Loo La La

Loo La La

Feb 24^{th, 2014}, 11.30 am, Vasant Kunj, Delhi. After flagging off the first transport leg of the Desert Storm off road rally, I was ready to get into my car with what I call Media Dhaba (Media Centre, Mobile Media Centre etc. are passé I think). But behold, there was a flag down. I suffered a brain stroke.

Rushed into nearby Fortis hospital, had second stroke three hours later am told, while I was still unconscious. Got shifted finally from emergency room to ICU 6 hours later when my father flew down from Mumbai to Delhi and signed the requiste papers and paid the admission charges (Sic).

Three days in ICU and after some recovery, docs were still unable to find the cause of brain stroke. I was in already in senses by evening of 24^th and responding, though not comprehensible. So, was shifted to the step down ICU, where I was allowed to walk around in the ward for a while for few moments with assistance from Nurses, and showed no signs of any muscle failure or paralysis.

So, I could now attend to nature’s call in the plush western style toilet on my own instead of freeing myself on the pans in the bed. Meanwhile, I had already noticed a very disturbed elderly lady in the same ICU.

Third day in step down ICU, my cousin sister visited me. I asked her permission and went to attend Nature’s call by myself. When out of Loo, saw the old lady in front of me. She asked, “Beta, tumhara ho gaya”

Feeling confused and embarrassed, I responded, “Haan Aunti Ji”

She, “Par beta, teen din se daily aa rahi hoon, yahan na dabba hai na nalka" 

Me, “Aunty, gun se paani aata hai, aur flush bhi kaam kar raha hai”

                                                                                 

She totally confused, “Gun?”

I was like ?????

She almost whispering “Aur paani kahan hai”

I realized her predicament. Showed her how to use the water gun to clean self and the flush to wash down the dump in western style toilet.

She, “Itna bada hospital, aur ek lota nahi rakh sakte the nal laga ke”

I held myself, returned to bed, and shared with my cousin. Both were on floor laughing our hearts out. Oh Loo La La. 

Later that evening when the doc came and saw me laughing, I said “Doc I know what’s Brain Hemorrhage, about aneurysms, stents and what could be side effects." He was taken aback" I explained, "worked at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore for three years.", 

Further added, "I know that Mukhtar Ansari (Currently contesting Lok Sabha Election from eastern UP as also supporting Congress in Varanasi), and your family paid 10Cr ransom when he kidnapped you, and that you shifted to from Patna to Delhi immediately after he released you.”. (Mukhtar Ansari had kidnapped Zee Chairman Subhash Goyal earlier and was paid same ransom amount for release)

The doc had nowhere to look (No offence, he was best in entire Bihar, had a reputation there and so got kidnapped, and is currently on Board of Directors of Fortis Hospitals). I had another laugh and said, “when will you discharge me”. Well, next day I was back home from ICU!!!

Though I still have depressing and morose thoughts, thanks for old lady whose predicament opened me up the laughing Buddha in me and then the doc’s situation, who let me off from hospital immediately. 

As they say, laughter is indeed the best medicine.

Whose woman is it?

Woman spends her life playing many a different characters immediate one’s being that of a daughter, a sister, a love interest, a wife, daughter in law and a mother. And not to forget many others like BFF, just friends, granddaughter, niece, aunt, mother in law and so many more.

In each of these roles, we see a different aspect of the woman. Corollary being, the man treats the woman differently depending on what relationships he holds with her at a point of time. Given the materialistic society we live in, the myriad shades of emotions and relationships vary with class and type of family.

While we remember Razia Sultan as the first monarch of Delhi, or Jhansi Bai inspires the men soldiers even today, we are smitten most by a certain Mumtaz that was the reason for a monument called the Taj Mahal. Love is so much part of our folklore, and so it is today, in the days of FaceBook and iPhones. Women in India now participate in all activities such as education, sports, politics, media, art and culture, service sectors, science and technology, to name a few – but the underlying emotions, especially those of belonging or being felt loved, remains the same.

Whatever role she plays, a woman seeks her day of belonging, of being recognized. And when she finds it, colours swell around her, rich, thick, like careless brushstrokes creating a whirlpool, that makes everyone’s heart dance. All this and much more, can be found in the life of Madona.

