When Going Gets Tough

"Some days test us more than others. when you find yourself struggling through one of Those days, it may simply mean you need some quiet time to reconnect with Source, the giver of life. perhaps you have been giving more to others than usual and have not had time to rejuvenate. give yourself the gift of quiet time today, even if only long enough to listen to your favorite music for five uninterrupted minutes. it's important to be good to yourself and know your limits before you have lost all patience. And if you do lose your patience, be extra willing to step away from the aggravation and find quiet sanctuary within. It will settle down your nerves and recenter you in spirit. You need quiet time to remain connected to Higher source energy. It's a must. Not just an indulgent luxury."   by Sonia Choquette

The messiah with an uncommon message

Throughout my childhood I had come across phrases like “Nothing succeeds like success” or “Success is journey not a destination” etc . However, browsing through internet one fine day statement caught my eye .It was a quote from Osho  and it said “Nothing fails like success” I clicked to open the link out of curiosity.

 What really was amazed me about his words was how simply it they spoke so much about human nature and yet it could be completely misunderstood. Just like the man them !.  It was only after Osho’s death  that people actually understood him and started adoring him.

As I read more about this Indian.  I learned his  was no ordinary man’s life but it was full of controversy. Osho traveled the world leaving his mark everywhere he went and was disliked too by many. But despite everything he remains one  most influential people in the world and what perhaps worked against him was fact that he was ahead of his time.

When other gurus were telling us to fast for ten days and to perform rituals of all kinds, Osho had only one mantra meditation, and that baffled people. How can mediation help overcome the misery? People didn’t understand and they wanted solutions but all simplicity Osho kept stressing on mediation, dance, and paint swimming or even running in order to forget misery. And it was unacceptable at that time and even today many people might it hard to digest. How can mediation can alone solve the problem.

Another reason why Osho failed to reach certain section was because unlike other gurus, he didn’t   narrate mere facts from mythological stories,his approach was more different he questioned it and then answered those questions. He questioned more then he answered. Contary to other saints of his time who were busy reading mythological stories Osho was busy telling there is no God other than life itself.  According to him happiness come from within and it was always there one just needed to look for it. When other saints preached about eating is sin, not getting up early is sin ,Osho  stressed  on  how humans had made this world miserable place due to there constant greed.  He asked people to celebrate every moment of life instead of living each day.

What makes Osho special for me is his  the simple yet thought provoking nature philosophy.He doesn’t advocate us to be a part of this rat race instead he tells enjoy what you do. It can be painting, dancing, playing guitar and that is what will take you closer to god. And its not only about the message that Osho delivers its also the was he delivers it , his command over his linguistic skill and his ability to blend humor in his message makes it a lethal combination. Osho says one quote has got etched in my mind “Die each moment so that you can be new each moment”.

The Bubble and Zoey story

Shopkeeper barked to get the balloons packet out. The moment he feared had come, his name was bubble; bubble thought he was the ugliest kid.  Soon he was about to take a big step in his life he was going to leave his lovely house and was about to get out. He knew once he is out, there is no way he can come back; he will have to leave his friends and family behind forever. This was therefore a big day for bubble.  But more then leaving his friends and family bubble had other fears. Bubble was scared that because of his ugly looks no one would expect him. And to make matters worse bubble was going to be accompanied by his best friend gum that was handsomest of the lot. But still he held his brave face and stepped out.

 Bubble was handed over to a little girl; it was her birthday .Zoey the bday girl took them with her to her house. Over the years Bubble and Gum had heard stories of birthday parties how exuberant they were, how the walls were decorated  with loads of balloons , there was music food every were. But when Zoey took Bubble and Gum to there home they soon found it was unlike what they had heard.  Zoey was not a rich girl in fact she spent most of her time on roads. Disappointed were Bubble and Gum.  They didn’t know what was to come; they didn’t know how much longer they would stay with Zoey and in her tacky home. So they decided to run away form the home but where would they go? They had no place to go. Bubble said, “I think we should stay here and not try to run away it’s not that bad a place”, but gum didn’t want to stay, he wanted to be free in the open. He said to bubble, “What are you scared of? Anyways sooner or later this girl would kill us with her own hands so do you want to die in small filthy house”. Bubble didn’t have any answer so he remotely agreed and then they planned there escape. So one day when door was open both of decided to run away. As soon as they left the house there was a sense of relief. But now they had no plan where to go. So they kept flying until disaster struck. Gum was taken down by kite. Bubble was lost now he was alone he had no place to go.

