Funny People

Nafisa Syed (right) took us by surprise by showing up on her birthday. She is the sort who, by her own admission, loves her morning slumber. To leave the bed early and start this special day with us was indeed very nice of her. We wish her more regularity in attendance, early relief from diabetes and eternal contentment. Also, a very happy birthday, Nafisa!
It is the unpredictability of this lady that has endeared her to so many of us. She can do a take-off on anybody at any time, without warning. A brilliant mimic, she is able to imitate the peculiarities of a person, mannerisms, behaviour, talking style, laughter… She has also come up with quaint nicknames for some members. And it is always funny, not insulting.
Come to think of it, we seem to have more women than men in the Club who are able to be funny. Among the latter, only Srichand Arora and Dilip Babani are blessed with a natural sense of humour. Their witticisms and smart repartees are more in the nature of slapstick – loud and boisterous, bordering on the burlesque. The rest of the men are mere spectators, applauding when required to.
Subtlety is what must be learnt from the ladies. From Mrs Harbans Singh’s earthy one-liners. Or Geeta Sandana’s wisecracks delivered with a placid smile. Or from Santosh Tyagi’s typically deadpan humour which can be devastatingly hilarious. Or a casual, off-the-cuff remark from Monthi Serrao that would keep you in splits for hours.
Even Khatoon Baig and Nahid Khan are capable of pulling off an occasional rib-tickler, not to mention Sunita Jajodia who can go on and on and on, without realizing that her style of narrating (otherwise mundane affairs of life) by itself, can be uproariously funny.
But the one to ultimately take the cake (and eat it too!) is Kajal Babani. She is the most gifted of the lot. There is something about her presence that automatically brings a smile to the lips -– even before she’s uttered a single word. And should she perchance make a remark, be assured, it would be funniness unplugged!
So, must we really blame the ladies for laughing and giggling among themselves during the exercises? They must be the happiest among us. God bless them!

Renu Babani says:
I feel it is always important to keep the wit and humour in our lives. This is what keeps all of us going in an otherwise stressed out life. We are constantly on the go, our minds running ahead of us and the never-ending routine does get to us at times. So, when we meet in the mornings, the crazy banter and constant laughter fill the air. Isn't this what life should be all about? Why not enjoy it the best way we know and let others join in as well? Let us enjoy the moments of fun and laughter because life is too short and who knows when these moments come again. Cheers to everyone for keeping this Club together no matter what!
--Renu