Dates Deferred

Attendance has dropped drastically because of the intense summer heat

The three-day Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani excursion has been deferred by a week. Responding to reservations expressed by a section of the Club, Shekhawat today announced that instead of May 13 – 15, we would be making the trip between May 19 and 21, 2015. All other details (ref post of April 25) remain the same.
“We need to respect the religious sentiments of everyone,” said Shekhawat, explaining that the dates fixed earlier would clash with Shab-e-Meraaj, one of the three holy nights on the Islamic calendar.
Shekhawat also urged those joining the trip to pay up immediately so that hotel accommodation and other arrangements can be confirmed earliest. He has reasons to worry because this is peak tourism season in Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani and the longer the delay, he loses the early mover advantage. Besides, there are not many good, affordable hotels or resorts in the twin hill stations to house 30 people at one go, unless booked well in advance.
In putting together the number, Shekhawat’s biggest problem is the absenteeism these days.

Banoo Apa treats us to light refreshments

Many of his ‘loyal’ travel companions have stopped coming to the Garden because of the stifling heat and humidity in the mornings. Telephone calls aren’t of much help because there’s always a difference between making a commitment and actually paying. “Most of the people who have committed aren’t showing up in the Garden,” he complained.

Laxmi Hadimani pays for Mahabaleshwar trip

“Now, I can’t possibly land up at everyone's doorstep and demand payment!”
Still, he made a scene today when a long-time ‘loyalist’, Laxmi Hadimani turned up after the exercises and tried to explain that she isn’t quite sure if she would be able to accompany the group this time around. Shekhawat would have nothing of it and in the scuffle that followed, effectively extorted the money out of her. Even while paying, she maintained that there was every chance of her withdrawing if she would be away in Karnataka on May 19. She cannot say for sure now.
What remains unsaid is that the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani trip appears to be jinxed. This the third attempt Shekhawat is making in as many years and should he fail to rustle up the requisite numbers, he might as well dump the idea for good. But being a diehard optimist, he isn’t going to give up easily.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Travel plans and picnics are never jinxed. If you are not comfortable with one venue, another venue can be selected.
Bihari Milwani:
Dear Shekhawat-ji, to attract a crowd for your Mahabaleshwar trip, I suggest you announce the coronation of a new saali and invite everyone for a party.

Garden Paradiso

Sultry weather notwithstanding, the Garden presents a panorama of some of the most fascinating and silliest acts humans are capable of.

Contortionist gets in his act

Performing a headstand

From playful kids running helter-skelter to sane people walking backwards to the downright retarded vigorously punching holes in the air to several middle-aged women in their bedclothes playing pakdan-pakdai… we have seen them all.
We have also seen many May-December romances blossom and wither away like the beautiful flowers in the Garden. From time to time, we have had monkeys and crows calling on us, apart from fake godmen and health gurus proffering unsolicited advice.

A writer in their midst

Assorted actors from the neighborhood have also joined us for the exercises, entertaining us along the way… but they were all birds of passage.
Of late, we are having to put up with a bunch of acrobats who look to have escaped from a circus. Every morning they greet us like delirious animals doing cartwheels, somersaults, backflips and headstands.

Mallika is terrified

They know we are incapable of matching them even half-way and yet they persist, just to show off. Why else do they not go to any other part of the Garden, far away from us?
What’s more, one of them looks to be a writer. Surrounded by all the mindless activity, he sits down cross-legged on the grass, fully composed and pens a treatise – or is it a film script?

Amused onlookers

How he draws inspiration from the madness around, he alone knows.
The latest is a young man who plonks himself squarely on the platform overlooking our circle. Mallika Kagzi is mortally scared of him. He strikes a serene Buddha pose, suddenly breaking into a long-drawn Ommmmm, Ommmmmm… That very instant, Mallika would flee 50 feet away, as though chased by a bellowing bull. The intonation is so ear shattering that it can wake up babies five blocks away! Only when this bull horn stops would Mallika retrace her steps delicately.
But then why make fun of others? We ourselves are a class beyond compare – be it in the way we conduct ourselves or the green uniform we wear on Wednesdays or Shekhawat’s human train at the end of the free-hand exercises… A young couple hid behind the shrubs and quietly filmed our crazy antics today. Surely, it’s a mad, mad world out here. And inadvertently, we have become part of it.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
The antics of these youngsters remind us of our childhood. They are lucky to have a garden to enjoy themselves in. We were denied all these facilities. In the villages we had fields to play about or mango groves. We feel happy now to see children playing, lovers making love, writers writing some script and on top, we find a worthy member getting scared when someone exercises his vocal chord by uttering "OM". Where do you get so many things at one place? Lucky guys.
Bihari Milwani:
All these people are performers in very unique ways so as to give us reasons to laugh. Otherwise someone may call us Mad Laughter Group. Cheers to these people.

