Chapter 36: Interested In Remaining Disinterested
1961Page 4,772 of 5,444
Three days later, on Sunday, 17 September 1961, eighteen lovers of Ahmednagar came to Meherazad at 9:00 A.M., and for one hour Rustom Kaka, his wife Silla Kaku, a 24-year-old woman named Usha Kulkarni, and Kokila Tiwari sang bhajans.1 Others from Ahmednagar were also present, among them Nusserwan Satha and his brother Piloo Mama, Burjor Mehta and his wife Meheru, Rangole, Chhagan, Waman and Dhake.
When Baba entered mandali hall, he called three or four members of the Ahmednagar bhajan group before him for some time, and then called everyone inside. As usual, before the singing, Baba inquired of a few about their health.
He remarked, "It should be clearly understood that my seclusion remains unbroken, despite your presence here. You are here only as a result of my sudden whim to hear music."
He also conveyed, "If there is no rain next Sunday, I will see all my lovers who regularly attend the Ahmednagar Center [about 50 persons]."
Manek had come from Poona the day before, and Baba asked him, "Why did you leave your studies in Poona and come to Ahmednagar? If you fail your exam, I will not see your face."
Manek was a fine mimic, and Baba told him to mimic his father Rustom Kaka. Before he began, Sarosh arrived and Baba asked about his upcoming business trip to Italy.
Baba explained to him, "You are lucky. Due to my love for and nazar on you, you are again doing well in business. You should remember me wherever you are."
Baba had a couplet from Hafiz recited to the effect that the world and its affairs are absolutely zero, "nothing into nothing."
He added, "Within 30 years when Sarosh is no longer here, everything will be forgotten and left behind. The only one to be remembered is Baba, who is the solace and refuge of his lovers."
Manek began imitating his father's style of singing, much to the delight of all.
Baba remarked to Sarosh, "Manek is a pucca [expert] mimic." He told Manek, "Next time I would like to see you imitate Sarosh and Adi — but on no account should you ever mimic me!"
Then the singing started, led by Rustom Kaka on the harmonium. He sang one song written by Bhau, which Baba liked very much. Baba advised him to set more of Bhau's compositions to music and sing them. At the end Baba did not want the arti to be sung, stating that it could be done next Sunday.
Footnotes
- 1.Rustom Kaka had told Usha Kulkarni about Baba three years before.