Trouble Shooting

Trouble shooters discuss possibilities on band-bajaa-baraat

Preparations for the club’s Annual Function next month have reached a point where all that remains now is tying up the loose ends and perhaps, a bit of trouble-shooting. “Pappu pass ho gaya!” exclaimed Nahid Khan today after Bijoy Gupta approved her performance in the skit written for her. She was verily echoing the sentiments of all those engaged in the preparations.
A spot of trouble has however, cropped up over the band which was supposed to perform at the function. Now it appears they are trying to back out on one pretext or the other.

Banoo Apa

After all, we had been expecting them to play for free.
At their instance though, a so-called ‘band manager’ in Navi Mumbai was contacted on phone and this lady sounded somewhat obliging – at least till now. She has however, not made a firm commitment yet.

Shekhawat is relentless... rehearsing his Kadak Singh act 

Efforts are also on to check out our ‘garden friend’ Bunty’s convenience and whether it would be possible for him to perform with his band in our function.
Meanwhile, Shanti Singh today got hold of a music composer, who introduced himself as Akhles Kumar to us. He delineated on what makes an ‘A-grade keyboard specialist” like him ("who plays along as you sing") as against C-graders “who play the instrument independent of what is sung”. All went well till he was told that we would be unable to compensate him financially.
“But we are giving you a platform to perform and you would get a lot of exposure,” explained Banoo Apa, seeing that he had suddenly developed cold feet.
When he did not react, Banoo Apa tried another tact: “You would be treated with respect and introduced on stage,” she persisted.
He remained unresponsive. “We will felicitate you formally…” Banoo Apa continued.
Still no response. “We will give you tea and snacks and treat you to dinner also.”
Akhles Kumar departed, promising to show up tomorrow – but without a keyboard. Fahmida Khan has agreed to get her granddaughter’s toy keyboard for the gentleman to demonstrate his skills before us.

Karun Sharma:
Things are shaping up well for the Annual Day. All acts and dances are now getting sharpened. New group songs and dances are being identified, thanks to Banoo Apa, Nadira-ji, Anees Sir and the dedicated team of Bhaswati, Kajal, Gupta-ji and all Big Laafeans. Enthusiasm is at its peak. Angad Sir is joining us for dance rehearsals and performs with an innocent smile. This is going to be a hit show!

Lt Col Angad Singh (retd):
Everyone is putting his/ her best foot forward to make the event a success. Finance is certainly a drawback. All the same, every possible source is being tapped to obtain the desired resources. Time will tell how far we succeed without splurging.