‘Madona’, the second production from Dhaaran, brings out multiple colours of woman in the form a rainbow of emotions – from wit and humour to love and heart-broken, from daughter and lover to servant and accomplished artiste. The protagonist’s emotional avalanche rides on high waves of situational comedy and emotional depths, supported by other well sketched characters knitted into the plot, who bring forth endearing qualities and add to the twists and turns of the main story.

This article is an review of a play I recently saw, produced by Dhaaran Productions, written by Namrta Dhar and staged at Alliance Franchaise on September 18, 2011

Gods Own Channel

Welcome to God Now, the supreme channel from the supreme himself!

On the prime time today, your channel will focus on one if the most burning topics – who should be the lokpal. On the panel tonight, we have a diverse section of people from many walks of life. We have with us Mr. Navjot Siddhu, Ex Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Mr. Laloo Prasad, the iconic politician from Hindu heartland, Dr. Kiran Bedi. Ex-IPS officer and one of the flag bearers of the Jan Lokpal campaign, Mr. Harish Salve, a leading lawyer and renowned author and booker prize winner Ms. Arundhati Roy.
I will give one minute each to all first, and then we take this discussion further. Mr. Siddhu.

Siddhu: Thanks, am representing the cricket team today and not the opposition party. The government has taken a very wrong stance, and to top it, we don’t even know who the players are in their 11! I tell you, complete chaos on the field, everyone is bowling, batting and fielding at the same time. This way, our team will lose war even to Bangladesh. I think, government should not appoint the Lokpal, we should have alternative.

God Points to Laloo – ‘your turn sir’: We all are very responsible people elected by the masses. We know how to take care of corruption, internally and externally. You have to give 50-50 percent to everything, even success. Even I fight from two constituencies so that I win at least one. Will lokpal fight elections and face the people? I can. Give me the post, and I will finish corruption within 100 days.

God looks at Kiran – your take madam. Animatedly, I told you, I told you. We need the 101 helpline now. What do we need, the 101 helpline. What will people do if they are asked for bribes, call 101 helpline. And who will be there to hear at the other end, the Lokpal. If we need to change the electoral system, what do we do, call the 101 helpline. This 101 helpline will be the game changer. And who will be the Lokpal – our beloved Anna Hazare ji.

Arundhati Roy jumps in “My turn now, you see, there are so many poor and helpless people in rural area fighting for two square meals. Will a 101 helpline deliver them food? This entire Lokpal debate is a farce. This time and money should be used in a more intelligent way, it is the tax payers money right! We do not need Lokpal at all.

Harish Salve joins in, “I think, we should make a start somewhere, maybe one page draft with Job Description. I can help you prepare it. This can go through the proper channels – parliament, standing committee and then, we can have as many amendments, additions, referendums till we are satisfied. But the lokpal has to be somebody with clear conscience and who is acceptable.

Siddhu – I strongly recommend the God, Sachin Tendulkar, to be the first Lokpal. He will master the art within two practice sessions and, I tell you, he will score a century.

Harish – It should be someone from Judiciary

Kiran – Why not someone from police

Arundhati Roy - Police is the most corrupt

Laloo – It has to be a politician, only we know how to handle ticklish issues.

Siddhu – Chak De Phatte, if not Sachin, select Dhoni, he took India to No. 1 ranking in all forms of cricket. T20 world cup, ODI world Cup, can anyone match his credentials.

Arundhati – Oh, look at what happened in England. At least, I came back with Booker prize.

Kiran – that’s not a big deal. Even I have a rack full of medals and trophies, and even a PhD, You have. You Have. I have, without even looking at England. This is India’s Lokpal, Anna it should be.

Harish – Excuse me, but only Judiciary understands the nitty gritty of running an extra-constitutional body. Look at Dr. Santosh Hegde, even BSY could not stand his force. He wrote a 20,000 page report on just mining issue – you guys will write just one page FIR or 200 page fiction novel.

Laloo – Arrey, story toh I can tell anytime. How many pages do you want. Any politician will do that.

Kiran – Lalooji, I see you sleeping in loksabha all the time, what do you do, sleep. And here we are discussing Lokpal, 24X7 duty, the 101 helpline.

Laloo – Oh, as if the police are clean Eh!

Arundhati – Now see this, I thought, this was going to be a intellectual debate.

Siddhu – (Shaking is head) – The pitch condition is going from bad to worse.

Harish – I repeat, it is not the legislative, not the executive, but it is judiciary that is supreme.

