An epidemic of a new kind reared its head at the Hard Rock Cafe Mumbai on 14th August. Patrons swore that they had seen the late, great Ray Charles seated in one of the booths enjoying his drink. Before you knew it, word had spread and people started lining up to get a dekko in at our booth. Was it an apparition, was it an imposter, could it really be that Ray Charles had decided that on the eve of our Independence Day, he would give his Indian fans the gift of his holy presence?

Fortunately, this epidemic was quickly brought under control by swift and affirmative action on the part of the group accompanying “Ray”. They quickly took off Shashi’s sunglasses, immediately dispelling apprehensions and bringing the situation under control.

But not before some smart alec got hold of some candid shots of Ray in his element. Hope the paparazzi does not get their hands on these and put them to some misuse.

In the end, all was well on 15th August 2009!