ji looks quite serious in the pic. Maybe he should join our Club. We shall welcome him happily!