Unfinished Business

Shekhawat receives calendar from Arora with military honors

Madhu celebrates turning grandmother with a box of barfi

After Shekhawat’s birthday celebration yesterday, the Garden wore a desolate look today. Several key members had gone missing – Teja Singh, Mallika Kagzi, Yusuf Rassiwala, Mohar Singh, Ram Shankar Shukla, Lakshmi Naidu, Karuna Waghmare, Sitaram Hivarkar… We were not even a dozen to start the exercises this morning.
But there was business to be concluded. Shekhawat was to be given his birthday calendar – something we missed yesterday – and Srichand Arora had to rush home early morning to fetch it. In proper military style, both clicked their heels and pulled off a smart salute during the ‘presentation ceremony’. Only the drum roll and bugles were missing. Even so, that was fun.
The other unfinished business was Nahid Khan’s friend, Madhu turning up today to announce her grand-motherhood. Her daughter has just delivered a baby girl. Madhu belongs to Delhi, but regularly visits her daughter who is married in Mumbai. That's how we know her. She was here earlier in the month, but returned to Delhi because the delivery was delayed. Now that things have reached a logical conclusion, Madhu was here to share her joy with a box of barfi.
To us however, the celebration was unscheduled, if not unexpected. It was supposed to be a ‘dry day’ and that probably explains the drop in attendance this morning. In fact, the mass absenteeism on days when there are no birthday treats or celebrations scheduled is being increasingly noticed. Arora chided Nahid Khan to declare a party tomorrow for whatever reason – even if it were to be bogus. “You need to make an announcement and the news will travel far and wide in 24 hours,” he said. “Tomorrow morning you’d be guaranteed of 100 per cent attendance!”
Nahid smelt a rat. “Why don’t YOU make the announcement?” she challenged Arora. “You want them to all come tomorrow and sit on my head, demanding a party?” The message was out, loud and clear.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Thin attendance is not desirable. It is against the basic tenets of the Club. The attendance on non-celebration days should be more, so that calories can be burned. Hope members keep this motto in mind always.
Bihari Milwani:
Wow, tomorrow there will be two parties -- Nahid Party and Arora Party -- both in green uniform.
Srichand Arora:
* I agree with Angad-ji. Waise Angad-ji, when are you returning. Soona soona laga hai yeh garden aapke bina. Kya hai, woh jo north mein hai, west mein nahin...
* Bihari-ji, thora calories par bhi dhyaan dijiye!

In Style

Birthday boy Shekhawat with guests

Whenever Hari Singh Shekhawat celebrates, he does it in style. Barely a month back, he hosted a massive breakfast bash to celebrate his 55th wedding anniversary (ref post of March 14), inviting almost the entire Garden. Today, for his ‘phapda-jalebi’ birthday party, he got not only a full house, but also Niloufer Rassiwala, Kiran Arora and Pushpa Gupta –

Mrunilini Patil

ladies who ordinarily do not attend anyone else’s party/ celebration in the Garden.
Even Yusuf Rassiwala was surprised to see his wife coming in towards the end of the exercises to attend today’s party. “Shekhawat must have phoned her separately,” he hazarded a guess. “Otherwise she is not one to leave her housework behind and come here early in the morning…

Banoo Apa confirms dates of Shab-e-Meraj

no matter how hard I keep persuading her.”
If that is no measure of his popularity, Shekhawat managed to get Marathi filmmaker Mrunalini Patil to distribute complimentary passes for an evening show of her latest film, Kaay Raav Tumhi at the Cinemax cineplex. A satirical love story based on the Hindi comedy Shaukeen, it features Satish Pulekar, Ravindra Mahajani, Yatin Karekar and Niyati Joshi in the leads. “Go enjoy, it’s my birthday today,” Shekhawat declared flamboyantly.
On one count though, Shekhawat’s plans seem to have run aground. He had scheduled the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani trip for May 13 to 15, but now, it appears that the dates coincide with Shab-e-Meraj, an important religious observance on the Islamic calendar. This would automatically eliminate a sizeable chunk of members from his contingent. Banoo Apa had even brought an almanac to the Garden to confirm the dates. So as things stand, Shekhawat is left with no option but to reschedule the excursion to a later date. We should get to know about this soon.
Harish Wadhwa:
Happy Birthday, Shekhawat-ji. Many, many happy returns of the day.
Bihari Milwani:
* Shekhawat-ji, the next time panditji se mooharat nikalke picnic ka programme banana.
* Dear Shekhawat-ji, did Arora-sa'ab give you your birthday gift i.e. calendar? If not, please demand it tomorrow and give us a birthday party again.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Happy Birthday, Shekhawat-ji. Well celebrated. Keep it up. Wish you many more happy birthdays.

Day 1629

Pehchaan Kaun-12

PUT A NAME TO THIS PIC

Look at this picture closely. He is one of us.  
Clue: He has a prominent scar (from an injury) near one ankle.
Now answer three simple questions to claim your prize – the glittering crystalware Pehchaan Kaun trophy:
* At what age was this photograph taken?
* What is his mother tongue?
* What size shoes does this gentleman wear?  
The closest all-correct entry will be declared winner.
In the (likely) event of a tie, the winner shall be decided by a toss of the coin or draw of lots.
You have 10 days to send in your entry. 
Good luck!
Anonymous:
Aree Deewano , Mujhe Pehchaano, Kahan Se Aaya, Main Hoon Kaun?
Kiran Prakash:
* This will again give tension to everybody and Pehchaan Kaun creator will silently enjoy the scene.
* I heard somebody is organising a free pedicure session for male members -- obviously to find the foot with an injury mark.