Zoey on the other hand found out that her two precious things were gone, she cried a lot that night Zoey was very affectionate girl she was broken. Hours passed by Bubble didn’t find any home he was lost and alone. Finally Bubble landed in a garden and soon he was surrounded by lots of children who took bubble and started to play with him. Bubble was quietly enjoying all the attention he was getting he also liked the fact that he made this children laugh and giggle. But soon it got darker and after playing with bubble for an hour they left bubble alone. Bubble was again alone and was completely but same time was happy as well.

Bubble that night had a sleepless night. Just before sun would beep from the clouds Bubble hear big roaring noise of something coming his way ,that’s when he was Janitor coming his way with broomstick bubble closed his eye has he thought that’s the end of his life. But Janitor softly placed him in his bag and started to clean again Bubble was confused. Later that night janitor took bubble out of his bag and handed it to his daughter.Bubble noticed that Janitors daughter was handicapped that made him little sad, but there was no sadness on janitors daughter face she played with bubble like any other kid. She tickled him she punched him for once even bubble felt good about him seen that lil girl smiling. However fate had other things planned for Bubble, that night a strong wind started to blow and Bubble who was near the window was squandered. 

Meanwhile Zoey kept searching Bubble and Gum everywhere but in vain, it was only next day Zoey found Bubble was lying by the road side.  Soon the balloon was back with Zoey, Zoey now took care of Buble all the more and did not let him out of her site; she took the balloon everywhere she headed. Bubble was also happy to stay with Zoey, he also became fond of Zoey, although he missed Gum.Same day Zoey saw another little poor kid who was crying. Zoey wanted to help the kid but had no idea what to do. So Zoey gave her precious gift Bubble, it was hard on Zoey to give Bubble away but with having no other option she gave Bubble away. Thus bringing an end of a beautiful relation. Next day Bubble met with an accident and lost his life.  The scared, ugly Bubble had died, but while he was alive he had touched many hearts, he had spread many smiles, and he stopped many tears.

May I die with 1000 unfulfilled wishes

Just on a draggy afternoon while i was browsing I found this gem on an article so thot of sharing..hope you like it :)

"If you come across a beautiful rose, take a moment, admire it beauty wholeheartedly and than move on.
If you pluck it, it starts to decay and soon the death of rose will sadden you.
If you choose not to pluck it but move on after a momentary interaction, it's beauty will remain fresh and fragrant throughout your life, in your heart & mind. Choose wisely. You can apply this rules to many more things in life.

For e.g. you may plan for months or years to buy your dream car, but than the moment you buy (pluck it from dealer showroom), it start to rot the passion you had cherished for months or years. I am not saying that you should not buy a car, but to remain passionate you should have many roses in your life.

Be a window shopper, learn not to expect or possess anything, just have it in wish list. No harm in having 1000 wises unfulfilled. It will not hurt you or anyone, but will give new meaning to life "

Scenic,breathtaking plus amusing

After finishing The Immortals of Mehula( The first installment in the Shiva Trilogy ) by Amish Tripathi, the wait for its sequel was little long. As it turns out, the wait was worth it. The second book by Amish “The Secret of the Nagas” is a compelling read, and it will intrigue you. Even more so if you’re captivated towards Indian mythology. The book it’s beautifully penned downed by Amish and nicely recreates the mood of what India might have been 4000 years ago. Though I must warn you don’t rush to books stores, if you have not read the prequel to The Secret of the Nagas “The Immortals of Mehula”.

Coming back to ‘The secret of the Nagas’. The book takes off from the same place where The Immortals of Mehula left us. Shiva wants to avenge the killing of his dear friend Brahaspati. His trail to avenge his friend’s murder takes him on a new journey deep into the Chadravanshi kingdom where new friends and enemies await him. Meanwhile Nagas the mystic tribe have set their eyes on Sati. While Shiva who still is vindictively to hunt down Nagas, but that’s when fate starts to play its own little and game. And nothing is what is seems to be. Evil is no more the evil and good is no more the good.

As difficult as it might have been to write this book reading it is very simple, as you will be forced to turn pages after pages until the last page. And that is what makes this book a delightful read, as there is no dull moment. What helps the book is the pace it’s a fast pace which was rightly needed for the book. It could have been drag but it’s not a drag. Compared to the first book in the series this is comparatively fast paced and has more action, drama, twist and turns and a few pleasant surprises too. With so much happening in this book, it thus surpasses all your expectation and turns out to be a fabulous second installment in the trilogy. However this does mean that reading the first book is a must.

