The grand old man of SSP-Khushwant Singhji

Khushwant Singhji is no more! He passed away today at the grand age of 99. I got the news on my mobile app when I was in the High Court. Suddenly, my mood changed. Went in deep sorrow. Luckily, my important matters were over by then. Couldn't resist myself reading Urdu poetry this entire evening in the memory of my dear Khushwant Singhji. Urdu poetry, so near and dear to him. He was my inspiration to read and enjoy Urdu poetry besides Gulzar sahab. I learned to read and write Urdu many years back because of my admiration to these two towering personalities and of course towards Ghazals. I must add other two reasons. One, my passion for history of Nizamshahi, Hyderabad and Berar. Two, my passion for history if partition of India, especially Punjab Presidency. I am fortunate, for the last 5-6 years I could live, whenever in Delhi, at the same colony where he lived; Sujan Singh Park or simply SSP for all Delhiwalas. The colony established and constructed by his father in the name if his grandfather! RIP Khushwant Singhji. You added colours in my otherwise black and white life. 

My icons.............

Two of my icons of my youth times got "Padma" awards this year!!! Mangesh Padgaonkar-Padma Visbhushan and Sudha Malhotra-Padmashree! I am their ardent fan since 1977. The third one is left out this year....Arun Date-the great singer, who made the feelings alive! My days at VJTI and Kandivli thereafter spanning total period of 9 years was greatly influenced by these three persons and their eternal songs!. Shukra Tara Mand waara, Haat tuza haata tun, dilya ghetlya vachanan chi shapath tula aahe............OMG! Ultimate in Marathi Bhavgeet!

Taxing Times!!! :)

It is no less than 'torture' to receive notices to attend so many matters on Saturday before vacation............when you are dreaming about your plans for one full month of  vacation......you receive notices on E-mail saying that you are required to argue this many matters............and that too on Saturdays! It's really too much and 'taxing'! No matter that the matters are relating to taxes! :) (PS : Why the Saturdays just before vacation are working Saturdays? (when almost ALL Saturdays of the year are holidays?) :) Compensation? :)))

Zohra Sehgal

Zohra Sehgal .....completing 100 years of her life today! My respects to the most naughty woman of Indian Theater............I heard so may stories about her during my innumerable jaunts to Dilli .......in particular to SSP (Sujan Singh Park), Khan Market and Lodi Gardens. Witness of pre-independence era and witness to innumerable partition stories..........she is a living legend. Once gain.......respects to Zohra ji..........may you live long.

Jumma.........the bliss......:)

Jumma.........the bliss in city like Aurangabad......I never miss the Jumme ki shaam in the old walled city, whenever I am in Aurangabad on Jumma.......the aroma of traditional Itter ki Biryani all over........ filled in huge "Degs" added with carts and carts of Anda Bhurji/Omlette Paav Spots......mixed with the new phenomenon of Tawa Spots which are essentially various Chinese preparations modified for Indian taste buds :) If compared with the authentic Chinese preparations I tasted in country like Mauritius or in city like Kolkata. The Chinese will run away if asked to try this one!!! The Tawa Spots are purely Indian tastes served in the guise of Chinese food! But......... even then I accepted it because it really tastes fantastic!  Riot of garlic and onions in most of the preparations! Banged with cotton seed oil (Kardi ka tel) which is typical of Deccan (read Aurangabad and Hyderabad). :) To top all this.......there is Aurangabadi Paan..........yet another bliss.......:)))

U la la U la la :)

The grievance yesterday all over the social media was why a National Award wining film can not have national telecast? The legal answer according to me is....well....firstly we do NOT have clear definition of what is A, U/A, U and blah blah certification yet! The film has A certification..........now when entering inside the cinema hall, you need to produce proof of your age, if asked, to view a film certified as A, and then..... if it is aired on national or international channels............then??????? Who and How do you verify the age of the viewer??? The law is grey more than black and white sometimes :) Think on these lines. You will feel happy! U la la U la la............LOL..........

