Parting Gift

Rane's commemorative album: THE MAN & HIS MOODS

Browsing through the album

The photo album to be presented to Bapu Rane’s family is ready. Yusuf Rassiwala came in specially to have a look at it. So did Srichand Arora – in spite of the grievous injuries he had sustained on his arms and knees from an autorickshaw accident yesterday. Even Renu and Kishor Babani were there. And of course, all of Rane’s old-time friends – Sitaram Hivarkar, Ved Prakash Grover, Monthi Serrao, Nahid Khan, Jagmohan Papneja… they were all there.
Titled The Man and His Moods, the album is nothing but a ‘humble tribute’ from the Club in the form of a compilation of photographs, both in colour and b&w on late Bapu Rane. It captures the spirit of a man who meant so much to us – his jack-in-the-box liveliness, simplicity, honest-to-goodness attitude, the childish pranks he used to play and most importantly, the joy he had brought through the many carefree mornings he shared with us in the Garden.
There are images of him conducting the exercises, of leading the prayers, the monkey dance he used to perform with Shekhawat, Holi revelry, Arora feeding him luddoos, he singing the national anthem on Independence Day, the last birthday he celebrated with us in December 2012, his recent hospitalization… Memories of those moments are now frozen for posterity in this single-edition commemorative album.
On Monday evening, three senior members from the Cub will visit Rane’s home and formally present the album to his widow. It shall be the 11th day since he bid us adieu forever.
Renu Babani:
The album was so beautiful. It was a touching gesture, no doubt. The heartfelt messages from all members showed how much he meant to us. Mr Rane, you were God's special gift to us. And now He has taken you back. He couldn't bear the separation.
Jagmohan Papneja:
This is a unique way of paying tribute to the departed soul. It is also a reflection of keeping alive memories of late Rane-ji's association with the BIG LAAF family. This would not have been possible without Bose Babu's highly imaginative and creative ideas, which enabled us to dedicate this grand album.
Harish Wadhwa:
The album indeed has come out very good and is an apt tribute to someone we loved so much but who is no more with us. His various moods reflected in so many pics show how lively and good-hearted Rane-ji was. Superb idea in making this 'memories-album'. I am sure his family will be touched to see it.