Life's Lessons

Shanti Singh's son, Sunil fine tunes our singing talent

There are good reasons why preparations for the Annual Function on January 13 assume top priority – more than any other activity in the Club. Even the exercises, the main reason for gathering in the Garden, have ceased to matter.
For one, the function is being held on a shoestring budget and if anything, we are learning to cope within our means. All talent is being sourced internally and wherever external support is required (eg. sound system, band, etc.) efforts are being made to rope them in for free. Whatever is not affordable is being dropped.

Mumtaz Jahan treats us to walnuts

Today, Shanti Singh’s son, Sunil (a professional music composer) gave our wannabe singers valuable tips to sing on scale and in tune. Every evening a choreographer, Najma Sayyed’s sister, Nadira is teaching our artistes their dance steps…
Another important life lesson we have gathered is that it is never too late to learn. Most of our members are hitting 70 (or thereabouts) and none of them

Shekhawat has found an ingenious way to source his jailor's costume

can claim any exposure on professional stage ever. In fact, till the other day, they’d have died a thousand deaths (out of sheer stage fright) at the very mention of having to perform before a live audience. Surely, it takes more courage than conviction for these seniors to now step into the spotlight and showcase some hidden talent.
This is however, not to discount the fun and games accompanying the effort. So excited is everyone that many have already made their own arrangements for their costumes and make-up. Shekhawat, for instance, revealed today his plans to abduct his building watchman and strip him of his khaki uniform which will serve as the dress of a jailor. Yusuf Rassiwala advised him that he might as well get a new outfit stitched as it would save dry-cleaning costs and might even come to use in future.
Shekhawat saw some logic in this, but suddenly did a double take: “Then what about those playing the prisoners? Should they also stitch their own uniform because it might come to use in future!?!”

Karun Sharma:
It's been long that Arun Patil has not joined us. We wish he keeps his patience till he finds his movement. Angad Sir is extremely pleasant and active. I seem to have met him earlier for a small time. I am encouraged by his good health and positivism at this age. Nadira is very good as a choreographer and we all find immense value in her expertise.

Kiran Prakash (from USA):
It was really nice of Sunil to come and help fine-tune our group's opening songs and other music-related items. Shekhawat-ji's ideas are really innovative. I am missing all this.

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
The enthusiasm exhibited by participants at the rehearsals, their efforts to get guidance from professionals gratis and the fact that they are willing to help our artistes are healthy signs. We hope the efforts will pay rich dividends on the big day for which everyone is eagerly awaiting.