that thing called LOVE

“that thing called LOVE” by Tuhin Sinha the most recent book I just finished with. Tuhin an upcoming writer has done a fabulous job with his first novel. As a debutant you don’t expect too much from a writer but it needs to mention that this debutant gives more than what is expected

"That thing…." is not as involving as "5 point someone" was…but it goes on with a very good pace. The characters are very neatly sketched and one starts visualizing himself in those characters as the characters are what we are within and what we normally see.

But the books seems to be obsessed with sex, sex ….and only sex. Little time has been given for emotions but whatever emotions has been depicted they truly get into ones heart.

The book depicts the new moral values of urban Indians which we INDIANS have recently developed. Somehow while reading the book one just remembers the movie “Life in a Metro”.

The book revolves around the Mumbai rain which is assumed to be the romantic season. But it shows how the romantic season can cause destruction of one’s marriage life when someone tries to do romance with someone other than his partner.

The ending is far more heart breaking as it shows that a asshole who gets involved one-sided with a happy married women and ruins her marriage life to such a extent that she is left with no other option but separating with her hubby.

At some point I was thinking that the book is no more than the explanation of the characters the author has carved but the surprise element somehow succeeds in binding the reader. The humor element is completely missing in 200+ pages book

The shayaris used by Tuhin to represent the situations does exactly for what they are used for.
The one I liked the best is

"तारुफ़ रोग हो जाए तोह उसको भूलना बेहतर
तालुक बोझ बन जाए तोह उसको तोड़ना अच्छा
वोह अफसाना जिसे अंजाम तक लाना ना हो मुमकिन
उसे एक खुबसूरत मोड़ देकर छोड़ना अच्छा "

One can invest the time in reading the book but with moderate expectations.
From me 2.5/5 for this book.

If one wants to describe the theme of the book....then it can be done as

“All desirable things in this world are either illegal, banned………and married”

The last word...married needs special attention!!!!!!!!!!!!

Decriminalizing Homosexuality

After almost two months I again gathered some courage to draft.

Well within a short span of two months lots of things have happened. Few of them can be listed as the fall of LTTE, Congress regaining power at the centre, defending champion India out of T-20 world cup, Federer defeating Roddick at Wimbledon and the list goes on.
Also the series of air crashes that took place is really a worrying thing.

But the most important thing that going to have impact for decades is the decriminalizing homosexuality in India. Lots have been told and written about this and am not an expert to dig down the pros and cons. But surely as an Indian I feel that for the first time Indian government has taken decision which is in no way related to politics.

I was always of the view that Indian Government is never worried about people, except it has to do something with the vote bank or politics. In Indian history there is not even a single incident were government has taken any concrete decision irrespective of religion or region. All decisions are either been influenced with religions or region. Exceptions are always there like Nuclear treaty but decriminalizing homosexuality is indeed the boldest decision ever taken by India.

Homosexuality is not what is appropriate and what is not appropriate. No issues what religions say about it. Its something that defines individuality. As a democratic country its right of every citizen to follow what he believes and what he feels. Its way of life for some and for some its no way less than religion.

Indian government really needs to be appreciated for taking such a bold decision and as I think this going to be a landmark decision in Indian history. Taking such a decision for just a handful of people so that they can live like human being really needs applause.

But about one thing I am really concerned is are mothers going to become “Kiron Kher” of dostana ;-) ?

Though accepted by law, will society accept homosexuals?

Its time that we Indians should accept this reality and give them a chance to Live, to Fulfill their dreams and to be what they are......