Workbook!
The city marked 100 days of its new government with much fanfare. At the centre of it all was Delhi’s new Chief Minister, Mrs. G (with due apologies to the soul of the original Mrs. G), who released a “workbook.” Yes, Dilliwalahs, a workbook! Whatever that means. An event was staged at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – leaving many Dilliwalahs wondering how the party high command greenlit a venue named after the granddad of their ideological nemesis.
The highlight? An hour-long public chat between Mrs. G and actor Anupam Kher. And that’s when Dilliwalahs leaned in: Why Anupam Kher? Born in Himachal Pradesh, living in Mumbai, reportedly owning a swanky house in New York – what stake does he have in Delhi’s muddy drains or toxic air? Has he ever had a swim in the Yamuna? Or loitered around the growing garbage mountain at Ghazipur? Or seen how the DDA almost got away with cutting trees in the Delhi Ridge?
Yet, here he was, asking questions on behalf of Delhi’s citizens. The irony wasn’t lost. The man who once played the bumbling uncle in David Dhawan comedies is now cast as the voice of the capital. It felt like that one neighbour who jumps at the sound of Diwali firecrackers but loudly insisted we should have gone to war with Pakistan after Pahalgam. “Bomb gira do!”
Speaking of firecrackers and fire – Delhi’s Fire Services got a ₹500 crore budget upgrade as stated in the workbook perhaps. And what did the Delhi Fire Services do with all that dough? They denied a fire safety certificate to the Delhi Police HQ. But Dilliwalahs are seasoned. They’ll take that in their stride as long as the cops still have fire in the belly.
StateOfDelhi Suggests: Old-school Dilliwalahs might recall biting into a warm Bhalushahi from Ramchander Bhalushahi Wale in Shahdara or the legendary Chaina Ram at Fatehpuri. While Chaina Ram is better known for its Karachi Halwa, their Bhalushahi holds its own. This ghee-drenched sweet is believed to have originated in the north, possibly from the Mughal rulers’ kitchens, but it has fans across the country. Down south, it goes by the name Badusha. Even Anupam Kher must’ve had his share back in the day while he was at NSD — after all, even the two sweetshops at Bengali Market do a respectable Bhalushahi.
Very Earthy and the Bhalushahi nostalgia was memories of another day. Thanks Giraj !
The new CM must learn where to draw the line. Apparently the Delhi Government ministers and staff will shower petals on Kawariyas and help put up stalls for their convenience. Why reward those who bring the city to a halt ?
I am wondering how the name balushahi came about. Perhaps there was a khansama called Balu in the royal kitchen who invented this sinful eat. Since it was only made in the royal kitchens it was called balushahi. On second thoughts I will stick to the pleasure of savouring it.
It’s a Very well briefed article about the Delhi’s scenario. That’s a really clear point, and you’ve hit on something important! I completely agree that relying on celebrities to be the voice of a nation or a movement isn’t always the most effective approach.
It makes sense that you, despite being an admirer of Anupam Kher, feel he might not be the right fit for influencing a city’s dynamics. The truth is, real change often comes from within communities and from people who have a deep, nuanced understanding of local issues, rather than just a public platform.
Loved the neighbour analogy! So relatable and the moot point hits home.
I am not a bhalushahi fan but I do love Karachi Halwa. Thanks for the tip!