New Moniker

Shekhawat formally introduces Chhutkan today

The Club today formally endorsed ‘Chhutkan’ – the new moniker Yusuf Rassiwala lovingly ordained Kiran Prakash with. “We have a new member from today,” Shekhawat announced briefly after the exercises. “His name is Chhutkan!”
He did not however, elaborate on a surname, leaving it open to conjecture – Chhutkan Lal, Chhutkan Prakash, Chhutkan Kumar, Chhutkan Lulla... And it was not as though Prakash had any objection to having a new identity (ref his comments of May 7) thrust upon him.
“But whoever wants to call me by that name must be able to lift me in his/ her arms,” he reiterated.
It was a half-hearted desire, evidently expressed too soon. For the 67-year-old had no idea what he was getting into, least of all being lifted on the shoulders of some dangerous well-wishers. “Like the way they do for Ganapati!” Dilip Babani shouted out at Swati Punjabi who was seen making some equally menacing moves to haul Prakash up physically.

Double-barreled jokes narration from Kajal Babani and Bhaswati Bose

“I will fall down... I will fall down,” he bleated helplessly in appropriate Chhutkan-style, before hurrying to the safety of a wooden bench from where he could hardly be lifted.
Everybody watched in amusement as the duo were to eventually give up. “I can easily pick him up single-handedly in my arms,” boasted Swati, flexing her muscles. “If he struggles too much, I would simply toss him over to Dilip.”
Swati was however, not too happy with Chhutkan, as a name. “It is a criminal’s name,” she declared. “Nobody says Chhutkan in a positive sense. That name has been often used in Hindi movies whenever a notorious criminal has to be shown.”
Yusuf R retorted that this is a common name in Uttar Pradesh, used endearingly for a family youngster. “In Bhojpuri cinema also, you will find characters, especially kid brothers lovingly called Chhutkan. We love Kiran Prakash dearly. He is like our younger brother. Why take everything in a negative sense?”
Bihari Milwani:
I wonder, how can we call a 67 inches tall 67-year-old "Chhutkan"? We may call him "Chhota Prakash".
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
What is in a name? A rose will always be a rose. You may call it by any name, it will always spread its fragrance and beautiful colour. Similarly Kiran Prakash (or 'Ray Shining' in English) will always be spreading wittiness and his positive energy whether he is called Chhutkan or by any other name.