Jesudas phoned Kavita a few days ago and introduced himself as a 'small singer' from Kerala, but Kavita knew how 'small' he was, but told him that she was refraining from attending public functions as she had wanted to keep her grief private.
Some of what she said in a television interview had angered a few people and she did not want to be dragged into politics. But when Jesudas said this was a musical tribute to all the martyrs, she felt it was her duty to represent the bereaved families of Mumbai.
She felt honoured that Kerala, which was so distant from Mumbai, had thought it fit to invite her and she felt that this was a case of national integration, which she should foster for the sake of the country.
After all, Hemant had died for the whole country, not for Maharashtra alone.
Kavita and her sister-in-law felt uneasy in Kerala because of the excessive security and about an escort who insisted on dictating her programme, but a bit of Vienna spirit comforted her when my wife and I went to see her.
What comforted her most were the soothing and philosophical words of Jesudas on and off stage for which Jesudas has become famous.
Image: Hemant Karkare's funeral in Mumbai. Photograph: Sanjay Sawant
Also see: Pall of gloom at Karkare's home
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