My passport has now been stamped with HSMP EC visa for two years. I applied at VFS, Bangalore (to be processed by British Deputy High Commission, Chennai) on 4-9-2006 and got it back on 6-9-1980. No interview for me (probably because i have Schengen visa on my passport? ).
I submitted the following documents (all original):
1. HSMP Approval letter
2. Job Offer letter
2. All documents sent for HSMP as requested by VFS including exp letter from current/previous employers, pay-slips, degree certificates etc.
3. last 3 years tax returns
4. last six months bank statements showing enough funds in my savings account (around 4000 pounds)
5. Hotel booking confirmation for initial 2 weeks
6. Current address proof
I fly to UK in the last week of October. This is one month late than initially planned but then my current employer insisted on me serving two months notice period

So let me once again thank everyone for their support and help and wish all HSMP aspirants all the very best. I will, of course, be contributing to this forum regularly.
regards