Pens and Places

  "Tarkash" by Javed Akhtar is a poetic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional literature. As a reader, I found myself entranced by the sheer brilliance of Akhtar's words, which effortlessly weave together a tapestry of emotions, philosophy, and the human experience. The book, predominantly a collection of ghazals, delves into the intricate realms of life, love, and the myriad emotions that define our existence. Akhtar's verses are not just words; they are an exploration of the soul, resonating with a depth that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart. His poetic prowess is evident in every line, each verse a gem that reflects the profound wisdom of a seasoned wordsmith. What sets "Tarkash" apart is its relatability to the common man's journey. Akhtar has a unique way of capturing the essence of everyday struggles, joys, and sorrows. Through his ghazals, he paints a vivid picture of the human condition, making the reader fe...

  J.K.Rowling is that one person for me, who deployed the meaning of magic in my mind. Through the Harry Potter world, she created the galaxy of imagination. And this book is just a perfect blend of all those imaginations and failures. “Very Good Lives” is a short book, based on the commencement address given by the author herself on Harvard graduation ceremony. She had perfectly presented the best advice through her journey. No exaggeration, no solid big and classy vocabs. Nothing! She defined the beauty of failures through imagination, by giving references of her parental expectations, professional journey, personal trauma, fear of poverty, and most importantly about the ability to think beyond the basic human beings.  I would have cried a lot if she had given this speech on my graduation day. By justifying her life, she gave the greatest strength to grow and conquer. Even after merely reading her draft, my eyes couldn’t hold the tears. And definitely the illustration also e...

  It is such an honor to experience the legendary conversation between the people, best of their fields and revealing nostalgic memories related to the evergreen songs of Indian Cinema. This book is all about honest chit-chat on behind the scenes, what happens in the making of lyrics, what are the contributing factors behind picturing the entire scenes and takes, and how everything impacts the age of songs. Gulzar Sahab, the extraordinary man, who is the backbone of Bollywood’s poetry is a delight to read, and here - extra delight to listen. Being a fan of songs, I always admired Gulzar Ji’s lyrics. There’s a conversation where Gulzar Ji was asked to pick his favorite among his songs, and he replied “The choice reflects the experience of the moment. There is no numbering involved..”. I can’t agree more with this. If I am in my philosophical mood, I would prefer to listen “Tujse naaraz nahi zindagi, hairan hun main”. For my jolly mood, I would like to dance on “Chal chaiyaan chaiyaa...

  "Dwapar Katha" by Sudipta Bhawmik, a renowned podcaster, offers a compelling exploration of the Mahabharata, one of India's most revered epics. The book, born from Bhawmik's childhood fascination with an illustrated Mahabharata and his later affinity for the Bengali version by Rajsekhar Basu, promises a unique perspective on the timeless tale. The narrative delves deep into the complexities of the Dwapur Yuga, a period known for the emergence of Lord Krishna, the Mahabharata, and the reign of the Pandavas. The engrossing and captivating storytelling weaves together the tales of Saint Vyasa, the saga of warring cousins, and the intricate reasons that led to the epic Mahabharata. Bhawmik skillfully portrays the valiant Pandavas and the formidable Kauravas, unraveling the layers of their emotions, motivations, and desires. The author's vivid descriptions of the battleground, the mind games of the Kauravas, and the fuming angst of the Pandavas bring the epic to life...