Aha to Ha Ha Moments in My Life

Butter Scotch, the creamy male cat and Caramel the sophisticated female are two adorable cats that have decided to share their lives with us. Though both are named after ice cream flavours, they are as different as cup ice and kutchi ice. They always play together and entertain us with their acrobatics. While Butter would go completely ballistic during play, Caramel would always be alert and at the slightest noise would take a defensive posture. Butter would continue playing even if the house was on fire! Caramel is more crafty and would not miss an opportunity to jump on the table and taste the tidbits on the sly. Butter however, would be waiting patiently under the table. When guests visit our house, Caramel instantly disappear from sight, while Butter would be fast asleep in its favourite spreadeagled position unmindful of the guests' disapproving stare. Last week, when the rains lashed Chennai, Caramel bolted out the moment it sensed water flooding our doorway. Butter ...

When I opened today's newspaper, the news that Viji Manuel " the keyboard player par excellence " is dead hit me rather badly. After reading the news item, tears rolled down my cheeks. Somehow, his death struck a raw chord in me. It is not as if Viji Sir (as he is respectfully referred by his fans) is a complete stranger. Given his popularity and his association with Maestro Ilayaraja, Viji Manuel is a household name in many Madras homes, including mine. I first met - rather watched Viji Manuel in action at a concert at Music Academy. There he was, with his long flowing hair, french beard, colourful suspenders in complete contrast to the crisp white shirt he wore. What struck me at that moment was the energy and confidence, almost bordering on arrogance that he exuded on stage. It is the kind of aggression that you associate with the swagger of  Sir Vivian Isaac Richards as he scattered the cricket balls and fast bowler reputations out of the park or the audacious prec...

Missile Man is no more read the headlines today. However, the great man himself preferred to be known as a teacher. The man who had over 30 honorary Doctorates preferred the humble yet noble title of Teacher. Into the ocean of tributes coming in to this exemplary man, I add my small droplet.... After he stepped out of the President protocol, he was a man on a mission - visiting schools and colleges and intermingling with 1000s of children. During one such visit he came to Hyderabad to inaugurate a science exhibition at an NGO run school. I was invited as we were then supporting that NGO as part of our CSR programme. The school children had prepared various science projects and were waiting for the People's President to visit... Dr. Kalam arrived promptly and he went around the display and the various exhibits of the students. However, the organizers thought it important to escort him to the dais and they whisked him away inside the auditorium. Once inside the auditorium, the c...

Unusual rains lashed - OK, OK, glanced Chennai in the past few days and we both praised and cursed the weather for bringing down temperatures and raking up the muck on the streets respectively. As Chennai plunged into darkness once again... My son, Sam half drenched, rushed in and brushing aside his concerned mother's admonitions at getting wet when it rains (?) grabbed his camera and tripod and preempted my incredulous glance and said, “ Dad, I have never seen so much lightening ..that too at such quick intervals and I am going to the terrace to capture them ” Then he asked her bewildered sister, Rachel: do you want to come too? A quick cut to a back story here: Rachel is his trusted 'apprentice' and 'muse' and it is entirely up to his mood which role she ends up playing. This time, it was very clear apprentice – an euphemism for 'edupudi” Grudgingly though excited, Rachel grabbed her umbrella and before her customary check out in the mirro...

I was particularly tired that day as I sat in Madurai airport – back to back meetings and last minute rush to only find out that the flight is delayed. Madurai airport in those days (2003) was like a large kalyana mandapam. The small waiting hall was filled with dhoti clad gentlemen and Kancheevaramed ladies. Settling down for the inevitable long wait and dreading the soggy samosas that the airlines ration out whenever their flights are delayed, I saw a bit of commotion near the security entrance. Suddenly there was a buzz all around and the Star walked in looking dapper as usual.  There was a posse of men surrounding him and the security guided him into the waiting hall. My instant reaction was to go up to him and say hello. But then there were so many people mobbing him that I decided to wait. Sensing a small lull and seizing that moment, I just walked up to him called him by his name and stretched out my hand with a big smile and introduced myself. “Prince…” he drawle...