God steps in – Interesting conversation here, and you can carry it at the coffee shop behind our office. To my viewers, let me say one thing, it is the Jan Lokpal that you have to select. Make a wise decision. Avoid anything that is remotely corrupt. End of the day, we know, where you will go to pray!

Chalte Chalte

Chalte Chalte….

Morning walks are no fun… one needs to get up early first!!! But then, it’s fun for sure. Pun intended. Because, not many people realize that walking is a science, as much as it’s an exercise! Oh yes, many are natural at walking, and then some are trained through ‘gait analysis’ with help on how to lift the feet, how much to stretch, nutrition, shoes, strength training and motivation!!

And then, there are those who just go by the song… Here’s my list

Mera Joota Hai Japani:

These are the folks who like ‘one night stands’. They buy a pair of Nike or Reebok or any other walking shoes you recommend the night before. Next morning, you will find them stamping their feet in the park, just in case you missed the brand they are showcasing. And then they disappear, till they come out with new brand of ‘Patloon’ or ‘topi’ – what a commitment!

Yahan Main Ajnabee Hoon:

No, it’s not just expats that am talking about or new into neighbourhood wanting to make friends. Not even those who are out to walk their dogs! They are out early morning trying to figure out why on earth were they born!!!

Tera Mera Pyar Amar, Phir Kyun Mujhkoo Lagta Hai Darr?

Newly married couples. One can see the joda hand in hand, sometime hubby leading and wife running or else, wifey running and hubby sulking. Think, it depends on what happened the night before!

Aaj Kal Paon Zameen Par, Nahi Padte Mere:

Midlife crisis. Especially, women. Just tell them, each pound is equivalent to 3500 calories and the waist, ooops, weight loss programme is something that cellphone companies can talk about whole day. With a bowl of pop corn prolly!!!

Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega:

Saw that buxom beauty walking out in the morning and got inspired. To walk behind, make an impression, and if nothing, just watch… Can anyone stop some nayansukh first thing in the morning?

Aa Dekhen Zara, Kisme Kitna Hai Dum:

‘Yeh lambi race ka ghoda hai’ applies here. You just can’t beat them! In fact, if you run, instead of walk, they will become runner… or runnest as the situation may be!

Yunhi Koi Mil Gaya Tha, Chalte Chalte:

‘Time kya hua hai?’ and then, ‘kahan rahate ho’ uncles and aunties. Maan na maan, main tera mehmaan! Coffee?

Chalte, Chalte, Mere Yeh Geet, Yaad Rakhna:

A MP3 player and ear-plugs are must for a walk. And then, others around keep guessing what kind of music does this person like?

For more, go take a walk… LOL

Oft Receited Couplets and Unsung Poets

This is a couplet that is recited by heads of states and is heard in speeches in parliaments but the poet is not as widely known.

yeh jabr bhi dekha hai taarikh ki nazroN ne
lamhoN ne khataa kii thii, sadiyoN ne sazaa paayii

Translation is impossible as the beauty of the couplet can't be translated in another language though it means that 'History has been a witness to this tragedy that mistakes of moments have brought sufferings to mankind for millennia'.

Like several other popular and oft-repeated couplets, it has also acquired a unique status and is used to describe decisions [like partition] that altered the course of history and changed destiny of countless citizens for centuries.

Interestingly, poet Muzaffar Razmi, 73, is alive and lives in his hometown, Kairana, a prominent town in Muzaffar Nagar in Western part of Uttar Pradesh. The couplet is part of the ghazal that has five 'ashaar' but other couplets of the ghazal are hardly known.

The first couplet [matlaa] is:

mahruum-e-haqiqat haiN saahil ke tamaashaaii
ham Duub ke samjhe haiN daryaaoN kii gahraaii

Another couplet of Razmi:

mere daaman mein agar kuchh na rahegaa baaqi
agli nasloN ko duaa de ke chalaa jaaungaa

In the words of eminent poet late Rafat Sarosh, this couplet that was written in a moment of almost divine revelation, expresses the essence of mankind's experiences over several millennia.

Good couplets travel fast across the world. Razmi's couplet was first recited on the Urdu Majlis programme of All India Radio, many decades ago. It got instant popularity and turned into a 'zarbul misl' sher that is quoted quite often in conversations and conventions.

Had Razmi been living in Delhi or Mumbai, TV crews would have queued up at his residence for interviews. But he lives a contented life in his hometown. His collection of poetry was released by Prime Minister sometime back.

