The Babu is not a fan of Meera Syal’s writings (her books do not inspire the gag reflex brought on by Chitra B Divakaruni’s work, but that’s about it). On the other hand, he has nutured hopes that Syal might be dazzled enough by his impecccable dhoti to invite him to join the cast of The Kumars at No 42. The Aussies appear to share his admiration for Syal’s cheerfully zany mind.