ENTRIES RECEIVED--

Razia Khan: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 35 yrs/ Gujarati/ Size 9)

Siba Prasad Maitra: He is VED PRAKASH GROVER (Age 35-40 yrs/ Punjabi/ Size 7)

Bihari Milwani: He is MOHAR SINGH (Age 15 yrs/ Marwari/ Size 6)
                                  He is KIRAN PRAKASH (Age 30 yrs/ Bihari/ Size 10)

Dilip Babani: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 19 yrs/ Gujarati/ Size 10)

Kiran Prakash: He is JAGMOHAN PAPNEJA (Age 30 yrs/ Punjabi/ Size 8)
                                 He is ARUN PATIL (Age 27 yrs / Marathi / Size 8)

Santosh Tyagi*: He is SITARAM HIVARKAR (Age 35 yrs/ Marathi/ Size 7)

YUSUF RASSIWALA TODAY!

Khatoon Baig*: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 25 yrs/ Gujarati/ Size 10)

Nahid Khan*: He is KIRAN PRAKASH (Age 45 yrs/ Hindi/ Size 8)

Hari Singh Shekhawat*: He is KIRAN PRAKASH (Age 40 yrs/ Hindi/ Size 7)

Banoo Apa*: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 25 yrs/ Gujarati/ Size 10)

Mumtaz Jahan*: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 30 yrs/ Gujarati/ Size 9)

Mallika Kagzi*: He is DILIP BABANI (Age 25 yrs/ Sindhi/ Size 10)

Monthi Serrao**: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 21 yrs/ Gujarati/ Size 9)

Prabha Kapoor*: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 40 yrs/ Gujarati/ Size 10)

Jagmohan Papneja*: He is SITARAM HIVARKAR (Age 30 yrs/ Marathi/ Size 8)

Fehmida Khan*: He is SIBA PRASAD MAITRA (Age 50 yrs/ Bengali/ Size 7)

Srichand Arora*: He is MOHAR SINGH (Age 25 yrs/ Hindi/ Size 9)

Kiran Arora*:He is ARUN PATIL (Age 25 yrs/ Marathi/ Size 9)

Pushpa Gupta*: He is SIBA PRASAD MAITRA (Age 35 yrs/ Bengali/ Size 8)

Sitaram Hivarkar*: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 30 yrs/ Hindi-Gujarati/ Size 8)

Harish Wadhwa: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age 30-32 years/ Bohra-Gujarati/ Size 9)

Kajal Babani: He is YUSUF RASSIWALA (Age ???/ Gujarati/ Size 11)

* Entry received orally
** Entry received on a slip of paper

Yeshh! He is indeed YUSUF RASSIWALA!!!

(SEE DETAILED REPORT ON POST OF MAY 16, 2015)

Trip Announced

Shekhawat announces next trip

Hari Singh Shekhawat today announced that the next trip from the Club would be to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani on May 13 – 15, 2015. Coming a little over a month of the Gangtok-Darjeeling tour (March 28 to April 2), this three-day excursion would cover some of the more scenic peaks located about 300 kms away from Mumbai on the Western Ghats.
“We plan to take a group of 30,” informed Shekhawat. “A resort has been booked for two nights and three days and accommodation will be on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided every day during our stay. We shall be travelling in comfort to and fro by air-conditioned bus and the total cost should not exceed Rs6,000 per head – provided of course, we are able to muster 30 members required for the group.”
Given that similar tour packages in peak season are going for no less than Rs10,000 per head, Shekhawat’s deal is no doubt attractive.

President Srichand Arora convenes general body meeting

But what raised a few eyebrows was whether he will be able to mobilise 30 people so soon after Gangtok- Darjeeling. But Shekhawat is optimistic because, as he says, “this is the best season to visit Mahabaleshwar”. And within half an hour of making the announcement, he claimed to have obtained the consent of 12 jodis (pairs). He needs 15.
Earlier, the Club had its general body meeting, as scheduled, in the China Hut (ref post of April 23) and enjoined all members to (a) daily wear the Big Laaf cap, fresh stocks of which are being ordered; (b) observe all Wednesdays as ‘Green Day’ and Saturdays as ‘White Day’; (c) impose a ceiling of 50 on Club membership and maintain a ‘waiting list’ for newer members; and (d) meet next for the first AGM of Big Laaf on the last Saturday of May, i.e. May 30, 2015. All’s well that ends well.
Bihari Milwani:
Very few persons enjoy their work as does our Chairman of Picnics. I feel that if, at his age, he starts a career as event manager he will be successful. I am sure all 15 couples going to Mahabaleshwar will be very lucky and have a pleasant time.