However, Muzaffar Razmi Kairanvi is at least fortunate that in his life time he is admired in poetry circles to some extent and is known as the man who wrote this couplet. Many other poets didn't live enough to see their poetry or couplets get such popularity.

These are amongst the most oft-quoted Urdu couplets:

muddaii laakh buraa chaahe to kyaa hotaa hai
vahii hotaa hai jo manzuur-e-Khudaa hotaa hai

surkhruu hotaa hai insaaN ThokareN khaane ke baad
rang laatii hai hinaa patthar pe pis jaane ke baad

voh phuul sar chaRhaa jo chaman se nikal gayaa
izzat use milii jo vatan se nikal gayaa

haqiiqat chhup nahiiN saktii banaavaT ke usuuloN se
ki Khushbuu aa nahiiN saktii kabhii kaaGhaz ke phuuloN se

miTaa de apnii hastii ko gar kuchh martabaa chaahe
ki daana Khaak meN mil kar gul-o-gulzaar hotaa hai

These are all couplets of Mast Kalkattvi. This poet from Calcutta (Kolkata) was a contemporary of Josh Malihabadi and Firaq Gorakhpuri. His popularity knew no bounds in those days. True to his pen name Mast Kalkattavi, lived a bohemian life.

He was born Syed Ghulam Mohammad and had adopted the takhallus 'Mast'. He was born in 1896 and passed away in 1942. Considering that he was such a popular poet, it is surprising that hardly any serious work done on his literary legacy.

Then there are those famous couplets and forgotten poets.

tamannaa thii to bas yeh thii tamannaa aaKhiri apnii
ki voh saahil pe hote aur kashtii duubtii apnii
[She'ri Bhopali]

chal saathi, ki hasrat dil-e-mahruum se nikle
aashiq ka janaaza hai zara dhuum se nikle

This couplet is of Mirza Mohammad Ali Fidvi written as early as in 1838 when Gulshan-e-beKhaar was published.

vaabasta merii yaad se kuchh talKhiyaaN bhi thiiN
achchha kiyaa jo tumne faraamosh kar diya

It is often considered as Sahir Ludhianvi's couplet [because Sahir's diivan was named TalkhiyaaN] but this is Hasan Latifi's couplet.

'tandarusti hazaar ne'mat hai' Haven't we heard this line numerous times. This is a line from Mirza Qurban Ali Salik's ghazal and the couplet is:

tang-dasti agar na ho ghaalib
tandarusti hazaar ne'mat hai

Now don't confuse 'ghalib' with Mirza Ghalib as it is not 'maqta' where the 'taKhallus' is used. Here ghalib is a mere word that means dominance.
[tang-dasti=poverty]


courtsey: http://www.anindianmuslim.com/

Some Sher I love

यह यकीनन किसी मासूम का कातिल होगा
हमने इस शख्स को हंसते हुए कम देखा है

इस वक़्त वहां कौन धुआं देखने जाए
अख़बार में पढ़ लेंगे कहाँ आग लगी है

डूबने वाले से साहिल की हकीकत पूछो
डूबने वाला ही साहिल का पता देता है

दीवार क्या गिरी मेरे कच्चे मकान की
लोगों ने सहन को रास्ता बना लिया

खड़े हैं आप जिस तहरीर से ऊंची मीनार पर
सजाया है उसे शायद हमीं बदनाम लोगों ने

घरों में लोग मिलेंगे उतने ही छोटों कदों के
दरवाज़े जिस मकान के, जितने बुलंद हैं

पत्थर भी, संगमरमर भी, मिल जायेंगे बहुत
यह फैसला तो हो की गुनाहगार कौन है

कल अपना हाथ किसी हादसे में खो बैठा
वोह आदमी जो निहथों पर वार करता था

दामन झटक के छुडा के साथ जा रहे हो
पर मेरे दिल से यूं निकल कर जाओ तो जानूं

ग़म तह तो सिर्फ इसी बात का ग़म था
जहाँ कश्ती डूबी, वहां पानी कम था!

शाम होते ही चिरागों को बुझा देता हूँ
दिल ही काफी है तेरी याद में जाने को

खाना बदोश लोग हैं, घर कहाँ बनायेंगे
साया जहाँ मिलेगा वहीँ बैठ जायेंगे

मेरे होंठों पर खिले फूल चमेली के बहुत
तुमने देखा नहीं कभी मलिन को तरह

भीड़ में सबकी हाथों में शगुफ्ता फूल थे
सर मेरा ज़ख्मी बताओ किसके पत्थर से हुआ

नाव कागज़ की छोड़ दी मैंने
अब समंदर की ज़िम्मेदारी है

उनको जब होश न था, हमने संभाला उनको
उनको जब होश हुआ, तो हमें सँभालने न दिया!

