47. No dull moment with Khushwant Singh

It was February 2, 2007. I called Khushwant Singh and gleefully told him about my appointment as Editor of the Dalal Street Investment Journal. 

He asked me to repeat the name twice. 

I know Dalad Street, but not the second half of the name.

I told him about my role as an editor here. He was listening silently.

I thought the phone connection was cut.

So said again, Hello, Sir.

Yes, yes, carry on and let me know when you're finished.

I was ashamed of myself for not giving him a chance to reply, like you find anchors at prime-time TV discussions.

I'm finished, Sir.

"Oh, is that so? Ok. I'll tell you a story, a very small one. 

After Harshed Mehta's scam, the stock market collapsed...

After the stock scam, a friend was….Do you remember the Harshad Mehta scam?

"Yes, yes, sir." 

After the subsequent market collapse, I asked a friend if he had also been active in the Share Bazaar.

"Of course, I did a lot of trading," he replied.

"What were you? A bull or a bear?"

Can you guess his reply? 

I think he was a bull.

No, no, that's you.

His reply was an ass. And we had a hearty laugh.

So now you will guide all those bunch of asses out there to make money. 

That was my guru and mentor, Khushwant Singh.

With him, there was never a dull moment.

(Top Photo Courtesy: © Frans Lanting / Corbis, with thanks)