Spot Jokes

Harvinder Jauhar

Mumtaz Jahan

Harvinder Jauhar has an incredible sense of humour. An ex-army man with a deceptively casual demeanor, he does not belong to Mumbai, but comes here often to visit his children. And every time he does so, he keeps his appointment at the Garden to exercise daily without fail. In course of time, he has become as close to us as any other member.
Today we got a glimpse of his funny streak when Arora accosted Shekhawat during the Hai Mera Dil number. Arms outstretched, he asked where his dil was and Shekhawat, taken by surprise, looked around wondering what to say. Straightaway Jauhar intervened and declared he was not responsible for Shekhawat losing his heart. “Nahin, maine nahin liya!” he clarified.
This was actually to set the tone of the many jokes and counter-jokes exchanged this morning. But the best one was when Monthi Serrao inquired, in all seriousness if anyone had heard from Mumtaz Jahan. We all know she is currently in Srinagar (her hometown) and with the Kashmir valley ravaged by one of the most devastating floods in human history, Monthi had good reasons to be concerned about Mumtaz’s safety.

Everyone wants to know about Shekhawat's mysterious saalis 

We also know that Shekhawat has been in touch with Mumtaz on telephone and only yesterday, he informed that she is safe as her house happens to be located at an elevation where the flood waters haven’t reached.
Now, instead of repeating this information to Monthi, Shekhawat waxed eloquent on his sister-in-laws. “Kaun saali”, Monthi pressed, utterly confused.
“Not one, but four saalis,” Shekhawat boasted. “I have four saalis in the Garden and I am in regular touch with all of them.”
“Who are the four?” everyone urged in chorus.
Shekhawat was enjoying this. Nahid replied on his behalf: “One is Mumtaz, another is…”
Monthi could not hold herself: “Mumtaz is your saali? Is Mumtaz your saali?”
Now Shekhawat clamped up, allowing the suspense to grow. “Tell us the names of the other saalis.” “Is Mumtaz your saali, Shekhawat-ji?” “Who are the other saalis?” “No.”
Monthi became wise. “Oh artificial, you are talking only artificial saali!” she concluded.