Memories of Chitthappa

My Chitthappa

                My first memories of Chittappa were his Java Motorcycle. I was 4 years old or so. I thought it was the coolest thing. He was tall and slim and just a cool guy. My Chittappa name was Venkateswarlu, Kondababu or just Lu.

I remember going to visit him in Nellore where he worked and I had a good time with my brother and two cousin sisters. I also remember coming to Madras on the Jammu Tawi express. It was a short trip but the memory is there.

He actually bought a tape recorder and was a big fan of Carnatic Music and Balamurali Krishna. He bought his cassettes the Utsava Sampradaya Kritis and Bardrachala Ramadas Krithis. Those songs continue to resonate with me to this day. Melukovayya in Ragam Bowli of the Utsava was my favorite. He also used to play a “game” where we would listen to Carnatic music on the TV and he would basically close his eyes and then he would listen to the song and tell what Ragam it was. It was so cool.

                My earliest memories of him were him being proud of me reeling of statistics of the Australian team that visited India in 1979/80. Even more pleasant were taking time off from school to watch cricket along with my dad and my Chittappa. Another thing was that he had purchased a Dyanora TV which was a big deal in those days. Watching Allan Border bat bravely was so cool.

                One of the fun memories of hanging out with Chittappa was to go to Swagath hotel and have Pongal Vada. He would actually tell us lot of fun stories when we would eat there. Or go to Shanti Vihar and have Bhel Puri or go to woodlands and have breakfast and coffee there.

                Another favorite memory was playing cricket. He was a very good cricketer and played for his company team. I remember him scoring centuries on us and he was a very good medium pace bowler. He always had knee pain and he would ask us to sit on the knee (he would call it idli).

                The 80’s were a lot of fun with him working for ICI and doing shifts which messed up his sleep cycle a lot. But he remained stoic and kept going and working hard and playing hard. He also got involved in the Union and was part of a strike. He was a labor leader and a team player for the company cricket team. He did it all.

                One thing about Chittappa was family was family. For my Chittis’ sister wedding, he led on all fronts and he was basically running around in messed up clothes shoring up and getting the food ready. I remember being totally impressed by that. He loved his wife and her side of the family no less.

                He was very proud of me for being a Kesari High School alum just like him and my dad. He visited me in CIT once in my first year and it was a total surprise. Visits to Chennai during College were a lot of fun and hanging out, talking cricket and just chilling.

                I distinctly remember him taking me on his bike taking cash to the bank to get the statement for US Visa F1 interview. That was a huge deal for me. It was a full scale family effort. When I visited India for the first time, I got champagne and we toasted the new year with it.

                Further trips to India were always memorable with trips to the beach, hotel and visiting them in Adambakkam. Also fun were his visits to US and visiting him. Visits were always sprinkled with Carnatic music and lots of coffee.

                The last trip was also fun with him having dinner with the grandkids and us and just enjoying the good time. He loved his kids, grandkids and nephews. He was a totally chill guy and was very patient.

                Chittappa, you were an inspiration and you made me and my life better. Love you, Chittappa. All of us will cherish your fond memories and affection.