It was a pleasant surprise to see one of the sitting MLCs travelling in the BMTC bus today! Almost no one in 45F knew this kurta-clad old man; he walked in and "stood" upon not finding an empty seat. He seemed to carry a bus-pass and did not scream 'do you know who I am' when conductor asked (for ticket/pass) and silently took it out of his 'joLige' bag. If it is a monthly pass, then he must be standing in the queue to buy the pass like me at the beginning of every month. I was thrilled!
Meet Prof Doddarangegowda, a poet and erstwhile teacher. He has penned songs for films too - be it the wonderful lyrics of a romantic 'nammoora mandaara hoove...' or more rustic 'teraneri ambaradaage nesara nagataane' and many more! He must be a nominated MLC; how many among general public will vote for a man who dares to travel in the BMTC bus!
I had seen him in 45G a few years ago in the same route. In fact, had heard his conversation with another person and turned back to see who was speaking so authoritatively on music composers of kannada film industry. I had then shrugged: 'a lecturer and a poet; he is just like us - a middle class man; no wonder he takes the buses'. When the news of him becoming an MLC came some months ago, I thought he will never travel by bus again! Apparently he has not changed!
I felt a strong urge to talk to him and express my happiness. He just smiled. And I got his autograph - the first time ever I stretched my book for somebody's autograph! The lady with him (his wife!?) reminded "write the date below... today's... 9th May, 2011", just like many other couples (including my folks) with sharper wives! He was sad that the speeding bus made the pen drift haywire! :)
I admire you Sir!
Ravi (Mon May 9 23:52 IST 2011)
Meet Prof Doddarangegowda, a poet and erstwhile teacher. He has penned songs for films too - be it the wonderful lyrics of a romantic 'nammoora mandaara hoove...' or more rustic 'teraneri ambaradaage nesara nagataane' and many more! He must be a nominated MLC; how many among general public will vote for a man who dares to travel in the BMTC bus!
I had seen him in 45G a few years ago in the same route. In fact, had heard his conversation with another person and turned back to see who was speaking so authoritatively on music composers of kannada film industry. I had then shrugged: 'a lecturer and a poet; he is just like us - a middle class man; no wonder he takes the buses'. When the news of him becoming an MLC came some months ago, I thought he will never travel by bus again! Apparently he has not changed!
I felt a strong urge to talk to him and express my happiness. He just smiled. And I got his autograph - the first time ever I stretched my book for somebody's autograph! The lady with him (his wife!?) reminded "write the date below... today's... 9th May, 2011", just like many other couples (including my folks) with sharper wives! He was sad that the speeding bus made the pen drift haywire! :)
I admire you Sir!
Ravi (Mon May 9 23:52 IST 2011)
Wow !! Congratulations dear for the autograph u got!!
ReplyDeleteI dont know the eminent personality, but its good to know :) that people with such eminent statures are STILL like us.....:) good Ravi! laminate d autograph :)
ReplyDelete:-) thanks, Philip and Rajani!
ReplyDelete