AB Vajpayee and 'The Phantom of the Opera'

Almost everyone who knew of Atal Behari Vajpayee, invariably knew him as a man of letters writing, reading and speaking. The last one was his forte.

Just after the Emergency had been lifted, Atalji started his poetry, caricaturing the people who had surrounded Indira Gandhi. Actually, not caricaturing, but lampooning would be the better word to use.

Among Indira Gandhi’s cabinet members was a minister called Bansi Lal.  He was very supportive of the project to sterilise men somehow they thought they could control the population growth through aggressive plans.  Coming out of jail, Vajpayee said: “Nasbandi ke hain teen dalaal, Indira, Sanjay aur Bansi Lal.”

Later, when he learnt how N.D. Tiwari had kowtowed to Sanjay Gandhi, he quipped, “Main Sanjay ki savaari hoon, main Narain Dutt Tiwari hoon.”

My friend and classmate, Srikant Singh has a very interesting story to tell. When Srikant was in New York, he had befriended the man who was the Head of the Indian Mission to the United Nations. Vajpayee had come to the UN to speak. 

Invited to a private party on a Sunday, Srikant realised he was the only non-politician there. As was his wont, Vajpayee started reciting poetry. Srikant, after listening for a while, sidled up to Vajpayee, and introduced himself. 

He explained his background Srikant’s father Prof Satyanarain Singh taught English Literature at Osmania University and said that he was very much in touch with the literature scene in New York. He said he enjoyed poetry readings, discussions and watching plays.  When he mentioned plays, Vajpayee perked up. He said he very much wanted to see a Broadway play but that everyone the Indian diplomats as well as well-heeled BJP supporters said they couldn’t get tickets!  

Sensing an opportunity, Srikant asked, “Is there a specific play you would like to see?” Vajpayee answered, “Yes, I want see The Phantom of the Opera.”

Hearing this, Srikant’s heart sank.  The Phantom of The Opera was playing at The Majestic Theatre. It was such a success that there were no tickets for the next six months! Still, Srikant said, “If I can get tickets, will you go with me?” Vajpayee nodded. He said he was busy the next day, Monday, as BJP leaders from all over the US were coming to New York to meet him. He said the day after, Tuesday, would suit him better. Srikant was banking on his classmate John who had a job as an Assistant Manager at the Majestic Theatre. He called John and explained the situation. John assured him he would do his very best.

On Monday afternoon, Srikant received a call. It was John. He said he had both good news and bad news. The good news was that he had two tickets best in the house, Orchestra and the bad news was that it was for the same day, that is Monday.

In turn, Srikant called Vajpayee and explained the situation. Vajpayee said, “Aapney mujhey sankat mey daal diya (You have put me in a dilemma).” After about 10 seconds of silence, Vajpayee said, “Aap aaiyey. Hum chalengey (You come, we will go).”

That evening, Srikant went to the Waldorf Astoria where Vajpayee was staying. He was ushered into a conference room, with about 100 people around. On seeing Srikant, Vajpayee coughed. He then reached for a glass of water, and coughed again.  Clasping his throat, he said, “Pata nahi kyun, mujhey apney kamrey mey jaana padhega (I don’t know why, I may have to go to my room to rest).” The guests dispersed. 

Within a minute, Vajpayee emerged and with Srikant in tow, took the service lift downstairs to the car and then to the theatre.

Vajpayee was extraordinarily impressed with the play. Afterward, he told Srikant, “That was exceptional acting. I don’t think our Indians can come close to it!” He also greatly admired the sets, and was very vocal about his admiration.  

As it was late in the evening, Srikant suggested dinner. Vajpayee was reluctant; he ate only Indian food. He said he did not go to Indian restaurants as he would be surrounded by people and the owners would not let him pay for his own food. For this reason, in New York, he said he always had only a glass of milk for dinner.

Srikant then suggested that he would take him to a restaurant that served similar food. They went to a Cajun restaurant. Vajpayee ordered shrimp and wild rice. Later, Srikant dropped him off at the Waldorf, and walked out into the cool night air.