Shajanram is a frail little person in his late eighties. Yet he moves gracefully, with the agility of a nearby desert antelope. The thick round glasses lying on his aquiline nose magnify the darkness of his black, almond-shaped eyes. The white beard and long moustache match the uniform colour of his shirt, dhoti, and turban. His smile is spontaneous, frequent and highly infectious, as his kindness.
He bows in respect to welcome guests in the home that he shares with his four sons, their wives and a total of twelve healthy and cheerful grandchildren. Shajanram does not speak a word of English. His facial expressions genuinely convey his feelings, passing through no filter, no social barrier. For the rest, a guide translates his sacred speech.
The familiar whistle of the locomotive announces its slow approach to the impatient crowd waiting on the platform. The Khambli Ghat station...
At the crack of dawn, we land in New Delhi. I am delighted at the thought that I will meet Rajender again, the kind gentleman who...
Retrace our steps with Hole & Corner as we explored the derelict performance spaces of Chennai and Madurai in the south...
This journey trails the coastlines of the Arabian Sea, to discover the rich flavours and fragrances that have arrived and thrived here...
Amidst the lush greenery on the banks of a river, is a palace surrounded by Mughal gardens...
It is early morning and it is time to go. Ramesh, the driver is waiting for us, his spotless car smelling of incense offered to the deity...