Mayor bole hadippa!

Mohansingh Rajpal never skips his morning bhangra, says it keeps his body and mind going

AT 61, Mayor Mohansingh Rajpal loves to shake a leg. Dancing to popular Daler Mehndi numbers is part of his daily routine. He says bhangra helps him stay fit.

Rajpal's morning begins with prayers followed by foot-tapping numbers. And no one is allowed to disturb him when he is busy keeping in step with the beat of popular bhangra numbers. During his dance hour, there
are strict instructions that anybody who wishes to speak to him should be asked to call later.

Bhangra collection
Rajpal has a vast collection of Daler Mehndi's and Surinder Singh's bhangra songs.

"Bhangra is not only a physical exercise but also a soothing element that gives pleasure to my mind. I also do yoga and jogging near a garden close to my place. And I never miss bhangra. Two hours in the morning is devoted to this," said Rajpal.

It may be recalled that on the day of the mayor's election, the Sikh community had organised a bhangra dance to celebrate Rajpal's victory. The new mayor had attended the do and participated in the dancing.

"I like to dance to our own Hindustani tunes instead of western music, the present-day trend," said Rajpal.
Rajpal works for 14 hours almost every day and feels the morning workout keeps him fit to go through his rigorous schedule at his age.

"I keep a check on my weight, which is 85 kg," said the mayor.

Party host
A foodie, Rajpal also hosts parties at the official mayor's residence, which has been turned into a guesthouse now as the mayor prefers to stay at his own home.

"I have control on my eating, but exercise makes me feel better," said Rajpal.

Rajendra Singh Rajpal, younger brother of the mayor, said his brother has a huge collection of 100 bhangra dance songs. He said, "Mehndi's Nara Bool, Tanak Tanak Tun, Dunia Bhairi Aur Changi and Saatenaar Rahoge Toh Aish Karoge are his favourite tunes."