"We are ordinary people and we lead ordinary lives. When our uncle is so humble why can't we be the same?" he says.

Syed says Kalam is very proud that the family never uses his name to get favours, locally or in Delhi.

"Sometimes a boy from our locality is arrested by the police for some petty reason. The others go to his help. I am expected to put in some 'special' influence too. But I always manage to squeeze out."

"I call the police station before I go with them. I warn the inspector that I am coming there and he should 'ignore' everything I say," he says with a chuckle.

Sirajuddin named his son Kashi Kalam in his uncle's honour.