Each and every plot is neatly drawn by the author. There are many plots running in parallel and the author has to be given credit for giving due importance and justice to all the plots whether its the story of the Dying Bragans kingdom, or the romance between loyal Pravatheshwar and seductive Anandmayi . Same can be said about the new characters which are introduced. Especially the build up to new characters like that of a bandit (Parshuram) Lord of people is very exuberantly done. The book nicely builds up to each story and it keeps you wondering and asking you to turn pages after pages to find what happens next. Even fight sequences have been amazingly well described and will leave you in awe.

This is Amish Tripathi’s second novel following the prequel of “The immortals of Mehula”. But reading through the pages it never occurs to you that this just the second book for the author. Amish‘s writing is very simple, but it’s the narration that makes the book must read. Where Amish scores huge, is the fact that he manages to draw a thin line between reality and fiction. For a nature of such book were mythological is presented to you in fictionalized way I think this style was a must. Amish also uses, the know fact form mythological stories very well adding his own flair and touch to these stories which makes book more intense and little dramatic as well . However where book excels most is in the fact that book lives up to the expectation and at times exceeds that of his first book making this book equally fitting sequel to his earlier book. And don’t be surprised at if this book gives a déjà vu as you were watching a pre historic Hollywood flick.

Power Women

"Queen", when we hear the word what comes to our mind first is a good looking neatly dressed woman with lot of grace. But when you associate it with mafia we can hardly even picture anything. Mafia Queens of Bombay by S Hussain Zaidi is one such attempt to explore the ugly and dark side of Mumbai underworld. Where these women made many people dance to their tunes and no ordinary people as well. Mafia queen is a non fiction book which recalls thirteen stories of different women who ruled the underworld of Mumbai. The book engrosses us into world of these women who were forced to make their hands dirty some times by government policies (Jenabais story ) ,sometimes by the people they trusted and loved (Gangu Bai story) sometimes by the loss of ththeir loved ones(Spana’s Stories) and some times just by pure love ( Monica Bedi’s Stories) .

The book catches you by surprises as much as it gives you Goosebumps. So when you turn first few pages and found that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim is a frightened young man and goes to women (Jenaa bai in this case) to receive a shelter while hiding from his enraged policeman father after beating up a young thug in a gang fight. Or a how a loving soften spoken, burkha wearing wife after death of her husband dedicates her life to destroying Dawood to avenge her husband’s murder,story of Sapna . And how a housewife forces her husband into the underworld only to be killed by her husband later. The book shows us different shades of human behaviour in these 13 stories. It tells the story of Jenabai Daaruwaala and Mahalakshmi Papamani where misfortune force them to resort to the world of crime as there was no other alternative to fight poverty and to feed a family of 6-8. At the same time it also tells stories of well educated women like Neeta Naik and Mrs Paul who opted for the easier way to power, fame and money.

This is second novel that S.Hussain Zaidi has penned down after authoring the bestselling Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts. This is a courageous attempt by Zaidi to uncover the dark side of Mumbai mafia which many of us not even are aware about. Therefore one must applaud Zaidi & Jane Borges to have picked up such a brave topic. Zaidi keeps you hooked to the book till very last page. The fact Zaidi has managed to draw a thin line between realism and sensationalism and never made it looks like larger than life takes the book to a new level. All the narrations are very simple, straight at the same time ensuring that one does not feel the urge to keep down the book. Zaidi and Jane Borges have done a lot of research with all the 13 narratives each pieced from official documents, case reports interviewing people who have been closely associated with all this female. Wives, Lovers and Mistresses – they are all there in the book. They engross, evoke fear and surprise you through their story and their voices.

Friendship Tree

He lit the cigar. It was yet another tiring day for him at office. And the next day it was going to be the same story. It was getting tougher day by day and because of his age, living alone was really killing.

Over the years Mr Pie had not been able to make friends. He tired hard but he couldn’t sustain any friendship and always blamed his luck for the same. One fine day Mr Pie had a knock on his door. Astounded to hear the knock as no one ever bothered Mr Pie before this opened the door with lot of excitement …to find nobody.

As he looked all around, he saw a small plant someone had left in front of his door. Why would any one do that he wondered. He took it in nevertheless and thinking about what to do with it for a while, he kept it in his balcony and forgot about it.