Mumbai in my mind

Mumbai....even today, in my mind, is limited from Colaba to Mahim and Ballard Pier to Sion only..........and not beyond. Because I was essentially a Matunga-Dadar guy for good number of years. Bandra, Andheri, Goregaon and Thane were the local stations where you get down from train only to watch movies when the tickets were not available in any talkies in Mumbai...........Today??? Well, the whole concept and geography has changed!!! The movies are available on your TV screen right in your home. No matter where you live! Technology..........you should only know.... how to use it!

Chicken Baida Rolls

What is known today as Chicken Baida Rolls.....are all together different in Mumbai, Aurangabad and Dilli. In Mumbai....though it tastes good, it is mechanical. There are joints in Mahim and Colaba. But to be honest, they all are just mechanical. Routine. In Aurangabad......the truly Mughlai city even today......it gives the taste of Jannat.... yes, just heavenly......the secret lies in the herbs which are added in it. And the herbs are available.... luckily even today....... in the mountains of Ajanta and Ellora......the traditional Mughal era route to Dilli from Deccan. In Dilli.....the authentic ones are available even today.....only at Urdu Bazaar, (opp. Red Fort). Above all, the purpose of writing all this is that, I found the authentic ones with herbs et all today in Aurangabad itself.............and just half a kilometer away from my home!!! There is this old Urdu saying....though it is in respect of a girl, I can't resist quoting it for these rolls "jisko dhund rahe the gali gali........woh makaan ke pichwade nikli" :)))

Samosa

Samosa......the great Indian snack.....seamlessly adopted throughout India except in South. When inserted in your mouth by yourself via pudina and then in imli chutny......it creates ripples inside. In Mumbai, in mid 1980's, it was divided, as Patti Ka Samosa and Punjabi Samosa. Of course, for ppl like me, patti ka samosa was the ultimate word. In the months of winter, patti ka samosa filled with fresh green peas and aaloo with sumptuous secret masalas or finely minced mutton kheema mixed with fresh green peas and occasional aaloo with secret masalas, was the sight and feeling of heaven! Just imagine, early morning cool breeze of humid Mumbai and patti ka creaspy samosa.....with riot of chutniys....topped with masala chai with still warm paav fresh from  bakery! The simple remembrance is just divine even today!

Kadak Paav of Mumbai

Holi-day adventure, which can be performed on any other holiday when in Mumbai. Sincerely work through whole day at your study table. Wait till 5 pm. At 5 go down to the bakery at the corner and stand in the Q. Relish your eyes on the view of hot soft as well as crispy paav being taken out of the furnace and put into the cane basket. Crispy Paav are in fact called a s Kadak Paav in Mumbai's lingo. The are crispy (Kadak) outside and very soft inside. At your turn, buy crispy repeat crispy paav. Don’t commit the mistake of buying soft paav, which are soft all in and out. Now run back to home. As soon as you reach back, open the paav half way by your fingers and apply 'permissible' amount of Mumbai’s most popular brand butter. Permissible is the right word because remember-you are at home J. Wait for few seconds to allow the butter to percolate deep inside the paav. Now close your eyes, open your mouth and take the first bite of warm paav…..go on and on….. till the last one. The interval of time between first and last byte is called as moments of instant Nirvana. Aamen! J All those who are interested in such Nirvana are cordially invited. Only pre-condition : obtain appropriate “permissions” before coming. J

Jumma........and emotions!

Jumma....nay....Jumme ki shaam....tonight in Aurangabad. Jumme ki shaam in Aurangabad and Mumbai are two different but unique experiences. Jumme ki shaam in Aurangabad is an 'experience' by itself! Roaming in old city on my old scooter and becoming nostalgic about all the things aged old....the 52 gates and 52 "puras"........yes! in fact "aged" old city I mean to say ..........that brings tears in my eyes. My life divided between Mumbai and Aurangabad makes me more and more emotional about the old city of Aurangabad and Mumbai too. The city where I really belong to....and the other city I emotionally belong to....I would not name them in any manner whatsoever.....in either way or in any way..... Because that is very very difficult!!! Almost impossible; I would say!!!

