Making the commentator a very passionate American is a masterstroke, because any Indian character would have been accused of bias. The hooch-swiggling Allan types out his fiery thoughts with untempered profanity, a free-speech that can only come with objectivity.

Dholakia laughs when asked if Allan represents him. "It's not me, really. But yes, I definitely wanted to avoid using an Indian character. There were a few American friends of mine, and Allan is an amalgamation of them."