It was only the next morning, when he went to smoke in the balcony that he remembered. Days went by and Mr. Pie kept the plant watering it each day and taking good care of it. He even started talking to the plant and imagined that is plant listened to him. Months passed and there was not a single day when he dint speak to the plant .He told the plant about his work, about his childhood, about his personal life , about his past and how he regretted some of the things he had done...he poured his heart. And before he realized he found a friend in the most unexpected form of a living. A friend who he could share everything with.

A few days’ later Mr. Pie had to travel out of town for some work. What he thought was day’s work turned out to be several weeks work. During this time the plant which plant was left without any water and care. On his return, the first thing Mr Pie did was to rush to his balcony to see the plant. It had dried completely. Mr Pie was left heartbroken his one and only one friend die…the only source to share his feelings was gone.

And that is when Mr Pie learned the most important lesson of life that life without friends is no life. Though it was just a plant, but for Mr. Pie it was more then that it was soft his cushion where he would rest after hard days work, it was his bolt where he would keep all his secrets locked. It was his magician which gave him plenty of joy. But for rest of the world it would be just a plant.

That is what friendship is all about. It gives us the strength and courage when we most need it. But it also needs constant care and love form our end to keep it alive! Friendship may bring anger and sadness too along with happiness but remember, these are just the different layers to this beautiful relationship as a dear friend of mine says. So cherish every bit of it!

Witty Canny and Real

So let’s get to know the world of television what it is really like? So we have YTV one of the prime music channels and have been losing to its competition. None of the shows on YTV have proud TRP to boost about. With no trps and to save sinking ship, the channel decides to revamp and try to capture the 6 pm slot with a new talk show and a scantily clad host. The responsibility of this new show is handed over to Tani, the protagonist of the book. Tani has no clue what’s coming her way when a unknown girl calls on the show and says she is about to die and with that Tani’s life changes forever. On the other hand we have Rajneesh Tiwari chief editor of YNN news channel for whom news is entertainment. No major stories and dripping TRPs forces Rajneesh to take a special interest in the new show of YTV, where he runs a nationwide campaign in protest of the new show on YTV.

If you are one of those youngsters like me who has been watching all the crappie so called reality shows on music channel and often asked yourself a question how much of it is real then, this book will answer you the best. The book gives you a insight on what goes in the television world. This makes the book funky and potent considering current scenario of Indian television. The book is quite fast paced which is works in the favor of the book. The book has simple tone and never out does itself. It’s not a book with lots of turn and twist so you don’t have to spank your head a lot while reading it and trying to remember different characters and their names. This is where Noami Datta scores hugely, for a book that does not have many twist turns and still is able to grip the readers for 290 pages. It’s easy for authors to ramble and bring out dozens of twist and turns the way it happens on most reality shows. Luckily Noami Datta escapes such punk which works best in favor of book.

For me the books have never been about plot or story. It always has to do with characters and the mood that the book manages to capture. Once again Datta score here the character detailing and the mood through out the book is immaculate. As you turn the pages of the book at rapid speed, you just get a sense of déjà vu that you know this person.

The author succesffuly creates the picture of all characters, for instance you can almost feel being part of the panel discussion Rajneesh is conducting. Identifying a character like Vrushali should not be a hard task (that if you watch a lot of TV like me). Point is when you read this book you know who these people are, we have seen them and we see them every day.

The interactions between Aditya (Tani’s colleagues) always leave you with a smile on your face. In the same way interaction between Harish(Rahul’s right hand ) and his boss Rahul(Tani’s boss) live you in Ugh. Harish’s each and every lustful idea makes you feel like throwing some kind of jab at him. Then adding to list is Vrushali (host of the show Love calls) with her weirdo accent which is multiplied bye her brainless beauty. Well if you want to complete the list just grab the book cos there is lot more of it.

The authors understanding of the medium really helps. After spending almost a decade in television industry Datta just shows the true gritty world of television where all that matters is TRP numbers and for which the channel is willing do anything. There has always has been some kind ebullience and spontaneity about the way Noami Datta goes about her work whether its being a TV Producer or Anchoring a show and now writing a book.

Final verdict about the book, it is a must read for people who are hooked on to television. Its witty, canny and looks real one thing for sure it will break the illusions about television world or as Naomi Datta says “Welcome to the world of television where nothing is ever what it appears."

Conversation of Death

I saw her again she was my mystery girl…

She smiled at me and just passed by again…

Again I saw her and again the same feeling griped me of unknown…

She looks into my eyes and it seems like time has frozen …

I saw her again she wanted to say something but dint say anything…

But her silence speaks more than her words...

I saw her again as I closed by eye I still found her beside me…

She holds my hand tightly l &makes another promise that she would never let go my hand...