Our Weekend Spots

And now shooting of the film "Ajanta" has commenced at Ajanta valley starring Sonali Kulkarni playing the role of Paro and one foreign actor playing the role of the British Colonel. Exactly at the spot from where you can view the astonishing view of whole of Ajanta caves as a horse shoe. The relatively unexplored spot enjoyed by me, my wife and kids since 1997 i.e. the year when we bought our first car and hence could frequent that relatively unknown view point. Only last week, shooting of another film commenced near Daulatabad Fort starring Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor at the lake which is our fav. weekend spot for years. I have even posted several pictures of myself and my family at that spot on orkut/facebook since years. The moral of the story : Bollywood NOW realized the beauty of our age old weekend spots!!! :) Amen!!! :)

In fact, the Ajanta valley.........which my mother liked so much.....but was unable to visit often because we did not have a car for long. When I bought a car for the first time in family in 1997, she was the person who enjoyed the most of Ajanta Valley making me drive her down there on many weekends. Missing you mom now.....I lost her about 10 years ago in March, 2002.

Sahir....

It was amazing to find the Diwan of Sahir Ludhiyanvi in a shop at the mall at Aurangabad. These malls have made great changes in our lives. Many forgotten things are resurfacing suddenly in front of you on the book shelf and putting you in dilemma. Grabbed the Diwan of Sahir yesterday which I was in search since 1985's!!! His most well known is..........kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayaal aata hain......For me that is his preliminary......there are many more which are ultimate in the depth of his imagination and the level of the language (Urdu) too. This vacation is devoted to Bhagvad Geeta + History of Sikhs + Sahir. May God Bless me!

शहीद का मकबरा..

शहीद का मकबरा..

कंटीली झाड़ियो के पीछे,
एक चबूतरा नज़र आता है,
कुछ कुत्ते इस बौराई दुपहरी में,
यहाँ डेरा डालते हैं,कुछ मवेशी भी,
सुस्ता लेते हैं कभी कभी...
कहने वाले कहते हैं की ये,
चबूतरा नहीं,मकबरा है इक फौजी का,
पैसंठ या शायद बहत्तर की लड़ाई में,
इसे भी देशभक्ति के जूनून ने,
ये ईमारत इनायत कर दी..
नाम भी तो मालूम नहीं किसी को
इस शहीद का,
सभी चबूतरे वाला फौजी बुलाते हैं इसे,
सावन के आखिरी दिनों में,
जब बरसातें इस मकबरे को धुल देती हैं,
यहाँ एक मेला भी सजता है,
मगर वो फौजी अब भी बेनाम है..

जाने ऐसे कितने चबूतरे छितराए पड़े होंगे ,
बिना नाम,ला-शक्ल चबूतरे,
जहां मेले भी सजते होंगे वक्त बेवक्त,
मवेशी सुस्ताते होंगे और शायद,
कोई बेवा उस मकबरे को,
अपने आँचल से बुहारती होगी अब भी..

Grand old man of SSP

In today's news paper, I came across a news item saying that Sardar Khushwant Singh declared his retirement from writing. He is 97. I am great admirer of him. Reading his various writings since last 34 years i.e. 1977, the year I went to Mumbai to study engineering.

A lawyer by training, great scholar of History; in particular history of Sikhs, Urdu Poetry, English literature, smart and minute observer of social circles of Delhi and Mumbai, son of legendary Sir Sobha Sing who actually built Lutyen's Delhi and finally a resident of SSP. Above all, the naughty but honest grand old man of Indian literature. He is honest to core. What he feels, whatever occurs to his mind, he honestly and frankly writes down for all of us to read.

It is because of his writings, that I became so curious about Urdu Poetry, History of undivided Punjab and SSP. Because of his writing, my interests went on developing and ultimately I landed in learning to read and write Urdu and reading volume after volume on history of Punjab and Sikhs. By learning to read Urdu, my pleasure in reading Ghazals and also their understanding multiplied.

