Johnny Lever Says 'Yes'

Yusuf Rassiwala, Razia Khan and Bhaswati Bose with Johnny Lever in his house  

A stray thought is about to fructify. Johnny Lever, the undisputed ‘king of comedy’ in Indian cinema, has given his consent to preside over our Prize Distribution Ceremony on March 5 (Thursday) in the Garden.
A three-member delegation from the Club, comprising Razia Khan, Yusuf Rassiwala and Bhaswati Bose had met the veteran comedian at his residence yesterday over tea and formally sought his convenience to grace the occasion next week.
His confirmation puts to rest all speculation on the chief guest at the Prize Distribution Ceremony ever since the Sports Day was held on February 23.
This has been made entirely possible because of the initiative taken by Razia

Angad Singh demonstrates exercise
to prevent a heart attack

Khan with whom Johnny Lever shares close family ties (ref post of February 26). She, along with daughter-in-law Tahira, were accorded a round of applause and a word of thanks by the Club after the exercises today morning.
What makes Johnny Lever’s presence in our midst so significant is that there cannot be a more appropriate chief guest for a laughter club. His name spells laughter and happiness, not to mention the prestige his celebrity status carries for us.
“He is a natural wit,” exulted Bhaswati who met him for the first time yesterday.

Shekhawat (file photo)

Even in normal conversation he bristles with anecdotes and mannerisms that would leave anyybody in splits. It is not a put on. What you see on screen is what he is in real life.”
“I have not met a celebrity who is so humble and down-to-earth,” opined Yusuf R. “I thought he would dismiss us in 15 minutes, but he kept on chatting, regaling us for three hours on every possible topic under the sun. We did not realise how time flew.”
Much as we can look forward to an explosive laugh riot on March 5, there was also a spot of bad news. Shekhawat has been admitted to the naval hospital in Colaba. Earlier on, he had to be rushed to Kokilaben Hospital with acute chest pain and breathlessness. A local doctor had detected his oxygen level dipping below 50mm Hg and his heart rate crossing 130 bpm – indications of a seizure.
After his condition had stabilised, he was taken by a cardiac ambulance late night to INS Ashwini, the naval hospital. The latest is that he is able to speak now, but has to remain under medical observation. Most likely, he will be discharged in a day or two.

Thank you, Razia Khan and Tahira (in the centre of the exercise circle) for making it all possible!