Gangnam Ishtyle

Here’s breaking news: Long before a South Korean rapper went 'oop' 'oop' and became an international sensation with what has now come to be known as Oppan Gangnam Style, the very same dance was being performed at Lokhandwala Garden No 4, Mumbai every morning for years. Little known to many, Hari Singh Shekhawat is the originator of this dance form that involves cheesy animal-inspired moves and intricate leg-shuffling side gallops.
This morning, the 73-year-old naval veteran performed the Gangnam dance (pic alongside), much to the delight of all present. As usual, he started by yelling “Rane” and galloped in the air, arms raised, alternatively breaking into a horse trot and same leg-shuffling side gallops as the Korean pop star. The only difference was that instead of music, he kept beat with loud outbursts of “Ha-Ha”, “Ha-Ha-Ha”!
For us at the Club, this is of course, old hat. We have been watching Shekhawat do this for ages without bothering to give the dance a name. At one time, his solo performance had become a daily ritual marking the end of the exercises and signalling the start of the morning prayers. The only person who could match steps with him on this is Bapu Rane and together, they have often produced some exhilarating duets – pucca Gangnam ishtyle.
The other major highlight of the morning was Jagmohan Papneja ushering in the Diwali celebrations with a box of barfis (bottom pic). The festivities actually begin next week, but many are likely to be out of town or otherwise, would stop visiting the Garden for the exercises. It was extremely nice and thoughtful of Papneja to bring in the festive cheer in advance and wish everyone well on the occasion.
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* "I'm a horse, galloping to freedom."
* "Who doesn't have a sweet tooth? Treats always welcome!"
Harish Wadhwa:
Shekahwat-ji gallops in this Gangnam ishtyle to meet and greet Rane-ji, his ek-din-ka-bichhda-hua brother. It is nice to watch the duo do it in sync as they rejoice their meeting.