India, Sept. 12 -- I sometimes think "family man" is a term used, in India, to describe men in boring jobs.

That's how my family physician is fondly described in most circles. I've known him for years, and I've always thought the term suited his steady, sedate life.

So imagine my surprise when, on a routine visit some days ago, he asked me a rather unusual question. "What were your hobbies?" he said.

The past tense suggested he believed I had none at the moment; and he wasn't wrong. Everything I do collapses back into work. I read a lot. Watch mostly documentaries. Go to the gym because the body must be maintained well.

Then, as we talked, it turned out I was wrong about him! The good doctor has been learning how to tap-dance, for mon...