I collected each of his book. The latest "Sunset Club" is really naughty one. But I could enjoy it thoroughly because entire book is set on Lodi Garden, SSP and Khan Market area of New Delhi. The area, in which I live in New Delhi since last 5 years or so whenever I go there. Morning walk at Lodi Garden is like a dream, a dream gradually unfolding in thick fog! The breakfast on return to Ambassador Hotel is another heavenly experience. The evening is made cheerful by stroll in Khan Market. During last 5 years or so, I never stayed elsewhere but in SSP! The experience is such divine! The colony was built by his father; Sir Sobha Singh and is named after is grand father; Sujan Singh. Khushwant Singh spend major part of his life in SSP and that might be one of the secret of his long, healthy life!

Khushwant Singh is the grand old man who contributed greatly to the pleasures I enjoy; namely Ghazals and History of undivided Punjab and of course his own books. I shall greatly miss his writing and shall miss him because his writing is so lively.

On this occasion, I wish him happy and healthy retired life. You really worked hard and long Sardar sahib! mera sijda kubul farmaiyega.

Topi

Gandhi Cap or simply topi for me which I wore and do wear at all occasions. I wore it during my marriage as well. I like the topi and I have accepted it as part of my Maharashtrian culture since when I was in college. Few of my friends derived great pleasure in teasing me for this liking. Now? I am amused to see the very same friends wearing similar topi but something written on it like "I am ........" ! Change of heart or simply a farce or false patriotism?

Really, Anna Hazare's anti corruption campaign and the great agitation we are experiencing all over India over Jan Lokpal Bill has resulted in topi gaining its past glory back!

Oh Calcutta! Sorry, I can't call it Kolkata!

Bengal and Calcutta of my memories in 1986.....Dharamtala, Chowranghee Lane, at the corner shop of K. C. Das; the inventor of ‘Roshogullas’!!! The good old Hotel Carlton of Mrs. Johnes and the newly inaugurated metro in March, 1986. Visits to Victoria Memorial. Park Street to BBD Baugh by tram!!! Good old pipes filled with exquisite tobacco from New Market coupled with tea from Mrs. Johnes!!! Ohhh Calcutta! I miss thee!!! I left smoking long back, but the memories still haunt. Not to mention Bengali movies of Suchitra Sen watched at Light House. I admire her for her looks and her acting in mainly in two films : Mamta and Aandhi. Whatever Bengali films of hers I watched, I could understand little. But I watched them just for her and her acting! Calcutta of my memories of 1986 is essentially about Hotel Carlton; the ‘pucca’ British Hotel next to Oberoi Grand at Chowranghee. New Market, the leather goodies purchased there and yes, of course the finest Pipe I purchased there! Finely hand crafted wooden Pipe with all its accessories. The silver plated accessories to fill and to compress tobacco and finally the lighter!

I spent little over one month in Calcutta in March-April, 1986, while touring entire West Bengal by train for a project work.

The joy, after having sumptuous breakfast of corn flakes with warm milk, double omelette with toasts soaked in butter, chicken cutlet and then two cups of pot tea and then you light the pipe stacked with finest scented tobacco and puff first few strokes! It’s heaven! Yes literally heaven! Even now, just by remembering the breakfast, I regret, I lost the good old days of my Calcutta!

It is almost mandatory now, in every film, documentary, advertisement or any audio-visual on Calcutta to show a shot of sailing boat beneath Howrah Bridge. I did not experience that till my next trip to Calcutta in 2002! But I enjoyed the bridge by crossing it on foot twice! Yes, I crossed Howrah Bridge twice by walking down over it. Great fun and excitement. Try it!

Another thing I acquired in 1986 and reinforced during my visit to Calcutta is the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda. I visited Belur Mutt for whole day. I saw Swamiji's cottage where he lived very closely. In fact, I observed the whole Mutt campus very closely. I decided then and there only that I shall adopt the teaching of Swamiji. That was the turning point of my life. I went on studying his teaching and till this day, I am trying to understand that.

The only deep regret now is that, over the period, I lost the pipe I purchased at New Market in 1986!!!

