Cockroaches Get a New Life

 Whenever we see a cockroach, the first instinct is to squat it, or run.. mostly the first. Because it can't attack you back.. at most it can fly.

But now we have a whole political party named after it. The most potent force in politics? We will have to wait and see. But the idea has caught on, apparently triggered by a remark made in a court by India's Chief Justice. He probably used a metaphor in the heat of the moment, but unwittingly gave birth to a lot of memes, cartoons and now, a whole Political Party too.

So it's probably going to lead to a re-look at Lizards, Flies, and my favourite- the Mosquito? I must go tell my friend Anopheles! We have been conversing about various things human for many years, but this- a Mosquito Political Party- is a brand new possibility!

Why I Can't be an Entrepreneur

Too much work, if I have to put it succintly. Matlab, there are no defined work hours. The buck stops with you, so everyone looks up to you for advice, guidance and operational decisions. How do I know? I have worked with promoters in the education sector.

Also, chasing payments is one part of their role- or any role- that I dislike. Of course, many of those I worked with had the reverse problem-they wouldn't pay vendors on time, until they were  chased for months.

I would rather be at peace knowing that I can leave it all if I feel like it, and let the CEOs or promoters carry the burden the rest of the time. 

Work-life balance is a thing, yaar.

Another Interesting Musical Show

 Saw another musical show (on May 19th 2026) by a new bunch of singers, barring one- Rajabhau Tikhe, whom I had seen earlier. This was titled Main Sharabi Nahi and focussed on songs while the characters in films were drunk. Also a couple of ghazals about drinking, by Pankaj Udhas were on offer.

A couple of good songs from Haath ki Safai (Tu kya jaane wafa o bewafa) and Inteqam (Aa jaane jaan) brought back memories of those films. Sung by Sophiya Michael and Snehal Apte, which I recorded. Some pics-

Sophiya Michael above and Snehal Apte below

Sandhya Kurhade and Rajabhau Tikhe sing a duet, below

Dharmendra Musical Show in Pune

 We saw a sizzling musical show called Sadabahar Dharmendra yesterday (16 May 2026) at Pune. It was a great evening filled with memories of an evergreen hero who came from Punjab and won the hearts of many, including a Dream Girl. Some great songs were sung.. 4 very good singers, Ali Husain, Makarand Patankar, Swarada Godbole and Radhika Atre. Saira was the compere, and did a good job of it. Pics-

Ali Husain and Swarada on the stage

A link to one of the songs -

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HZqmhg9kVChpvxq76

Rajabhau Tikhe of Rhythm Entertainment

 A very entertaining musical show by him and his team- Vyjayanti, Monali Dube and Elizabeth, and Shrikant Bhatt and himself. Songs from many of them were excellent. Vyju/Vyjayanti stood out. Shrikant Bhatt, 81, did well with Talat Mehmood, Saigal songs. Shola jo bhadke, Kajra mohabbat wala, aana merri jaan merri jaan Sunday ke Sunday etc. brought the house down. 3 songs from Jhumroo were sung! The ladies did Shamshad Begum songs well!

So Many Things To Do

 Pune is a vibrant city, with a lot of choices- even more if you understand Marathi- of things to do. Plays, music shows (some free!) and events are on all the time.

One such event we attended.. these two were good singers- Pournima Waghmare and Uday. (first pic)

Golf I am yet to play, but the plays and music shows have kept me busy. Food outings and meetings with friends are also pretty regular.

We also have karaoke parties once in a while!

And if you still have the time, Mumbai is not far!

IMT Alumni in Pune

 I left IMT Nagpur in 2013. But I have been meeting alumni from the institute ever since. I met one in Kolkata just two months ago. After 2012, when she graduated. This week, I met three alums, including one who just moved to Pune, Ananya Nandi De. Two others, Harshad Lunavat and Phalguni Bannerjee Basu, have been here longer. 

With Ananya, at a party welcoming her to Pune.

Harshad Lunavat takes a selfie, with Phalguni and her husband Aritra Basu.