कब्र पर केश बिछाए जब कोई महज़बीन रोती है
तब मुझे मालूम होता है, मौत कितनी हसीं होती है

इश्क-जौके नज़ारा, मुफ्त में बदनाम है
हुस्न खुद बेताब है, जलवा दिखने के लिए

पलकों पे आके आंसू थम गए इस तरह.
जैसे मुसाफिरों के, इरादे बदल गए

मकान मिटटी का, दरिया का किनारा है,
सोच रहा हूँ, बरसात कैसे कटेगी

आज इक बदली बरस कर, दिल में हलचल कर गयी
वरना इस ढलवां पर, कभी पानी ठहरा न था!

घर टपकता था, मेहमान था घर में
पानी पानी हो रही थी, आबरू बरसात में

Shayari - Borrowed

क्षमा शोभती उस भुजंग को जिसके पास गरल हो वो क्या जो दंत हीन, विष रहित, विनीत, सरल हो
जब तक इंसान की जेब खाली हैज़िन्दगी एक गालिज़ गाली है

सच पूछो तो शर में ही, बसती है दिप्ति विनय की संधि-वचन संपूज्य उसी का, जिसमे शक्ति विजय की सहनशीलता, क्षमा, दया को तभी पूजता जग है बल का दर्प चमकता उसके, पीछे जब जगमग है

पी लिया करते हैं जीने की तमन्ना में कभी डगमगाना भी ज़रूरी है जीने के लिए
गले लगाया था हमने सब ज़माने को हमीं पर उठती हैं अब उन्गैयाँ ज़माने की

हमने बना लिया है, नया फिर से आशियाँ यह बात जाकर किसी तूफ़ान से कह दो!
मकतबे इश्क में इक ढंग निराला देखा उनको छुट्टी न मिली, जिन्हें सबक याद हुआ ...

किसी के साथ दिल की हर ख़ुशी हो गई रुखसत बहारें जैसे कोई ले जाये गुलसितां से
निगाहे यार जो महेफिल में उत्त गयी होती तो खाली बज्म के सारे जाम भर गए होते

सलीका जिनको होता है ग़मे-दौरों में जीने का वो यूँ हर शीशे को पत्थर से टकराया नहीं करते