Mr Forgetful

Srichand Arora

Something happened to Srichand Arora today.
He remembered to land in the Garden on time, but after that he was completely at sea. Blame it on advancing age or the terrible summer heat, he just could not get a grip on things.
He took charge in the middle only to skip one exercise after another, or repeat some time and again. Within seconds of doing a certain exercise, he wanted to do it again. And with no dearth of mischief makers around to misguide him, the outcome can well be imagined. Even Siba Prasad Maitra was eager to 'prompt' him and leave him utterly confused.
Now, this is nothing unusual. Memory lapses in the middle happen to the best of us – from Nahid Khan to Yusuf Rassiwala to Bose Babu to Razia Khan... But what defied explanation was Arora bringing Bijoy Gupta’s birthday present and completely forgetting about it.
He kept the table calendar, neatly gift-wrapped on a bench nearby and apparently went half-way home to fetch it. And then, were he not reminded about the calendar, Gupta would well have gone without it today.
The latter had proudly come with his wife, Pushpa and treated us to samosas, cake slices, potato wafers and hot tea and only then did we remember about the unattended calendar. Arora rushed out and did some damage control.
For the past few days, the man was arriving late because he had to drop his grandkids to school/ college early morning. Today, in being so punctual in the Garden, chances were he had left them in the lurch. We shall know tomorrow.

Pushpa gives Bijoy first bite of cake

Floral shower on 'birthday boy'

Bijoy Gupta receives calendar gift

Post Script: This post has been written in light vein. Please take it in the same spirit.

Bihari Milwani:
Why we say only Arora-ji had forgotten? In fact, we all were so anxious to have the eats that we forgot to remind Arora-ji to give the calendar. Well, at least Arora-ji remembered that today is Mr Gupta's birthday and he needs to give him the calendar. Cheers for Arora's good memory!
Harish Wadhwa:
Many, many happy returns of the day, Gupta-ji. Happy Birthday!
Srichand Arora:
Actually I was really out of mind this morning. Shayad bheje mein memory chip insert karna bhool gaya. Otherwise everyone knows what a sharp memory I have. HA HA HA!!!
Kiran Prakash:
The comments suggest that the post has been taken in the right spirit. Blog rocks! Happy Birthday and many happy returns of the day, Gupta-ji.

Small Mercies

Jagmohan Papneja reads out the agenda for Saturday meeting

After three days of oppressive heat and humidity, we had a semblance of cloud cover this morning. Our prayers for relief from dripping perspiration and parched throats were answered by occasional gusts of cool breeze. Many said that it could be raining somewhere close-by. But April showers in Mumbai invariably lead to a sudden spike in temperature and humidity levels. Still, with the skies darkening, we were thankful to the weather gods for small mercies.

Soaking in the atmosphere

After the exercises, Jagmohan Papneja read out the agenda for a general body meeting this Saturday – April 25, 2015. It is being convened to arrive at a consensus and formalise the following issues:
One, the need to replenish our stock of Club caps which have become damaged/ faded due to wear and tear over the past two years. The colour, design, price, etc. for the new lot will have to be discussed and decided.
Two, whether we should continue with the colour code of dressing on specific days of the week. At present, we are wearing green on Wednesdays and white on Saturdays.
Three, the desirability of placing a ceiling on the membership of Big Laaf. We are a 47-strong Club now and in the interests of fostering unity, like-mindedness and better bonding, we might consider containing ourselves to a manageable number of 50. Beyond that, should anybody want to join, s/he will have to placed in a ‘waiting list’ – as is the practice in many premier clubs.
Four, a call will have to be taken on the date and venue of the First AGM of Big Laaf, due any time. But before that, we'll have to be prepared with the audited statements of accounts for 2014-15. Yawn… Go to sleep!
Harish Wadhwa:
It is Bijoy Gupta's birthday tomorrow. He may (or will) come to the Garden. Do give him that extra (fourth) round of loud-laugh tomorrow. And demand a celebration.
Kiran Prakash:
Are you now linking fourth laugh with celebration? Will it be for everybody now onward? We are having a meeting this Saturday. Please come and propose this point.

Summer Delight

Jagmohan Papneja

Summertime is holiday time. Schools are closed and children, fresh from classroom cramming and tests, tumble out in the open. So every year, at this time, the Garden turns into a beautiful fairy ground with colorful kids of all shapes and sizes, screaming and running around the place – a welcome relief from the dull monotony of glum-faced geriatrics and of course, the oppressive heat and humidity.
This summer is no different.

Kids having a ball in our midst

For the past few days we have been observing scores of tiny tots, many with their ‘handlers’, scampering about and playing funny games – often to the annoyance of Jagmohan Papneja. He does not like them doing aerial tennis, chucking missiles (or whatever game they might improvise) and being the custodian of the Garden, his writ runs large.
So it came as no surprise that in his absence today, a bunch of kids ventured into our space and kept us company through the exercises. Srichand Arora was particularly taken in by the little ‘guests’ and engaged them in a friendly snarling session during the laughter round.