But she goes just like that without saying anything … she is my mysterious girl...

Why do you go in search of me? ..Am the one who follows

You always find me in the deep dark hallows

We cannot be together but will never be apart…

People around are scared to be my part they keep me away but I still come their way…

All your questions I will surely answer my dear…

And that day you would n near…

Everything about nothing

George says “Nothing happens on the show. You see, it's just like life. You know, you eat, you go shopping, and you read. You eat, you read, you go shopping."

Hard to believe but yes this Show was indeed about nothing. And yet after 20 years when I sit down to watch Seinfeld it still makes me laugh to the point that my stomach starts paining.

Seinfeld is one of the most successful sitcom of its time. It was launched in 1989 by NBC. Written by Larry Davi (George who is one of the main characters was loosely based on Larry) and Jerry Seinfeld. There was no plot no story it was a sitcom which talked about the actions involved in day to day life, like shopping, answering annoying telephone calls, torturous neighbor , hatred about social events, unemployment, the trouble with the laundry guy fighting over TV remote, unable to find parking spot and so on.

As opposed to traditional daily soaps with Seinfeld ,there were no any guilt trips, sympathies or tensed moments it’s almost like reflections of your thoughts . The characters on the show were as good as real, you could just relate to them but yet feel nothing for them, no sympathy no nothing. This was one of greatest show but strangely ,had nothing to boast about it.

Having said that I would like to welcome the central characters of the greatest show which has nothing to boast about it. Jerry Seinfeld is a standup comedian, a minor celebrity in his thirties yet single. His problem in life is he is a neat clean guy doesn’t like to get things messy. Every time he manages to find a right woman he messes up the relation ship to some or other issues.

Jerry’s best friend George consstanza confused bold, fat, unsuccessful obsessed with himself, complain freak. Just like Jerry he too is unable to sustain a successful relationship or even his career. He has all the cheap tricks under his sleeves to escape from every kind of situation. His relation with his parents is always in distress.

Cosmo Kramer Jobless witty always comes with weird business ideas like selling old fashion raincoats, coffee table book, his own talk show, pizza place where people can make their own pizza. He thinks he knows the world in and out and has a solution for each and every situation. Who’s he ? he is Jerry’s long time neighbor.

And now it’s time to introduce you to my favorite character on the show Elaine Benes and Jerry’s ex girlfriend. Ambitious, intelligent, beautiful, adorable women. Always straight on the face which always gets her into some kind of trouble. She is in pursuit of becoming a successful writer , but always ends up with wrong job.

As I said earlier, this was a sitcom which standouts because of its content unlike many sitcom where things start to get monophonic , Seinfeld doesn’t go into that monophonic zone. Every single character on Seinfeld is proud they do not see why they should they be wrong. The dialogues are funny witty especially those between Jerry and George and then between Jerry and Elaine/. There is always a amazing spontaneity when they speak. Adding icing to cake is antics of George whether it’s about his meeting with NBC producers or death of his finance Susena, taking up the job of parking cars, afraid of massage given by male the list is quite big. And then on the other side we have Kramer who wants to builds his house in levels, does a free movie service, drives fire brigade van without license, decides to mentor a kid , butters his whole body with butter, mocking down a celebrity, again the list is too long.

The best part of Seinfeld is its not a sitcom where you have a story to tell, it’s a sitcom that deals with day to day life. But even after almost 20 years we can identify with each and every situation in the show. For a show to have no story and yet be able to crack up peoples funny bone says lot about the show.

Mumbai Unraveled

It’s a tough task to write a review of a book especially when you open a book and find first three pages containing rave reviews from across the world. But yet I found the courage to write about this book, sole reason being after finishing this book 2 months back I can still recall Ganesh Gaitonde evolving form a young lad to become a vicious and most fearsome gangster of Mumbai . I still remember Sartaj Singh’s loneliness in city of thousand people Bombay. And I still can recall Mumbai’s chowpati, slums, skyscrapers etc. Scared Games is not just a book about gun chase between a cop and super villain. It’s more then that, Scared games is a book which reveals the dark secrets of the city Bombay. And if ever a movie was made on this novel than Mumbai will have a major a role in the movie.

