I picked this one up with some hesitation.
Yes, the name itself should be enough to pick up this book: Gulzar. The premier poet of the country, Grammy and Oscar winner for his lyrics.
It may be it is my own thickheadedness, but I have never really understood some of his abstract lyricism. I am still struggling with some of his film lyrics:
'jiya jale jaan jale, nainon tale dhuan chale dhuan chale...heart burns life burns, smoke emanates from eyes' (from Dil Se)
and
'geela geela paani...wet wet water' (Satya).
What if this collection of short stories was as abstract?
Thankfully it wasn't.
Yes, the name itself should be enough to pick up this book: Gulzar. The premier poet of the country, Grammy and Oscar winner for his lyrics.
It may be it is my own thickheadedness, but I have never really understood some of his abstract lyricism. I am still struggling with some of his film lyrics:
'jiya jale jaan jale, nainon tale dhuan chale dhuan chale...heart burns life burns, smoke emanates from eyes' (from Dil Se)
and
'geela geela paani...wet wet water' (Satya).
What if this collection of short stories was as abstract?
Thankfully it wasn't.
The poet begins with real life reminiscences: mostly involving his poet friends - Sahir Ludhianvi, Javed Akhtar (who we are informed is nicknamed Jaadu), and Bhushan.
Later stories appear to be fictional, although it is difficult to say which ones are made up and which ones real, as some of them give a first-person account.
Later stories appear to be fictional, although it is difficult to say which ones are made up and which ones real, as some of them give a first-person account.
There are stories of filth, suffering, border disputes, intimate relationships and loss. Many stories have sad and horrifying endings, which I am not particularly fond of.
The one that stands out for the sheer surprise element is that of 'Ghugu and Jamuni' - a bird which mistakes a kite to be another bird and falls in love with it - unique and touching.
The one that stands out for the sheer surprise element is that of 'Ghugu and Jamuni' - a bird which mistakes a kite to be another bird and falls in love with it - unique and touching.
Translation by Sujoy Shekhar is terrific, and provides for a quick, easy read.
Go for it if you are into light reading, but be prepared for the bitter endings.
Go for it if you are into light reading, but be prepared for the bitter endings.
Image source: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/512jVs2TzIL.jpg
Thank you for your kind words!
ReplyDelete