Kuch Shair

पसीना मौत का माथे पे आया आइना लाओ
हम अपनी ज़िन्दगी की आखिरी तस्वीर देखेंगे
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
किसी से हाल-इ-दिल-इ-बेकरार कह न सके
की चश्मे-खास में आके भी आंसू बह न सके
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
घर टपकता था, मेहमान था घर में
पानी पानी हो रही थी, आबरू बरसात में
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
जो आँख वाले हैं उनकी जुबां पर ताले हैं
जो अँधा है वोह बोलता है, क्या किया जाए?
~~~~
लोग बाज़ार में आकर बिक भी गए
मेरी कीमत लगी की लगी रह गयी

पर न जाने बात क्या है?

पर न जाने बात क्या है

इन्द्र का आयुध जो पुरुष झेल सकता है,

सिंह से बाहें मिला कर खेल सकता है,

बुद्धि के रहते निरुपाय हो जाता है,

शक्ति के रहते, असहाय हो जाता है

बिद्ध हो जाता है, सहज बंकिम नयन के बाण से

जीत लेती रूपसी नारी उसे मुस्कान से

रामधारी सिंह "दिनकर"

जीवन

जीवन - मानव शीघ्रता के साथ अबोध बचपन की धूलि क्रीडा, सरल बाल अवस्था की चपलता और उग्र यौवन की उच्चंकल्ताओं से अपने जीवन को विक्सित करता हुआ शांत विर्धवास्था की गम्भीरता को प्राप्त होता है. और, सांसारिक अनुभवों के भर से लदी हुई अपनी पलकों को सहज ही मूंदकर पूछता है "क्या मेरा यथेष्ट विकास हो चूका?" और, जैसे हृदय में ही बैठा हुआ कोई अपने नीरव स्वर में कह देता है, "अभी कहाँ," इसे सुनते ही, उसका शरीर फिर उन्ही घूलिकिरणों में खेलने लगता है, जहाँ से उसने अपना जीवन प्रारंभ किया था.

The Wait

Its ahead I wanna look
But her thoughts are on hook
There's a wish to look back
But the courage she lacks
Together we may not be
Am not free, and you are not free
So alone I got to play
And wait for another day
The wait goes up in smoke
And eons later, you meet this bloke
I am itching for eye contact - say hi
You have decided on good bye

Your Love

Lots of verses down I come
With a hope that am welcome
Words - unspoken that have been
Imagery - that have been unseen
Emotions - I cant really share
Success - A challenge I dare
Words, Imagery, Emotions and Success
Are all part of the same process
To be good with all, is rare
I need my friends, and their prayers!

Shantaram - a review

OK, I did read a novel after avoiding them for donkey’s years.. And Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (GDR) it was.

I had picked up my copy mid June, but was so intimidated with the voluminous book, running into almost 950 pages, I just could not let myself to begin reading it for months…

In the words of a gent who reviewed it “Books that can double as pillows or sitting stools almost invariably scare the hell out of me. The fear of being buried under a tower of words, lines and pages can be quite overpowering” So true…

To those who haven’t read it – the story in brief.

The narrator is a man called Lindsay (GDR himself), who escapes an Australian jail and arrives in Bombay on a fake passport. Here he befriends tour guide Prabakar Khare, who becomes his best friend, shows him the good and bad side of Mumbai, takes him to his village in rural Maharashtra and when he is robbed of his money, Prabu (as Lin calls him affectionately) finds him a place to live in a slum away from the eyes of the law. This slum is to be the home of Linbaba, as Lindsay is called, for the next few years. While he runs a makeshift first-aid center in the slum, he also engages in criminal activities like smuggling and counterfeiting, and eventually starts gun-running to Afghanistan. Lin’s experiences in Bombay range from falling in love with the beautiful Karla, who introduces him to the world of prostitutes, to meeting the motherly Rukhmabai of Sundargaon, who christens him “Shantaram”, or man of peace. Interspersed amid the numerous characters are the sweat and grime, dirt and squalor, disease and fire and extreme poverty - all narrated with genuine affection, passion and generosity. This love and generosity towards the characters and circumstances is what sets Robert’s work apart. What could have been a mere narrative of poor people’s lives is transformed into an extraordinary piece of fiction.

For more: visit the official site www.shantaram.com

The book is being made into a movie to be directed by Mira Nair and the lead role of Lin will be played by Johnny Depp. (Amitabh plays the role of Kader Khan, the then Don of Mumbai underworld).

The book does not mention the name of the Slum – its Ganesh Murthy Nagar. (CNB right???) Having stayed in Navy Nagar around the time – 1982-84, I do vaguely recall the fire mentioned in the story. Do remember that many people lost lives when a huge portion of the slum was gutted. Also, remember the blue men with bear who would emerge from the adjoining (and legal) slum of Geeta Nagar to entertain people around Gateway, Marine Drive, VT, Chowapatty etc. I had a few friends in Geeta Nagar, and they in turn, had a lot of enemies in Ganesh Murthy Nagar. (Is depicted in the novel as a fight scene)

During the end of the decade (1989 to be precise), I had returned back to Bombay and that’s where the novel ends… I would often pass through this slum, pick up a cigarette on way to Afghan Church bus stand on my way to college, and had a couple of friends from there studying in our college. The sounds and sights of the long seafront adjoining Ganesh Murthy Nagar came alive while I was reading the novel! And so did the areas behind Sasoon Dock (where my school was located in the early 80s)…

And yeah, who can forget Leopold! (Though I preferred visit Gokul, in the lane behind Leopold for the ‘quarter’ system and cheaper rates, till a friend told me it was a gay pick-up adda.. ha ha ha ha ha)

Especially liked the way the author picked up the otherwise very Indian habits! Like nodding the head he learnt as a gesture and used it so effectively during his train journey from Bombay to Sunder Village. Or the habit of simply telling friends, “Come with me” without informing where we are actually headed, and the friends ‘trust’ you and just come along!

Also, enjoyed reading the takes of Khader Khan and later Lin (Now GDR’s philosophical teachings – Revolutionary ) on philosophy and religion. Mixing with wise words from various religions with science – quantum physics to astronomy needs a rare skill and understanding that the author has shown. (Though, I should admit, these narratives slowed down the pace of the book whenever they appeared).

Here's what fellow blogger Chandra had to say... thought, should add it here since he has met GDR personally!

http://freegeek.livejournal.com/tag/shantaram...

The link also goes to say - "Kishore aka Prabhakar is alive and kicking... Good to know! Though, gives me some nasty ideas on how the author and Kishore would have actually met!! NOW NOW.. LOL

khamoshi

mein yaadon ke mazar per
ik jalte bujhte diya sa
timtima rah hoon
yeh jante huye ki
hawa ka ik tez jhonka
mujhay bhi ik yaad bana kar
gujar jay ga
phir bhi
jale ja rah hoon mein
aur khamosh unn yaadon jaise
jo seene mein dafn hain ab

Crazy Boys At Achool 4

Teachers wants to know if any of the guys have been smoking.

Vincent: No, mam. I just pass my smoking skills to those who pay the bills. Am a tea-totaller.
Natty: I warned Warne. He agreed. Issued statements. And could not control his urge. Am now trying to control my urge to .... smoke him out.
Musten: Cigar is what I like best. Those interested in something that burns long, would be cut short.
Don: Fumigation of lungs mam. I do it in 'moderation'
Rajesh R: Oxygen is life. Can you live without breath.

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The Most Romantic Way to Make Love

Vince Style: "outsource it, and sit back with a beer and popcorn and watch the cricket on telly:D:D "

Musten Style: " pink satin sheets...strawberry cream...pink kohinoor....and in tune to the music of 'Return of the Pink Panther' "

Natty Style: In the 'members' enclosure at Lord's, following their hallowed undress code to the 'hilt' :-))

DON Style: make her lie down...pou rum all over her...lick it all off...and send the b---h to go get more rum

Cornflake Gal: "with the right 'lyrix' playing in the background ( ouch..ouch...guys u pliss ask her what it means b4 i get scalped)

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BOIL

Anu teacher walks in and says - Am told someone gots a boil? Who is it?

DON (In a pained voice): Ahhh, Maaam, Yeah, I got one.
VINCENT: Mam, to change from a liquid to a gaseous state, producing bubbles of gas that rise to the surface of the liquid, agitating it as they rise.
YAMINI: Boil two cups of water...
ANU TEACHER: Yamini, I dont want you to get real!
YAMINI: OK,
SHALAKA:I wanna explain but "The kettle is boiling. The vegetables are boiling."
NATTY: One boils when the form of Sehwag is compared with Robin, you know why.
RAJESH R: Returning from his latest client meet - "The sea boiled in the storm and was called Tusnami, am tempted on my own ISMS: No.. thats not me.. ITS RAJESH SAAR!!

