Indian Idol Nation

Indians have always been fond of songs - one of my fondest memories of growing up was standing up front on the scooter while my Dad drove it and sang songs loudly and horribly off-key. India is one big antakshari nation - only you can play all by yourself (see pic).

Now Indians spontaneously breaking out into song is long standing tradition. But of late I've seen a resurgence of this in crowded public places - like packed trains, airports or medical waiting rooms. Perhaps this is the legacy of Indian Idol where every hopeful sings out loud in crowds hoping to chance upon some music composer.

While most people tend to get annoyed, and some even make the loony sign with their fingers and roll their eyes, I tend to enjoy this.

Lately I've been accompanying Dad to doctor's offices on visits. These tend to be fairly torturous - you're normally squashed in tiny places waiting for the hallowed one to show up and see you (and I'm talking about the doctor personally referred to us by a friend).

In such circumstances, the Indian Idol effect is a blessing because its instant entertainment. Thus it was that on a recent medical exploration I found myself startled by a skinny guy in a Mithun mullet who broke out spontaneously into that song from Race (with rap and all) in a crowded urologists' office.

And while everyone looked irritated I smiled broadly. This caused pseudokishore to raise his voice a few decibels. When he finished I encouraged him with my best "kya baat hai" expression. I got some dirty looks from nearby sick people. I ignored them.

I continued to review each song wordlessly in this way. Pretty soon pseudokishore was taking requests from me. "Yaar, jara Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale ga do" I said. And he did - jolting the waiting room with some bad ass high notes. Slightly before this ended, the doctor was ready for us.

To all who share their talent with me selflessly in this way and make my waits easier, I thank you.

Also:

• Bhajji's song cracks up Lin



• Songs over conversation for Over Rated



• anu g agrees



• Pitu startles hunnybunny



• rabindra sangeet at the doctor's drives leera crazy



• girlie girl recalls one rude doctor in Surat



• Singing is way of coping says Mind Rush



• Joules returns and recalls a Chinese sing-along in Rome



• Bitterlemons is aboard the impromptu singing bandwagon