Shekhawat weighs his options for the next picnic

Whether the kids were amused or we were to be more entertained by them is inconsequential. Any departure from the routine has to be delightful.
Separately, Shekhawat got cracking on another outstation trip – this time not-too-far, with a possible overnight stay. After consulting his regular travel companions, he has narrowed his options down to three predictable destinations:
(a) Alibaug
(b) Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani
(c) Matheran
Ideally, he would like to make the most of the extended week-end between May 1 and 3, but that seems unlikely. This is peak holiday season and most hotels at the three places (as well as in other popular picnic resorts) have been booked months in advance. He will have to settle for some other dates (even venue), possibly mid-week. An announcement is expected soon.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Grown-ups should feel happy and relaxed in the company of kids. Their innocence itself is sufficient to amuse us. Arora-ji is doing good at keeping these children engaged and enjoying.
Bihari Milwani:
Hum bhi agar bacche hote, naam hamara hota Babloo-Dabloo, aur khane ko milte laddoo...

Of Pride and Prestige

Srichand Arora

The Club today unanimously endorsed the view that the dark blue baseball cap with logo distinguishes us as members of Big Laaf and must be treated as a mark of honour. “It sets us apart from everybody else in the Garden,” said Srichand Arora. “Please wear it with pride, every morning, when you come to exercise.”
“We draw our identity from this cap,” reiterated Shekhawat, who was himself without the cap this morning.
The issue of caps has been hanging fire since the onset of summer with some ladies complaining that it was impossible to wear them in the sweltering heat. Surprisingly, they came around on their own after realizing that the cap provides a decent head cover from the blazing sun. “I was wrong in imagining that it would heat up my head,” conceded Mumtaz Jahan.
The other reason for the issue to be raked up today was that we have run out of our stock of caps and a decision had to be taken on whether we should be placing fresh orders.

'Capless' Shekhawat emphasises the need to wear caps daily

The first lot was received on March 2013 and in these two years most of them have become frayed or faded due to wear and tear. Many like Yusuf Rassiwala and Sitaram Hivarkar are nowadays sporting caps of a different design and colours. That apart, the Club is unable to provide caps to the new members joining in.
“There is no point ordering a fresh lot if you do not want to wear them,” reasoned Arora, who was instrumental in introducing the caps against stiff resistance from a section of the Club. “Not only would it cost us a tidy sum, we shall face a problem of dead stock. Let us not invite such a problem upon ourselves.”
Meanwhile, Shekhawat was hard-pressed at figuring out how he could have left home “empty-headed”. He tried his luck at borrowing a cap from Sunita Jajodia, then Mallika Kagzi, then Dilip Babani… but to no avail. Ultimately, he started clapping self-mockingly (“gandi-baat, gandi-baat”) but still wondered aloud how he could have forgotten to wear his cap today!
Bihari Milwani:
Kissa Topi Ka, produced by Arora-ji and marketed by Shekhawat-ji is a grand success story!
Kiran Prakash:
Ha ha ha... Well said, Bihari-ji!

Tasted Blood!

Banoo celebrates with halwa-chai

The collective euphoria and joie de vivre from Saturday evening’s function (ref yesterday’s post) spilled into the Garden this morning. Many came flashing WhatsApp messages, video recordings and photographs clicked on their mobiles while most others recounted the hilarious highpoints of the event – the unnoticed goof-ups, unplanned intrusions, the what-could-have beens and so on.
Monthi Serrao had lost her bunch of house keys in the China Hut that evening, but nobody paid any attention to her. Everyone was on an emotional high. At the instance of Mumtaz Jahan, a fourth laugh was raised for the success of the function.

Shekhawat sings his heart out: "Roop naya hai, Rang naya hai"

And Banoo Apa, as always, was there to celebrate the moment – this time with delectable home-made suji-ka-halwa and two large flasks of hot tea.
But the Club had already tasted blood. The feedback from the function is proving to be so heady that many members are demanding another event on a bigger scale – and with more time to prepare. At least two ladies, Nahid Khan and Mumtaz are insisting that we have a ticketed show of a play (obviously, to be staged by them) in a “commercial theatre”. Both are prepared with their scripts. It is almost as though they are ready for the big kill right away!
Meanwhile, Shekhawat sat at a distance, singing to himself, “Roop naya hai, Rang naya hai…” Those were the very lines given to him for the function, before Santosh Tyagi appropriated them. (That she too could not get to sing them, is another story). But Shekhawat couldn’t care less. He is happy that he has been able to find a new saali last Saturday. And it is for her ‘benefit’, that he is rehearsing anew.
Who that lady is, nobody knows. For some reason, Shekhawat is holding her identity close to his chest -- and heart.
Kiran Prakash:
The so-called Biryani Nite has certainly strengthened the bonding among members and generated a new feeling of belonging. This is the right time to lay down 'norms' for the smooth functioning of the Club. Over-enthusiasm sometimes leads to indiscipline, which we must avoid at any cost. The emotional bonding can be highly productive when it is governed within certain parameters.

Day 1622

Pic(s) of the Week --

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER!

The man who started it!

