DiscoverBangalore is pleased to introduce Prem Koshy, a versatile personality and owner of one of the oldest and favourites restaurants in Bangalore, KOSHY's. One has to read through the write-up to know what makes Prem special.

A restaurateur, having his finger in many pies and coming out thumbs up in all his other dimensions. He is a tree warden, a snake catcher dabbling in theatre and yoga, assiting the Makkala Sahayavani and a PFA (Prevention of cruelty for animals) activist. This charming personality is also a story teller and can hold your attention for hours together. Will the real Prem Koshy of KOSHY’S stand up please?

“The real P.K.like my dad says is the guy who is able to do in the moment whatever is in front of him and enjoy it. There is always someone who needs a helping hand and there’s no scope to feel BORED. Even such inane things as cleaning the yard, heaping the fallen dead leaves at the base of the garden plants is in itself an act of preserving and living in harmony with nature. Grand parents from both the sides were tremendously wise people, who believed in a symbiotic living.”

Implementing this concept he has made a sapling of the mahogany tree in front of the Bible society and waiting to transplant it. He assists an old lady who clings to the tree for its preservation from the ruthless axe of the BMP.The lady and the mahogany have lived together. “I have signed the guarantee for them” he says laughingly. He believes in maximizing life (as evidenced in his multi faceted persona) in the Power of Now, of conscious living enjoying one moment at a time.

Like a debater he asks a sweeping question- “Aren’t we ourselves leading a life of dependency from the time of our birth? We breathe out and take the new air to start our journey of life. Discussing with my talented friends-the knights of the square table as I have nick named them, we meet in this swanky café and ponder on how to make others’ lives better.

“The idea of exploring is a trait that I carry from my childhood days. Adults have an inbuilt fuse that perplexes rebellious children when the fuse is overblown. I was given a free hand by my father. I tried hand gliding making my own glider with stuff bought from the Gurjari.The feeling of being air borne was for three minutes as I landed on a cacti bush that had fine powdery thorns. I still hope that I’ll able to hand glide smoothly. I do Para sailing at Jakkur.Did an ad for Nat Geo.Felt like Tarzan and phantom, all sorts of crazy things like diving in the sangam, ie for the shoot. I ran with the wind. I studied bakery in the US, did bartending and odd jobs to keep the spirit going. Saw everything there, made money that went into taxes and paying off mortgages, to realize one day, the meaningless rush.”

So trading his suit and Bermudas for the formal shirt he shifted base to India, happy to be among his people and the employees who have been working for the past 50 years. Thanks to them, he is able to multi task.

As a volunteer with the makkla sahayavani three children lost at the kalyana mantapas with police help were united with their parents. The modus operandi of the child snatchers is to kidnap the children from the mantapas, remove their jewelry and if the children are lucky they get dropped in front of the steps of Koshy’s, otherwise the children for no fault of theirs are forced into begging. Miracles keep happening. On another level he does awareness programs like addressing children’s groups on environment.

He believes in the efficacy of Homeopathy. He says “We are fortunately evolving into a different level of awareness of our surroundings and I find time to do something useful other than earning my living.” Very concerned with the eco balance, on a philosophical note, he adds-“What we are doing outside is reflected in our insides, in the increase in cancer patients. Our attitude to life should change. The cells in our body that number in trillions teaches us lessons in harmony with replacement every seven years, becoming defensive when attacked. We are leading irresponsible lives throwing what we want into our bodies and into our surroundings.”

With a chuckle he reminisces how news starts-at KOSHY’S that’s still a happening place. Grouses from the wives as to what goes into the steak as the husband refuses to have the same at home, or beaus spying, did lead to uncomfortable and hilarious situations.

“My interest in theatre goes back to my school days. In kindergarten I played the role of King Herod, and played the same role in Bishop Cotton’s after 30 years. I am the third generation Cottonian and schooling there has been an intrinsic part of my life. The 80th b’day of one of my teacher was celebrated at the restaurant recently by his family.

“The Best moment in my life was the arrival of my soul mate-my SON with whom I share a special relationship. Mother Nature is very dear to me. In the ‘60’s the Koshy’s house had all orphaned animals that after being nursed to health were released into the forest. After mother’s death we did not bring animals home. He plays the keyboard and when he sings “what a wonderful world” it’s like Louis Armstrong crooning as he did in Hello Dolly.

Prem Koshy is in love with LIFE AND THERE CAN BE NO BETTER PLACE THAN Bengaluru.

As told to Githa.U.Badikillaya

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