2056th BLOG POST
9th Book
of 2023
As I had shared in
my previous book review, I am just quite excited about reading fiction these
days. Basically, those which I have in my shelf since months and I haven’t been
able to pick up them due to other books in pipeline. Last weekend, I picked “Zoravar”
written by Maharsh Shah. The story is part of the series called “Bollywood Saga”
wherein this is just the first book. I am quite curious now as the book was
released in 2020 and there’s no Part 2 yet. As I am done reading this exciting
330-pages book, I really want to know what happens further in the story of the
incredible protagonist – Zoravar. The book is written in third voice which
talks about the journey of a boy named Zoravar who comes to Mumbai running away
from a dark past to become an actor. From here onwards, book talks about Zoravar’s
whole journey from being a teenager to becoming a Superstar in the world of
Bollywood.
Talking about the
writing style, Maharsh Shah is an artist. It has been written in such a unique
style that despite it being a fictional story, you get the vibes of reading a
biographical account of a Superstar’s journey. All of us are infatuated with
Bollywood and Hindi film industry hence this book covers all the aspects so
stylishly that you feel as if you are in the same world as those Superstars
walking around in the era of 1950 to 1980. The way author has been able to
present story of those times making every detailing sound realistic is applaudable.
Talking about the characters – book starts describing a lot of them which made
me scared of remembering so many names but eventually, it boils down to only
3-4 specific characters which makes the reading experience easier.
You also get to
read a lot of real names from Bollywood such as Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand,
Suraiyya, Nutan, Sanjay Dutt, Guru Dutt, Yash Chopra etc. and it is very
exciting to imagine how author must have taken out real incidents from past and
made his fictional superstar fit into the scenes and timeline. I have read
something of this kind for the very first time. The treatment given to the
character of Zoravar is commendable as he has so many shades and layer to him –
times when he is vulnerable – times when he is dangerous himself – ambitious –
daring – competitive – selfish – egoistic- family man – connection with wrong people etc.
Author also tries
to cover city’s smuggling and mafia background which is so intelligently paralleled
with this story. How the hawala’s money gets rolled into Bollywood is
indirectly thrown a light upon. Several other aspects on how getting into the
industry as an actor is a challenge since 1950 is conveyed very intelligently.
How the nepotism has taken its root right since then is exposed. The
behind-the-scenes, references, casting couch, shooting etc. has been covered
very well.
Even though the
book is 340-pages, it keeps you interested and captivated throughout. Not even
once do you feel bored. The best thing would be to read it in breaks. I read 60
pages daily which gave me the feeling of watching a web-series. There is so
much that keeps on happening in the journey of Zoravar that there’s a twist
after every few pages. Author’s love for cinema is evident with the fact that
he has been able to quote every studio and their creation date correctly. His
research on the topic before beginning to write this book is visible in every
page.
Talking about the
few drawbacks – as the protagonist has a dark past, I was expecting it to
return back post his success in a very outstanding setup which would make the
reader in me jump off the bed but there’s nothing like that. Something sort of it
happens in pre-climax but it’s written in such a rush that you don’t feel any
emotion for it. Maybe, author must have planned it for future parts. Secondly,
the other characters could have been given a good inclusion in the story but
all of them are not even in supporting role but just small multiple cameos. Lastly,
a lot could have been done if there were conversations mentioned whenever
characters met with each other but author has used it very minimally. It is written
more in narration-form than conversational format.
Except few points
mentioned above, the book is a wonderful rollercoaster ride and you will enjoy
reading it. It is a perfect page-turner and nostalgic for all the movie lovers.
I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5 – undoubtedly. Awaiting Part 2 now!
Thanks!
WRITING BUDDHA
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