PARIS: "What is Urvashi?" he asks in broken English and then breaks into song, 'Take it easy, Urvashi".
The friendly French cabbie gets into music mode after he learns that the passengers in his cab are visitors from India.
He knows the song, he knows the words, he knows the tune but isn't quite sure who the composer is.
When informed it is music maestro A R Rahman, he nods vigorously. He is also familiar with the musician's global hit "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire".
In a city where every third person is a tourist, it is unusual to find a cab driver who wants to discuss his impressions of Indian people with Indian people.
His observation: "They smile a lot."
His Indian passengers don't know French and he doesn't know much English, but there is conversation nonetheless.
He says he has an Indian friend who introduced him to samosas and chicken curry, whistling to show his appreciation of the two famed Indian dishes. Language is an impediment but technology comes to help. He talks into his phone in French.
"I went to my Indian friend's wedding and I ate so much that I nearly choked. The food is great," his phone translates back.
When asked whether many Indians lived in Paris, he replies in the negative.
According to him, "Indians prefer London to Paris. There are more Pakistanis in Paris."
He praises his city for its relaxed pace, which is not something that can be said about England, he adds.
The ride ends with him promising a trip to India.
And no, the two sides didn't get to exchange names and numbers.