January 24. “Button, what did you think of Bingo?”

“I liked the way the show started but after Paa went and the ordinary couples came in to play the game, it suddenly went kaput.”

“I agree with you entirely. And, because it was a new show, the curiosity factor was there and Paa was very good but once he was done and gone, the show died.”

“On the other hand, Maha Muquabla and Dance India Dance are great shows.”

“I agree. And when Shahrukh came in yesterday for the promotion of My Name is Khan, Maha Muquabla rocked. He was so good. He looked great and danced like a god. There’s something about that man…  I’d call it class.”

“Karan Johar paled in comparison. Nobody noticed his presence. He was as good as not being there.”

“Like my younger daughter said—nobody carries off a white shirt as well as King Khan. And that girl–Shreya Ghosal— has the voice of a goddess. But I must admit I like Maha Muquabla the most. Actually I love the singing reality shows. That’s also the reason why I watch The American Idol as well as The Indian Idol”

“I know you love The American Idol and most of all the auditions—which are hilarious. I’ve heard you laughing and almost cracking up sometimes just listening to some of them.”

“This is something I’ve never understood—I mean some of the contestants who come for the audition with their squeaky voices—are they serious? Don’t they know they can’t sing to save their lives! They come and have everybody, including the judges, in splits!”

“Why don’t you go for some of these shows?”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“There is an age barrier, Button. You know how old I am, don’t you? I sometimes wonder if I should continue having this dialogue with you because teddy bears are cuddlesome toys kids play with and, here I am, a 50 something woman in conversation with a teddy!”

“I am Button. Not only a teddy. And don’t ever think of putting an end to this conversation. You have no idea what it means to me.”

“To me too.”