~~~~~~~~

MEHFILS

Anu Teacher - What is this MEHFIL going on in Delhi?... and that gayfil in Bangalore?

Tasneem: Protest Protest, (ties a black band on her arm) cheating cheating
Yamini: I heard, there's only GAYFIL on nukkad and it happens in Bangalore. I support Tasneem.
Gurpreet: Uh, Tasneem, Yamini, you gals were never my friends, you dont know, but I organised Mehfil secretly with Vijay Nair and Amrit.
*The whole class looks at the trio in last bench*
Amrit: Why you guys suddenly looking at me. I was part of this class for so many days.
Ashwath (with a sweet smile) - No worry Amrit, am here with my Murali. And no one beats my choice of venue. I take a U turn to be with you and not the moderators of Nukkad.
Vincent: You mean Nukkad mixers without me? See you in the club Ashwath.. I thought you are friends and you ditched me.
Natty (gettin restless): You peepals are getting too personal. Let me tell you, when you have a team of fifteen guys selected to live on beautiful carry-bean islands, with beauuuttiiifffull glass, sowrie, girls, the point of view will change na!
Pradeep (Paddy) - Panditji, aap aaj class le rahe ho, hum le kya.
Vijay Nair: Meri khwaish hai, yeh case yahin radd kiya jaye.
Musten: radd.. what is radd.. red or no red. lets have a discussion on whether red or radd.
Ashwath 'Muralidhar' starts playing a tune on his flute - a mix of godfather and lady in red.
Don: Yeh raddi aur radd karne ki baat, tells me one thing - Gimme Red (jumps for his bottle of OM).

Anu Teacher - Yeh Lo, Baat thi mehfil ki, aur sab log OOMMMMM - meditation arne lage!


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