Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai - Book Review
These were the words that they used to describe the protagonist of this story- Balwant Srivastava aka Babloo. He is a "differently able" elder son of middle-class railway junior clerk who was constantly reminded of his challenge by society and even his family members. As an Autistic, life was not easy for him and people' narrow-minded views had made it far difficult and frustrating. In spite of all this, he is courageous, super hygienic, loves to watch B grade Bollywood movies and in love with his "American dreams" harboring neighbor, Vandana Gupta, who saw him differently, making all good difference to his average life.
Once Upon the tracks of Mumbai is a love story of Balwant Srivastava aka Babloo and his not so perfect, jobless, friendless life with his dream girl- Vandana. Other characters in this novel are- Sikandar, a local goon with his own selfish machinations, Raghu- the self-centered, younger brother of Babloo and their parents. The Mumbai locals, the lifeline of a hustling and bustling city like Mumbai, also plays a central role in this book.
The story is set in a typical railway colony like atmosphere, fighting its own demons of life, gossiping mouths, prying eyes and more. The narrative is good for a beginner and description serves well to add to the visuals of the story.
This novel is an alternate mass fiction and written in self-narrative style. It may first give you a lazy expression but after few pages, builds your reading interests in self and becomes a page turner for many. The language is simple and the cover looks like a professional "Titanic" like the poster of a romantic Bollywood movie. This is the debut novel of the author Rishi Vohra who holds a degree in Green MBA, Masters Diploma in Environmental law and also certified in wine testing. The storytelling has quite some Bollywood elements in it, mildly suggesting author's impressions and interest for one of the biggest film industry of the world. Well, he may contemplate converting this story into a full-fledged Bollywood Masala movie and we can indeed love to suggest cast and screenplay. Yup, just don't make talk "F" ko 'F". Cheers! :)
Few excerpts from the book-
EACH DAY WAS AS EMPTY AS THE NEXT. NEIĀTHER DID I have a SunĀday to look forĀward to nor did I have a friend's birthĀday to dress up for. The only eventĀful part of my day was going to the cinĀeĀma, where I was able to overĀride my sense of self and get lost in the largĀer-than-life imĀages on the silĀver screen. I was able to afĀford a movie now and then from the alĀlowance my mothĀer gave me for travĀelĀling, which I saved by eiĀther walkĀing or runĀning to my desĀtiĀnaĀtion.
I preĀferred the masala films churned out by BolĀlyĀwood, to other forms of enĀterĀtainĀment, beĀcause they mostĀly ended on a note of jusĀtice. The bad guys rarely esĀcaped moral punĀishĀment and the good guys alĀways got the girl. I wished that this cinĀeĀmatĀic ideĀolĀoĀgy of fairĀness would transĀlate to my own life. But I was aware that there was a fine line beĀtween reel and real life. OutĀside the cinĀeĀma hall, the so-called bad peoĀple litĀerĀalĀly got away with murĀder while good peoĀple lived a life of sufĀferĀing.
Do I recommend reading this book?

There is a video on youtube as well, Click this to check.
So, this was my brief review of the book "Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai" as requested by the author. Thanks, Rishi for the book and all the best for your upcoming book(s).
What Other readers have to say-
Prahlad Kakar -AdFilmmaker, Restaurateur.
"A man who lives in the wild fantasy of his mind. Shy, introverted and ineffectual. Surviving in the unforgiving landscape of Maximum City - Mumbai! Until one day, when fantasy and reality collide, changing his life forever! You'll find bits of yourself in this book.."
Kabir Bedi- International & Bollywood Actor, "Cavaliere" (Knight) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
"Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai" is a fresh, well-plotted, human story about love against all odds in middle-class Mumbai, with a "hero" for whom you care deeply. It's an entertaining read!"
"A man who lives in the wild fantasy of his mind. Shy, introverted and ineffectual. Surviving in the unforgiving landscape of Maximum City - Mumbai! Until one day, when fantasy and reality collide, changing his life forever! You'll find bits of yourself in this book.."
Kabir Bedi- International & Bollywood Actor, "Cavaliere" (Knight) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
"Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai" is a fresh, well-plotted, human story about love against all odds in middle-class Mumbai, with a "hero" for whom you care deeply. It's an entertaining read!"
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Other Book reviews by me-
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Check out my Daily posts for A to Z blogging challenge on Alphabets and Themes for haiku
Today's Letter- O and word- Owl (Haiku)
nice review
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice review. If you have given a rating of 4/5, then it is a must read.
ReplyDeleteThanks SG...Pl check the revised rating- I have return to my original rating of 3.5/5 for the book.
DeleteThis is the 2nd review of the same book today. On my reading list now.
ReplyDeleteYesh, It came to me long back to rad and review, unfortunately couldn't do cause of time shortage and thought of bringing this for A to Z. My post wasn't ready and I wanted to post before 2 and then i saw Damyanti writing so wrote something else. However, couldn't resist posting this as well just to clear my bucket list of blog posts :)
DeleteThe book and the theme sure sound interesting ! :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed :)
DeleteDamyanti recommended this title today. Two in a row makes it a must read I guess :-)
ReplyDeleteyeah, i saw that too...try and let us know ur feedback!
DeleteThat's the second mention of this book, I've read today. Must look for it.
ReplyDeleteGlad that u find it interesting. Do share ur review on the same.
DeleteHi Ekta, interesting review. I must check out the book. Take care, and happy A to Zing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cynthia, Happy A to Z-ing to u too :)
DeleteOn ur post now!
Two reviews of the book and both make me want to get a copy :) Well written
ReplyDeleteThanks pallavi..Am gonna visit ur blog now. Sorry for not being able to post earlier.
DeleteHi ! thanks for sharing a nice reveiw !
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela. I am glad u liked it.
Delete