A book which is about Sartaj Singh a lonely police officer in his forties on blink of career as a cop and nothing to cheer about. But then one day he gets a tip about Ganseh Gaitonde’s(Indian most wanted gangster ) hide out place. But then fate decides to play its part and where, Ganesh Gaitonde who is on blink of death deicides to share his story with the forty year cop. So the book takes you back into the life of Ganesh on how an innocent child became the most wanted man by police world. Ganesh that plays out all the card about his life form his childhood stories, betrayal by his best friend ,losing his wife and kid in the a gang war, spending kingsize life in the jail, fleeing to Thailand spending time and helping out young Indian actress to establish in Bollywood, becoming producer of film, finding a spiritual guru. On other hand we have the Life of Sartaj singh who is involved in medicore case about a husband and wife fight, his quench for love, guilt of been laid down by the man he admired the most, losing his co worker ,and last but not more importantly trying to figure out the mystery behind Ganesh Giatondes’s death .

Sounds complex to write but then that is where the Chandra’s narration helps, it is uncomplicated and he has kept it as simple as he could have . And never does one loose the grip of book. Chandra shows us Mumbai in manner never seen before, he takes us to high society of Mumbaikar’s , shows us the dirty world of politics, shows us the dark side bollywood , narrates about the police world and then puts a new light on the struggle of slum dwellers. But what strikes me most about the book is how Chandra has managed to pen down and managed to switch between the past and the present. As you start to turn the pages then you begin with Sartaj the police inspector and very next chapter you get deep into the world of Ganesh.

Each relationship in book has been beautifully penned down. Relationships with complexity, love, guilt, and hidden secrets you will find it all in the book. Sartaj’s relationship with his mom is especially beautifully crafted. Also Sartaj’s mom’s past is is revealed beautifully where Chandra takes us from metro Bombay to Punjab that of pre-independence era and deals with social dilemma that the Indian society faces even today.

Vikram Chandra does not try to tone down the narration in what so ever manner whether its use of the slang language use dirty tale he tells us, about bollywood, crime in high society etc, but instead Chandra hits you straight in your face . Sometimes even making you feel like yuck. The book is not for those who have a pampered heart. It’s not a goody goody book which will make you feel good about the city of dreams, but this book deals with real Mumbai with the world that which we have only heard of but with this book we live it.

The Ultimate Saga Of Life

Shantaram…a look was enough for me to decide that this book cannot be completed my. But then I read the first page then second then third and without realizing I had finished 100 pages of 900 pages book in a day’s time. Unlike other bestselling book where only where it’s embossed that book is a bestseller Shantaram actually lives up to its bestselling expectation. This is a book that makes you wanting more, hoping the book never ends but like every other good things sadly enough Shantaram also ends.

The plot of books which revolves around protagonist Lindsay/Lin/Shantaram who arrives in Bombay with little money, an assumed name, false papers, an untellable past, and no plans for the future. Where he meets Prabaker (who names Lindsay as Lin) right away, a sweet, smiling man who is a street guide. Stays six months in village where is reborn as Shantaram. Return to Mumbai becomes Shataram opens up a clinic in for slum dwellers, with help mafia form where medicines comes. Acts in Bollywood movies. Falls for a girl know as Karla. Is tortured by police, goes in depression, goes to Afghanistan fights a war.

There is surely originality in this book the way it has been written. But every good book or so called bestselling books have what we call a wow factor so what is the wow factor of Shantaram. Well the wow factor of Shantaram is the way the Gregory David Roberts handle violence and romance at the same time. It’s quite disturbing sometimes to read his thoughts and fantasies about murder in one paragraph and then have him fill up the gaps in his life with sweet tender love and devotion in the next. There are no exorbitant subplots or irrelevant characters, and the momentum never slows down. The characters are strongly formed and memorable. Even the minor ones have an important role to play at various points in the novel. In a novel of such breadth and subplots, it’s easy for one to get lost in the number of new characters and their complicated relationships

Gregory David Roberts writes with air of freshness. He describes every small thing from floor of much loved Leoplod café in Mumbai to his love Shantaram’s love interest Karla who deserves a special; mention because she was my favorite character in the book to perfection. Shantaram is just not about Lin baba it’s about the city the city of dreams, city of people it’s more about Mumbai and what makes Mumbai. It’s about the sorrowfulness, bitterness; hope; love finding happiness .Shantaram is not just a book it’s a city which you become a part of which you breathe till very last page of the book. Sometimes you become dective trying figure out who Sapna Killer is? Sometimes you become Prabaker a man small village who comes to city with big dreams. And sometimes you’re the protagonist who in search of unknown as in words of Shantaram “Sometimes we love with nothing more than hope. Sometimes we cry with everything exept tears. In the end that's all there is: love and its duty, sorrow and its truth. In the end that's all we have - to hold on tight until the dawn”