Lalu ban gaya gentleman

10

For a lot of us Indians, Lalu Prasad Yadav has been a Cartoon Network Channel unto himself, without any Walt Disney contribution. But yesterday, as with his characteristic gusto, back-of-the-dhoti calculations, and spontaneous charm he handled India's CEO-aspirants of the future, he has overnight become, perhaps unwittingly, the first rural brand ambassador of a modern India. Bridging a gulf between two rapidly separating islands, as it were. For urban India, particularly cash-obsessed cities like Mumbai for whom life begins with the share price of a divided Reliance share price, and ends with badla, satta and wild speculation on the "The New India Story" penned by Goldman Sachs, research analysts, and even hard-core ignoramus punters, Lalu Prasad Yadav has been just a frivolous distraction, a comedy caper on a day when stock markets perhaps breached another spectacular high. I doubt many are aware of his early....

Of Vande Mataram, Arjun Singh and Munnabhai

46

Every year, I religiously visit Mohammed Ali Road's celebrated confectionery-cum-sweet stall, Sulaiman Mithaiwala in Bombay at the time of Ramzaan, sometimes more than just one single time. Their "mawa - khaja" in a multi-colored hue and trademark "malpua" which emerges out golden deep-fried from a large black vessel soaking with ghee, are serious cholesterol- invaders, but during the sunset fast-breaking feast, such gastronomic trespasses are scornfully dismissed. It is akin to mild flirtation and subtle eye contact with a pretty face at a busy check-in counter; no serious long-term repercussions, really. The narrow by-lanes are usually asphyxiated with teeming crowds, and you are rather fortunate if you do not have your foot casually crunched in the maddening mayhem. But truly what amazes you is the genuine warmth and painstaking care with which the Muslim shopkeepers treat you; their sheer humility, enthusiastic religious passion, and persistent enquiries about your....