[Book Review]: ‘HiFi in Bollywood’ by Rishi Vohra
This is a book written in less than 35 chapters, with each chapter no longer than 8 pages, with a precise ending at the end of each chapter and a fresh episode in the next; makes it an easy read.
This is not a book you pick up at a stand when you look at the cover. A most common saying, “Do not judge the book by its cover”, does not apply here. If it is not a celebrated author, the 1st thing you see is the cover of the book and then you flip it over to read the blurb.
If the blurb interests you, along with the cover; there is a fair chance of a sale. This specially applies for a book like HiFi in Bollywood. It is sad to see this happen, yet this is the reality of publishing. Else, the publishing houses wouldn’t spend so much money and effort in getting renowned artists to do the covers.
This is a book written in less than 35 chapters, with each chapter no longer than 8 pages, with a precise ending at the end of each chapter and a fresh episode in the next; makes it an easy read.
This may not be your bed time read or a literary read. This is a very good book to read on the go, while travelling, on your way to and from work, a simple read to ease your mind of your daily stress and yet keeping you close to the reality around you.
With the current generation inclined more towards chasing their dreams, rather than bowing their heads to the life, their parents pen-down for them; this book comes as a moral support.
Rayhan Arora is a character found in almost every household. He represents almost every youth, torn between his dream and the options he is given to choose, by the parents. It’s not just with Rayhan, every character in the book is someone you see or you know in your daily life.
Romesh is a typical Indian father, who works hard to give his kids a better future and give them more than what he could get in his lifetime.
Every character in the book from Rayhan-the protagonist to the ‘SuperSpot’; are the characters we are surrounded by every day. Every character strikes a resemblance to someone in our life.
With the book, you get what you see, a Bollywood film on paper. A book every youth from this generation can easily relate to. Yet, a story we may have seen in many Bollywood films. With a gripping start in part 1 from the USA, to the clichéd image Bollywood projects to the outside world in the gossip columns of leisure magazines in part 2.
The emotions and family sentiments of our favorite Hindi films, the hardships our Bollywood heroes face in films and a happy ending that satisfy every audience. A formula followed for generations in our beloved Bollywood movies is penned down in the book with twists and turns.
If you are more like me, who prefers flipping pages than buttons on a remote, this is a good read. The small chapters and closer to life characters, keep you indulged in the book. This is definitely a page-turner and can be read in one sitting. The writing is simple to read and understand.
Rating: 3/5