"Excellent. Annual get-together was an excellent event. How the time flew no one knows. I wonder why we can't have an annual get-together every day!" --Bihari Milwani

"The first big programme of Big Laaf was a big success. Credit goes to ONE and ALL. And specially Shekhwat-ji for his 'Roop-naya-hai Rang-naya-hai' which kept everybody going; Yusuf-bhai for his overall guidance and support; and Arora-ji, for his spirited presidential address to unite us all. While Bose Babu got the banner and took care of entire logistics, Jagmohan-ji did his part by obtaining the approval for organising the show. Harish-ji, as usual, did not fail in providing the total sound system support. Arun Patil sacrificed the entire show to take care of our bellies. In the art of compering the show, few can match Razia-ji. All these were required only because Monthi-ji - Bhaswati-ji and their team of almost 20 were there to entertain us. Santosh-ji's jokes were indeed icing on the cake. Big Laaf Zindabad, Zindabad."--Kiran Prakash

"Lovely programme. Everybody enjoyed." --Dilip Babani

"Excellent programme at short notice. All the members participated well. Being a new member, I am lucky to experience such a great event." --Siba Prasad Maitra

Hidden Talent

Mallika Kagzi

Nahid Khan

Santosh Tyagi

One week back, when Santosh Tyagi was approached to perform in this evening’s song-and-dance programme (yesterday’s post), she looked the other way. Kiran Prakash then requested her to plan a few jokes. She agreed reluctantly. Today, she not only has her jokes’ script all pat, she will be singing in most of the songs and has even snatched Shekhawat’s song slot, leaving him speechless!

Tara-rum-pum-pum... rehearsals in full swing

Likewise, when Mallika Kagzi was asked whether she would like to sing or perhaps, dance in the evening programme, her instant reply was, “Tell me what I am capable of. I can cook at the most.” Today, after barely four or five days of rehearsals, she has emerged as one of the lead singers, singing along with rare gusto.
Nahid Khan is yet another hidden talent that has come to the fore.

Harish Wadhwa drops by

Till the other day, she used to sit quietly observing the ladies in the China Hut practice their lines. Now, she has plunged into the singing sessions like a duck takes to water. So surprised is she at herself that this morning she even suggested staging a play in future.

Razia Khan (with arm in sling) comes with son

“I used to do theatre before marriage,” she revealed.
Family responsibility, decades of domesticity, rearing children and getting them settled in life have robbed these seniors of even the realization of what they are capable of. Today, to their infinite joy and pride, they are all rediscovering what they are blessed with. They are verily reliving their childhood now. Were it not for the platform provided by the so-called ‘Biryani Nite’, we too would not have discovered these jewels in the sand.
Meanwhile, Harish Wadhwa made an appearance this morning to get a sense of the preparations and figure out first-hand the lighting, acoustics and projection arrangements for the evening. Razia Khan, who would handle the compering of the show, also dropped by for a final briefing. With so much of enthusiasm and positivity in the air, there is no reason why the evening should not go absolutely tara-rum-pum-pum!
Harish Wadhwa:
* I am missing the in-scene entertainment. I am sure the chorus will be a big hit as so many voices and hidden talent are singing without inhibition. I am sure today's evening will be very musical and colorful.
* The lines 'Roop-naya-hai Rang-naya-hai' must be coming straight from Shekhawat-ji's and Santosh-ji's hearts as they can sing it with so much passion.
* Did you notice how many members are showing their hidden leadership qualities (besides talent) by shouldering various responsibilities so spontaneously?
Kiran Prakash:
The entire programme was extremely entertaining. Well planned, well rehearsed. Kudos to the Big LAAF team for their 100 per cent attendance, participation and cheering the performers. God indeed blessed us.

Final Rehearsals

Shekhawat sings lustily, 'Roop naya hai, Rang naya hai...'

Mallika cries over spilt keema outside the Garden gate!

Rehearsals are in full swing for the variety programme scheduled for the Biryani Nite tomorrow evening. Every day after the exercises, a group of ladies can be seen huddled together in the China Hut clearing their vocal chords and singing along with recorded music playing from a laptop. Occasionally a couple of males, namely Shekhawat and Sitaram Hivarkar would stray into their midst, if only to prove that they too are capable of singing off-key.
The Biryani Nite, as mentioned earlier (ref post of April 9), is Kiran Prakash’s brainchild, mainly to showcase select photographs from this blog to members and their families. It would be the first “big function” ever for Big Laaf. Small wonder, it has generated much enthusiasm and excitement all around, with even the most reticent members eager to pitch in. Already the biryani order has been placed and a ‘welcome banner’ delivered yesterday. The lighting, sound and projection equipment should be organized by this evening. The photographs have also been lined up. According to the programme made available, the evening should unfold somewhat like this:
6:30pm to 6:35pm – Welcome Song
6:35pm to 6:40pm – Jokes by Santosh Tyagi
6:45pm to 7:15pm – Housie Session
7:15pm to 7:30pm – BREAK
7:30pm to 8:15pm – Slideshow Projection
8:15pm to 8:30pm – Jokes and Shayari
8:30pm to 9:00pm – Antakshari
9:00pm to 9:50pm – Music, Songs and Dance
9:50pm to 9:59pm – Vote of Thanks by Shekhawat
Packed biryani would be made available on a counter (manned by Arun Patil) from 7:00pm onwards to be consumed on the spot, or taken home.
If anybody is super-thrilled by all this, it is Shekhawat. He has managed to appropriate a singing slot for himself and went around rehearsing the lines in his raucous tone that scared away all the crows from the Garden. The only dampener though was Mallika Kagzi losing all the mutton keema she had thoughtfully brought for the ladies rehearsing. The bag she was carrying it in broke open just outside the Garden and all the crows that Shekhawat had driven away, descended on the keema, en masse. Mallika was left crying helplessly, like a baby.
Dilip Babani:
WE WILL HAVE NICE BIRYANI AND NICE LIVE PROGRAMME. HOPE ALL WILL ENJOY A LOT!
Harish Wadhwa:
A small practice session could lead to the crows feasting on keema. Tomorrow, when the decibel levels will be much higher, hope it would not be the turn of cows.
Kiran Prakash:
I am super-excited about tomorrow's programme. What a preparation!
Bihari Milwani:
Looking at the programme menu, my mouth has already started watering.

