I had never imagined in my life that one day he will make a memorable speech in my own function and that too on the subject of Fitness. But, destiny brought us together. In the year 1997 I was just back to Mumbai from Hyderabad on transfer. Those days I was housed at Poonam Chambers, Worli. One afternoon, the centre part of the building came down crashing and I came out as one of the survivors in the last batch, taking a full cement bath. I could not think of anything for next few hours as this unfortunate incident had shaken me. I lost two good friends in this mishap. I could not eat anything and with great difficulty started sipping hot soup from next day. 
Doctor suggested me to start some game activity. But my mind was not just in anything. Somehow, I needed to work on my lungs, as cement had entered my body. So, for a change, I joined a course in ‘Fitness Management’ run by Talwalkars. It was here I came across this Fitness Icon Mr. Madhukar Talwalkar, the CEO of Talwalkar’s Fitness Academy. There were many other good faculty members like Leena Mogre, Dr. Kinjal Suratwala and Dr. Dhananjay More, who taught us Aerobics, Sports Medicine and Kinesiology, respectively. But, the lecture of Mr. talwalkar was always special for me. With the help of Aerobics and discussions with Dr. More, I worked more harder on Aerobics. I also brought out a Weekly Newsletter on ‘Fitness’ during this course, covering some useful tips. Mr. Talwalkar highly appreciated my work. With my Journalism course background, this was made possible. On the farewell day, he suggested me to write a book.
I did keep his word. In the year 2008 while I was living in Pune, I completed my book ‘Fitness & Beyond’ and was looking for a publisher. Mr. Deepak Dalvi formerly from Oxford University Press, who had started his own Publication House at Sadashiv Peth, Pune, went through the manuscript, which I had left with him through a known source. He called me up and we had a meeting. He suggested me certain things and one main request was to invite a celebrity as a chief guest during the launch of the book. After meeting few celebrities, I suggested the name of Mr. Madhukar Talwalkar to my Publisher and he immediately agreed. “Do you know him personally ?” he asked me. And I said ‘Yes’.
Now, somehow I had to request Mr. Talwalkar. But, will he come to Pune ? This was a big question. During my visit to Mumbai, I went to his Big Gym at Juhu . I sent my card through receptionist, who asked me to wait for sometime. In next 5 minutes he called me in and greeted me with a big smile. Instead of sitting in his cabin upstairs , he preferred to sit with me in the small open lawns and called for juice. He was very happy to know that I had completed my book and accepted the approval copy, which I was carrying with me. What surprised me was that he agreed to come to Pune. “For the launch of your book, I will surely come to Pune. Don’t worry. But, meet me in Pune next week, so we can finalise the day.” He said. Mr. Talwalkar used to visit Pune, for meetings with the heads of his Gym branches in Pune.
Next week before his scheduled visit to Pune, I reminded him over phone and he called me the next day at his Pune residence for lunch. This was a flat in an apartment in a peaceful area somewhere near Kothrud and when I reached there I was welcomed by the caretaker cum cook , who made me comfortable and told me that Sir would reach in few minutes. Soon Mr. Talwalkar arrived and once again with a warm welcome he invited me this time at the dining table. It was a perfect vegetarian diet food with hot phulkas served by the cook, followed by butter milk. We discussed about the dates suitable to him. On the date suggested by me, was his upcoming 75th birthday and the family had planned a big celebration. So, we had to prepone our function by a week. I immediately contacted my Publisher, who agreed and that’s how Mr. Madhukar Talwalkar arrived as the chief guest for my book release.
That evening was the most memorable day in my life , as in his inaugural speech Mr. Talwalkar was all praise for my efforts. He seemed to have read each and every chapter thoroughly, as indicated through his observations in his speech. What was more inspiring was the question – answer session which he proposed to the organisers. And there were questions raining from Press reporters and audience for the next half and hour. But, he obliged them all. One particular question he himself asked the audience. What is the target you have set to live this beautiful life ? Everyone was surprised ? Then he made it more simple. ‘How many years you wish to live?’ There were answers, stating the range between 75 to 100. But, none stated 100+ . Mr. Talwalkar surprised all those present including myself. He said that he had set his target at 150. And all those present gave a standing ovation to him. Seated next to him, I also joined others . Mr. Talwalkar was overwhelmed with this gesture.
The function which began in the evening got over by 8 pm in Pune style, followed by dinner in time. And, Mr. Talwalkar left for Mumbai in his car , saying good bye to all the invitees. One could notice the happiness on his face after communicating with the invitees. Next day morning the newspapers in Pune carried report on this function, with Times of India carrying the Photo of Mr. Talwalkar and me while releasing the book. Few of my friends from our colony had come to greet me at the breakfast hour, when I received a phone call from Mr. Talwalkar. I told him about the press coverage of his speech and agreed to post him copies of press clippings. But, he was in a different mood. He could not forget the enthusiastic audience, who had posed him questions on the subject of fitness the earlier evening. He repeatedly said, “I have never seen such lovely audience before.”
Mr. Talwalkar still remains close to my heart. Just two days ago I saw his video becoming viral, in which he was seen doing exercises and offering some inspiring tips on fitness on his completing 87 years. “Yes Sir, you are a perfect role model for all of us.” I wish you a 150 years of happy healthy life.