Bhujbal’s Marathon Contribution

Chhagan Bhujbal should at least stay away from sports events. Even his name is overweight. Yet, he came for the Mumbai Marathon.

A lot of people who come for the marathon wear track suits. Even those who don’t run. Bhujbal too wore one. It boggles the mind. He was there to wave. He should have worn a waving suit.

I dislike Bhujbal. But I must acknowledge the crucial role he played in the victory of Denis Ndiso, who is from Kenya (or is that a given?). Ndiso is a farmer. He is used to having wild animals around him. For a while Mumbai’s urban sprawl unsettled him. Then he saw Bhujbal. “Ah, a rhino,” he thought. “I like this place. I feel at home. I’m going to rock this race.” Bhujbal set Ndiso at ease and on the road to victory.

Anil Ambani did not run the marathon this year, though the Mumbai Marathon office confirmed to Open that he collected his bib. For years, though, Anil Ambani has been a regular feature of the marathon. It is because of him that so many run. When he signs up for the race, thousands follow, hoping they can make a grab for his wallet.

Another regular feature of the Mumbai Marathon is Milind Soman, the only model in history to have endorsed a python. Milind runs every year. He prepares for it in earnest. Marriage or running, long distance is his thing.

Milind’s timing is not very impressive, though. The reason is after every few steps he strikes a pose, like models do at the end of the ramp. Then he starts running again. Clearly he hasn’t put his modelling days behind him.

From running to another sport. I have some important news. The divorce rules have been changed. Your wife is now entitled to divorce you if you harass her, cheat on her or become a golfer.

Chhagan Bhujbal should at least stay away from sports events. Even his name is overweight. Yet, he came for the Mumbai Marathon.

A lot of people who come for the marathon wear track suits. Even those who don’t run. Bhujbal too wore one. It boggles the mind. He was there to wave. He should have worn a waving suit.

I dislike Bhujbal. But I must acknowledge the crucial role he played in the victory of Denis Ndiso, who is from Kenya (or is that a given?). Ndiso is a farmer. He is used to having wild animals around him. For a while Mumbai’s urban sprawl unsettled him. Then he saw Bhujbal. “Ah, a rhino,” he thought. “I like this place. I feel at home. I’m going to rock this race.” Bhujbal set Ndiso at ease and on the road to victory.

Anil Ambani did not run the marathon this year, though the Mumbai Marathon office confirmed to Open that he collected his bib. For years, though, Anil Ambani has been a regular feature of the marathon. It is because of him that so many run. When he signs up for the race, thousands follow, hoping they can make a grab for his wallet.

Another regular feature of the Mumbai Marathon is Milind Soman, the only model in history to have endorsed a python. Milind runs every year. He prepares for it in earnest. Marriage or running, long distance is his thing.

Milind’s timing is not very impressive, though. The reason is after every few steps he strikes a pose, like models do at the end of the ramp. Then he starts running again. Clearly he hasn’t put his modelling days behind him.

From running to another sport. I have some important news. The divorce rules have been changed. Your wife is now entitled to divorce you if you harass her, cheat on her or become a golfer.

About The Author

Akshay Sawai