Ego Trip

Lion and Lioness Laughter 

It has taken Bijoy Gupta 15 long years to conclude that the Lion and Lioness Laughter we do every morning is no more than a self-induced ego trip. All the snarling and growling can, at best, help clear the throat. But it cannot be compared anywhere close to the majestic roar of a lion or lioness.
“Lion and Lioness Laughter is a misnomer,” Gupta told Shekhawat the other day. “However hard you may pretend, you can never sound like a lion. You actually sound more like a barking dog. Better to rename the Lion and Lioness Laughter exercise as Dog and Dog Laugh!”
Gupta was being polite.

Razia Khan with Johnny Lever

In Hindi, when he upbraided his comrade-in-arms, he had used the derogatory b-word. Far from taking offence, Shekhawat spluttered into giggles and ceased growling.
Today, Gupta took the charge a notch higher. He abruptly turned silent in the middle of the exercise, allowing Shekhawat to make all the noise. Suddenly, he let out a loud Woof! Taken aback, Shekhawat stopped instantly and walked away, doubling up with laughter.
“Sher bhaag gaya!” Gupta declared with childish glee. The lion has run away.
As we make the most of our mornings with such practical jokes, all attention is now geared towards the prize giving ceremony for the Sports Day winners.

Who'll be the chief guest?

No specific date has yet been decided as we are still to firm up on a celebrity ‘chief guest’ to do the honours this year. Depending upon his/ her convenience we shall be able to fix a date.
Tentatively though, February 29 (Saturday) is being considered as a ‘suitable day’ for the event. And the most sought after guest, by popular choice, is Johnny Lever. He is by far the last of the legendary ‘comedy kings’ of the Hindi screen and his presence should be just apt for a laughter club like ours.
The good news is that Razia Khan is Johnny Lever’s adopted sister. He had even called on her when she was hospitalised recently with a kidney condition. Razia is in touch with him on phone and expects a confirmation from him by tomorrow. Let us keep our fingers crossed.