Homecoming

Posing with the banner created for the 'Biryani Nite' this Saturday, April 18, 2015 (pic courtesy TAHIRA KHAN)

Shekhawat welcomes Razia Khan

Disputes are inevitable wherever two or more people gather. Ours is a Club of nearly 50 people. So to imagine that all must be hunky dory and there can never be any dispute among us is simply stupid. As in any other organization, we too have our differences of opinion and we are happy to live with this. It is indicative of the good health of our Club and strengthens bonding among members. Or else, it would be like those “happy marriages” where couples never bother to quarrel. Such marriages are doomed.
The circumstances prompting Srichand Arora’s resignation (see his ‘comments’ yesterday) do not require elaboration. Suffice to say that it created a minor stir this morning till both Yusuf Rassiwala and Shekhwat got into their firefighting act and prevailed upon him to withdraw his papers. Status quo was restored. If anything, the two have lived up to their role as Chairmen Emeritus of Big Laaf.

Teja Singh is back with kaju katlis

That apart, the happiest moments of the morning were when Teja Singh Bhambra and then, Razia Khan returned to the Club after an extended hiatus. Shekhawat broke protocol and for the first time scampered out of the exercise circle to receive Razia (incidentally, one of his four acclaimed 'saalis'). Her left arm was still on a sling after a complicated metacarpal operation last week (ref post of April 6). Worse, she had to be hospitalized again, this time for a piles' operation. Happily, the worst is over and she feels "much better" now.
Teja Singh’s homecoming sparked a little joke when he remarked that he was away for nine months. We did not realize this. But the mention of the duration of absence turned a few ladies red-faced. Sardarji had brought us some kaju katlis from Faridabad and from all appearances, he was his old jovial self, fit as a fiddle, though a tad tired. This time we won’t let him go back easily.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Nice to see the Big Laaf smilie transform from tongue-in-cheek to tongue-inside-cheek. The logo is a true representation of the spirit of the club. Moreover those open-wide, bright and mischievous eyes depict the mood of its members. Nice banner.
* By the way, I have heard there are many crooners in the Club who are going to surprise us by their singing skills. Looking forward to hearing them and also a new set of jokes from the joke legends of the Club.
* Teja Singh-ji, who is such a lovely person, has to sing a Punjabi song/ bhajan this time. I have heard him recite shabad-kirtan and he does it so gracefully. People who can sing in some other languages should also come forward.
* How about wearing ethnic dresses -- kurta-paijamas, Bengali dhoti, Punjabi suits, salwar-kameez, lungi-shirt, Marwari-bandi, pathani achkans, suits etc. Avoid trivial wear like shirt-pants or sarees. Maybe a prize for the differently dressed male or female.
Dilip Babani:
Welcome, Teja Singh.
Bihari Milwani:
Dear Arora-ji, thanks for withdrawing your resignation. We assure you that nobody will dare to do anything like last Sunday's Pic of the Week to you. Please stay with us, guide us, motivate us, bless us.
Kiran Prakash:
Dear Harish-ji, the preparation for Biryani Nite is already in full swing. The team of Monthi-ji, Bhaswati-ji, along with Razia-ji (who has joined them today) is already working and practicing over time to present a 'never-before' show. Your new ideas, motivation and musical support will certainly raise the level to match any big celebration.
Siba Prasad Maitra:
I could not come for two days but to my surprise I find the resignation of Mr Arora on a small issue. In a family also sometimes some difference of opinion takes place but for that why should the senior leave ? I request Mr Arora to join from Saturday morning and let's forget all that has happened. Let's make Biryani Nite a great success.
Harish Wadhwa:
Very nicely said, Maitra-ji. I second your view. We all need to rise above petty issues and just be members of a "family" called Big Laaf, where everyone is equal and deserves to feel wanted and loved.

Big Laaf 'thirds' the view. Everyone ought to be treated as equals.

Dignified Protest

Kiran Prakash

Today the Garden witnessed a peculiar phenomenon. Being a Wednesday morning, the Club was resplendent in regulation green – barring a solitary man. He came wearing black and had discarded the all-important Club cap. On his chest was a placard, the words ‘ON PROTEST’ emblazoned in large capitals.
He took his position in the exercise circle with an unusually stern and defiant look. Some were horrified at the sight, many were amused, a few even scared. But nobody stopped to inquire why Kiran Prakash had adopted such a peculiar form of ‘protest’.

