IN PASSING
Stories to tell
SUCHITRA BEHALSUCHITRA BEHAL
Newbie author Navtej Sarna’s recently launched book, on the life and times of exiled Maharaja Duleep Singh, is rare testimony to the fact that history need not be skeletal. Sarna, who was in Mumbai for the launch, said that he had been touched by Duleep Singh’s story when he first heard it from his mother some 40 years ago. “It evoked a sense of poignancy in me even then and somehow I never really stopped thinking about him,” said Sarna, who spent the last 10 years to researching Duleep Singh.
“I am not a historian so I have used the facts to prop up my novel”. Through Duleep Singh, his trusted aide Arur Singh, Mangla mai and two others, Sarna tells a story of love and longing, of deceit, treachery and guile. “The events and dates are true but everything else has been my input.” Any other plans to write? “I am still recovering. It may take me a while to formulate my next step,” said Sarna.
Still a dream girl
Reinventing one’s image is certainly not the prerogative of a chosen few. Another actor to join this club of high stepping performers is dream girl Hema Malini even as she celebrates yet another star-studded year. Malini, who confesses to “never being shy of learning”, said that she was now ready to learn Urdu, sing Sanskrit shlokas and play the sitar. “I know a bit but I want to be able to play the sitar and play it well,” said she.
While she credits her children with being “my best critics”, she is unequivocal in her praise for Dharamendra. “I loved him so I married him. Our marriage, which is different from any other, has helped me grow. If it were a regular marriage I would not be able to be who I am. Dharamji has never interfered in my life so I cannot crib at all,” she said in a rare candid moment. She added that she looks to her two daughters for advice. “I ask them to correct me and tell me what I am not supposed to do,” said she. Well that’s a tip on modern day parenting tip from the superstar herself.
Angrezi babu
Singer Sonu Nigam is now to sing in English. Surprised? “May be for some,” said Nigam, “but for me it’s natural. I grew up hearing jazz, funk and pop and I always wanted to sing in English; so that’s finally on the agenda.” Nigam has just released three albums — a fusion one with sitarist Niladri Kahn and jazz pianist Jean Francois Maljean. He claims that there have been many offers for films but “concerts have been keeping me busy”. And before you ask he explains that he doesn’t plan anything, “I am not that meticulous”. As for as acting in films, he said he hadn’t had any offers but if something good came along he’d definitely consider it.
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