Remembering Fusion Dancer, Astad Deboo

Among the many fortunate happenings that shaped my life, my meeting in 1980 with Contemporary Fusion Dancer, Astad Deboo at Park Street, Calcutta, dancing holding to an electric pole, is one permanently etched in my mind. He had a great laugh and sense of humour when I revealed that I am from Gwalior, land of the Chambals . Sipping tea from khullar, he remarked, 'wish I could do my performance in the midst of Chambal ravines to the tune of chattering gun shots'. He passed away on 10 December 2020

Remembering Vinod Dua

I met Vinod Dua ji once again in a January 2017 evening on the steps of India International Centre at New Delhi. ' Aarey Amitabh, Kab Aayey' He insisted that I should have Darjeeling Tea with him while he introduced me to Pakistani writers and scholars. They said that they are indebted to Shri Vinod Dua ji because his personal invitation allows them to visit and stay in India for long periods. Vinod ji went into a split of laughter, winking at me, explaining about his possible love and connection with Pakistani and Indian intelligence. There was laughter all around and the Darjeeling tea tasted better than before. Before leaving, we all embraced and I invited Vinod ji including all the Pakistani intellectuals to my other home in East London, South Africa. Vinod bhai succumbed to Covid 19 on 04th December 2021.