Meeting for the Saturday (April 18) programme

Permission is required for the venue of function

The reason was no secret to us as we were all witness to the unsavory war of words that broke out soon after the exercises yesterday when Prakash’s name got drawn in. The dispute was over the preferential treatment accorded to a recalcitrant member of questionable repute that had become the cause of much heartburn in the Club over the years. Prakash had nothing to do with it. In his bid to seek a clarification and clear the air, he was rewarded with a resounding snub. That got his goat. But being a gentleman to the core, he did not raise his voice and promptly walked out. “I have never been humiliated like this ever in my life,” he said. “This is not fair!”
At that moment Prakash rose in the esteem of all present. Frantic phone calls followed from the Garden – Shekhawat in particular, assuring him that he would personally resolve the matter. This morning also, he reiterated his promise and requested not to take anything to heart. But Prakash had already resolved to leave the Club: “I will come till Saturday because the evening function is close to my heart,” he said. “After that I see no reason to continue with Big Laaf. Why should I come to this place early in the morning, only to be humiliated? I do not deserve it.”
Nobody ever deserves to be humiliated. But such are the ways of the world that you either stand up to fight or suffer in silence. Both ways you risk further indignity. Today Prakash showed us a third way: Register your protest with dignity and leave it at that. The flip side to this is members are already asking if he would loan them the placard (by turn) just for a day! Watch this space.
Kiran Prakash:
The Club belongs to all. It does not belong to one individual. Every member, irrespective of whether he/she is new or old, deserves to be treated with respect. Of course, today's protest was dignified; tomorrow's may not! On the positive side, it gives me immense pleasure to witness that every member is excited about the Saturday's programme and willing to contribute his/her best to make it memorable. This team work is excellent and worth admiring. May God bless us.
Srichand Arora:
Dear friends, due to some health problem, I may not be able to handle the Big Laaf responsibilities and looking to this I am resigning from the chairmanship of the Club. My written letter of resignation is being handed over to the Chairman Emeritus Shri Hari Singh Shekhawat with copies to Chairman Emeritus Shri Yusuf Bhai and the Secretary Shri Jagmohan Papneja. In mean time I thank you all for the cooperation extended to me during my stay with Big Laaf. KHUSH RAHO MAST RAHO AUR HANSTE RAHO. God bless you all. Good bye.
Harish Wadhwa:
Dear Arora-ji, your health is OK. The litmus test is the Badmaash Company chai every day. Besides, khush raho, mast raho, hanste raho... aap seniors sabka marg darshan bhi karte raho.

Third Dimension

Arora lets off steam on Baisakhi morning

Seems like Srichand Arora had got to see last Sunday’s pic today. He came storming into the Garden threatening to take the photographer to task. “See me outside the (garden) gate after the exercises,” he growled. “I’ll teach you a lesson!”
In Arora’s perception, the photograph shows him being slapped by a woman – none other than Mallika Kagzi. But how and when that had happened, he has no idea. When Kiran Prakash reminded him that a “photograph does not lie”, he became all the more livid.
Funnily, Mallika also had no recollection of when the incident took place. “When did I hit you?” she asked Arora, genuinely concerned – only to admit that she too had not seen the photograph in the blog. Incidentally, the image has been climbing the list of Popular Posts (ref panel alongside) and today, occupies top position.

Close-up of the Sunday pic 

Somebody showed Mallika the photograph in a mobile phone and Shekhawat too peered into it – but neither got any wiser. With a helpless expression, Arora appealed to Mallika’s good senses and in return, received a comforting hand on his balding pate, consoling him for having caused any hurt. “Why should I ever slap you?” she said like an affectionate mother trying to comfort a sulking child. The moment Arora turned his back, she added, “Even if I had slapped you, I am not responsible!”
The truth of the matter is that nobody slapped anybody. A close look at the photograph would reveal that Mallika does not even raise her hand. In fact, both her hands are clasped together (see close-up alongside). The point at which the photograph was clicked, she was having a friendly chat with Arora. But a blurred image of the arm of a man walking in the background, gives the impression that she had raised her right hand to deliver a slap. Worse still, Arora (for some strange reason) at that very moment raises both hands to his cheek as though, to duck the slap. It is this reaction shot that establishes the action – a classic example of 'third dimension' in still photography.
Harish Wadhwa:
Blog Master, no justification for the lovely pic. We have the right to interpret it the way we like. After all we are in a democracy. Who does not know that two peaceful souls never fight.
Bihari Milwani:
* How can Srichand Arora say it is his photo? The man in red T-shirt has hidden his face and cannot be identified. The photographer can file a suit against Arora for wrongfully threatening to bash him outside the Garden after the exercises.
* It is further confirmed that this is not Srichand Arora as Mallika Kagzi denies having committed any such act against him.
* And how can Srichand Arora, who has been punishing others for being without cap, himself be without cap at any time? It is definitely NOT Srichand Arora.