I am M-M-Mumbai

Its been a long time since I have read such an engaging book. I am sure you would love it, too.

The story revolves around life of Rudra Talpade, the young protagonist. His dream to become an actor in Bollywood seems to be faced with only one hurdle - he stammers. 

This is a tale of failure, endurance, enthusiasm to grasp any opportunity that comes in your way and finally, success. Anyone who ever had a dream but has been held back by self doubt or opinion of others, should read this book. Here's a brief narrative of the tale, which itself shall inspire you immensely:

No amount of speech therapy had helped Rudra, and needless to say, he had been an object of ridicule right through school to work as assistant director with various production houses. With low self esteem, he had almost shelved his desire to become an actor until life seems to smile at him when he meets Richa. Their rosy affair suddenly comes to a standstill when  Richa dumps him, succumbing to social pressure. 

Devastated, Rudra takes to alcohol and is faced with further trouble - his father throws him out of home, he is robbed by an auto driver, and more. At this juncture when he has hit the rock bottom, life turns around for him dramatically.

He is saved by Devika, who not only provides him food and accomodation, but also connects him to a film director who promised to cast Rudra as the main lead. It is a difficult decision as it is not mainstream cinema, but Rudra takes it as an opportunity and brings in his past experience to make all possible improvements. His work earns him much appreciation and is spotted by a prominent movie house, who makes certain changes and remodels it as a family drama. 

Overnight, Rudra becomes a star and things start falling in place for him. You would love the way he handles success, but remains grounded when it came to his family and friends. 

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The underlying message in the story is don't let others hold you down, and keep trying. Your hard work and positivity shall pay one day. 

This is a book that shall instill hope in you and inspire you to innovate your way through all obstacles to reach your goal.

The Rich Labourer

Have you ever wondered how to approach a problem? This book suggests a 3 step method to you, and when you come to think of it, you may agree that most of us adopt similar strategies in our daily lives, albeit unconsciously. 

The storyline revolves around the 3P method: Probe, Ponder and Prove. Does that sounds like a MBA book? Well, this book is actually written by two architecture graduates turned MBAs, Parthajeet and Sibani Sarma. Reflections of both professions can be found in the narration. Also, the authors are sensitive to the factors that affect our lives on a day to day basis.

When addressing any problem, in the Probe stage, one is encouraged to understand the problem in hand and the needs of the end user. The data collected needs to be analysed in the next stage (Ponder) and the results to be incorporated in the final solution. This is the Prove stage, where the results are demonstrated, sometimes on a pilot basis or in full swing.

Because it is set in the current context of demonetization and issues of modern life, everyone would be able to identify with the book. What I loved about the book is how it drives across its point in the form of a tale. And it gives a ray of hope subtly that if we take decisions that suits our needs, our lives would also be better. Sometimes it may mean getting out of our comfort zones and taking the leap of faith, but if we know what we are doing and why, things may work out in our favour.

I personally thought the end of the book was too fast forwarded, as if one had rationed the number of pages that could go in the book.

That not withstanding, you would definitely like the book.

The Calling: Unleash Your True Self

Personally I hate books in the Self Help genre. The truth is that I am afraid of them, for they hold a mirror in front of you – a mirror that tells you many unkind truths.

Well, The Calling is not like that. You embark on a journey with Arjun, the protagonist, right from the beginning. Although your attitude might be "This is not my story, but Arjun's", you will find yourself identifying with the over stressed professional that Arjun is, torn between work and family. Maybe our own work life balance is not in a situation as bad as his, but if we do nothing about it, the difference would gradually disappear.

Arjun has a near fatal accident, and is miraculously brought back to life by a sadhu. On his insistence, Arjun embarks on a journey to Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib ji, a holy shrine set amidst the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. Just like we have to sort our problems ourselves, Arjun finds himself alone at the start of his journey, as his best friend and travel companion, Jay was needed elsewhere.

Instead, he finds company in Chandu, his transporter, who is just 18 years old. Arjun is overwhelmed by the beauty around him, which he had ignored till then, only to witness events he did not understand. When asked, Chandu cheekily says, “It takes long, sahib”.

The best part of the book is when a second sadhu gives Arjun three tests… situations we are faced with in our own lives, that are deeper than they appear and it is how we respond that defines how our lives would ultimately be. Also, towards the end, Arjun realizes he was reaping effects of the seeds of misery he had sown himself. You would find yourself nodding as you realize that the protagonist is an extension of yourself, and his journey is actually leading you to that unkind mirror, where you can take a stronger look at your own actions.

It is a must read for all.