Matchless Wit

“Why is she wearing such a beautiful pink dress today”!

Banoo Apa: Always upbeat

If Bijoy Gupta must stand out as the funniest man in the Club, the distinction among ladies should belong to Banoo Apa. One has only to be within hearing distance of her to catch the unending stream of witticisms during the exercises and it would be hard to keep up a straight face. Her humor is spontaneous, artless, contagious and devastating.
Today, she had only to spot Kajal Babani in a lovely pink outfit to declare, out of the blue, that the latter ought to host a party. Anybody else would have complimented Kajal for looking good in a bright outfit.

Kajal's mom (l) treats us to sandwiches

But Banoo Apa’s reasoning for demanding a party was peculiar: “Why is she wearing such a beautiful pink dress today”!
Then there was that famous incident recently about a little puppy snuggling up to her feet during the exercises. Promptly, Banoo Apa abandoned the circle and parked herself royally on a bench, refusing to even keep count during the tai chi round. “That stupid puppy sniffed at my feet?”

Geeta Latte (l) gets us sweets from Jaipur/ Agra

she protested. "How can I do exercise now."
This is the kind of humour that rocks on timing and tone of expression. On both counts, Banoo Apa is simply matchless. Of course, there’s Karuna Waghmare who can be just as funny, but it all comes out in spurts, depending on her mood. Fahmida Khan’s wisecracks are also enjoyable, but again, much of it is meant for the gallery and contrived.
With Banoo Apa the sparks fly naturally and continually – regardless of anyone listening or not. She is perennially on her own trip, such that it would appear that there can never be a dull moment of grief or anger in her life. That apart, she is known for her impeccable dress sense, compassionate nature befitting a Club elder and for conducting herself with utmost dignity.
Little wonder, very few in the Club know her by her real name – Shaher Banoo Khan. In fact, the day she discovered that even people older to her call her “Apa” out of respect, she threw up her arms and in mock exasperation declared: “Call me Mother India if you want, I don’t care!” That’s Banoo Apa to us.
Bihari Milwani:
Beware, next time you come to the Club wearing new clothes, Mother India will demand a party.