For Khushwant Singh

Without the Sardarji, How to do the jokes, How to do the entertaining talks, Sprinkling a pinch of salt and the spices To make it dainty? Turbaned and dyed, Looking young even in his old age, Failing his son, Khushwant is the man to be reckoned with, A master gossiper, A master talker, A politico, a journo and a literateur. From Lahore to London to Delhi, He can say about, The trend and tenor prevalent In life-styles and fashions, Changes taken place With the change in time and scenario, History, art and tradition While moving together with and talking Just by the way. Be it fashion, art and designing, Languages and cultures, Museums and archives, Love-letters Or cosmetics Or vanity bags Hanging from, Men mad after Or Cupid-struck.