A Prayer

O God, please bless me because I pray you every morning after bath but without offering you flowers. Please also bless all those who pray you offering variety of flowers stolen from my garden. After all, what is important is that YOU get the flowers no matter who cultivated them and who stolen them but ultimately offered to YOU. If caught, they shamelessly say "it's Shravan!' Our politicians are not different than this! So, sabki Jai Ho!

Bas itna sa hi gunaah hain…………:)

Life put apart by 30+ years is a feeling which really leaves bad taste in mouth!

In late 1970's and early 1980's we used to relish deep fried full "paaplet", one full plate of deep fried prawns and 'murgi parotha' all in one go at Sion Koliwada. To top all this, we used to have apples near Shanmukhanada Hall and after getting down at Wadala Station, one full glass of boiling hot milk! All this is still there! But the time has torn me 30+ years apart!

So now what? After hectic week, I reached Sion Koliwada this evening to try my luck!!! I thought that let's enjoy the week end over the same menu! The unpardonable mistake I committed is that, at some innocent moment, I disclosed my plan to elder dotty!!! Big mistake indeed! Frankly, this mobile phones are greatest curse and mood spoilers! I started receiving calls on my mobile warning against many things! Wify and elder dotty in particular! Since elder dotty joined LTMMC at Sion Hospital, all the charm of going to Sion Koliwada has vanished!

So what ultimately what I had this evening? Went to Sion Koliwada, but could not order a single dish! The very sight of 'kadais' full of oil frightened me! So came down to Vile Parle, seated in the same sophisticated hotel. (with AC 'on' etc. etc.) The menu : Tandoori Prawns (with instruction "no oil"), half veg. spring roll (wrapped in tissues for 15 mints; so again, no oil) one veg. sandwich with liberal dose of tomato ketchup and pudina chutny!

The only crime I committed is that I had one portion of kulfi! Bas itna sa hi gunaah hain…………:)

Purviben

There is this little girl presently at Surat. Purviben. My brother in law's daughter. Purvi. I call her Purviben because she is fluent in Gujarati and she lives in Surat. I am her greatest fan since 2001; the year she was born. The reason is very simple and natural. She looks largely like my wife and her complexion is exactly like my wife! Whenever I touch her, I recall the touch of my wife! God is great! HE is who decides everything about us. Who, what and how we are. In Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta, the Lord said, it is HE who decides the destiny of all of us. We all owe our existence to HIM! Purvi and my wife! Niece and aunt! The similarity is striking!

One more thing about Purviben. She is the only person who was the reason of joy for my mother in her last few days. My mother was on her death bed. I mean, she was facing her terminal illness. It was Purvi, who gave joy and pleasure to my mother. My mother often said; Mama has very pretty daughter! Indeed, Purvi was very very pretty then. Still she is. I used to take Purvi in my lap inside the ICU to please my mother. Those three or four last days of her life were pleasurable because of Purvi. And obviously, since then, Purvi became the angel of my eyes.

Now I hear from her mother, that they are shifting to Pune! I am happy because Purviben shall be near to me and I can meet her often. Surat in Gujarat was really an alien place!!!

Recently, about a month ago, I met Purviben at Surat. The night, when we went out for dinner is unforgettable throughout my life. We were walking down the footpath. Talking, Purviben telling me stories of her school and in between, we both were jumping and circling around ourselves! What a joy!

In 2001-02, she was living in Pune. Then the family shifted to Surat. Now Purviben is settling down at Pune in near future. I hoped this to happen long ago. It is now that her parents decided to do so. There is one lovely Marathi poem ....कधीतरी एकटे उगाचच फ़िरले पाहिजे..........तलावाच्या काठावर उताणे पडले पाहिजे........ Similarly, I would say, kadhitari ekte ugachach phirle pahije.............Purviben barobar unaadle pahije!

Yes, that's the right word! unaadle pahije! :))). The circle is complete! 2001 to 2011. Full ten years circled around and now I will have Purviben near to me at Pune!