O.P. Sharma
Ved Rahi, a versatile writer with long association with film industry, has contributed a new novel to the Dogri literature. He has the distinct creative skill for depiction of details, picturesque presentation of a story, close observation of facts of life and weave out a story with real blood in the characters in his fiction work : “Mansoor Te Shakila Di Dastan-e-Ishq” written in Dogri language.
The eminent Dogri writer, presently based in Mumbai, sent me this book and told me on phone that the story of this novel is basically written on real-life story but narrated as a “fiction” with names of real persons changed.
Unconventional Plot
Though the actual identity of main characters has been hidden, the spirit in story-line runs on real facts of life connected with stunt duplicate actors in filmdom.
This “mortal love-story” is about Mansoor and Shakila coming closer to each other. The juicy narration rolls on in an interesting way, with many ups and downs as well as twists and turns. The story goes on smoothly but always sustaining the interest of the readers. Curious events take place with suspense as also thrill making high water mark of this Dogri novel under review.
New Theme
In this love-story, while Mansoor expresses his deep feelings to Shakila but his female stunt artist first hides her real sentiments. Later, she also realises that Cupid’s arrow has struck her as well. In the meanwhile, she realizes that she is being forced to traditional flesh trade by her family especially the step-father but she stoutly refuses. Then sensing that the family is forcing her younger sister in this sordid family tradition, Shakila plays a positive role to save her too. Mansoor’s family and all relativies had admiration and acceptance of Shakila. As the luck would have it, she and her sister eventually had a “providential escape” from flesh trade.
As ordained, Shakila saved her sister from failing into dirty trap of age-old family tradition. And intimate Mansoor-Shakila relationship continued and both “stunt artists” worked for meagre payment for “risky jobs” to fill in space of thrill and excitement in the films. Both were members of Student Artists Association.
Bubble of Sorrows
At a shooting location in Shimla, the make-up crew observed.: “ Our life islike a bubble of sorrows but the divine love makes it lasting”. Here Mansoor was to drive his car into the water in a scene. But, unfortunately, he could not emerge out even after desperate rescue operations .Mansoor was no more! The love affair of Mansoor-Shakila, which was a hot topic in the filmdom ultimately had a tragic end. In fact, it was a parallel to Kunzn-Chanchloo in Dogri legend and Heer-Ranja of Punjab folk tradition.
Subsequently, Shakila, who was in a family way, after demise of Mansoor started living with her in-laws family and afterwards gave birth to a baby.
Absorbing Story
Ved Rahi’s this novel is quite different from Dogra tradition and cultural ethos. However, Rahi has added a new chapter of “immortal love” in the Dogri literature. He has given graphic account of the atmosphere and various unexpected twists and turns in the story. The novel depicts the dark side of the film industry where star artists get fabulous payments but the stunt actors have to live on pittance even after being exposed to dangers risking their life.
The 104-page novel of Ved Rahi is well conceived and produced. The Dogri language used is marked by its simplicity along with liberal use of words from Urdu, Hindi and English languages so nicely that these get assimilated and also are acceptable in Dogri. The apt adoption of words from other languages, I think, sometimes enriches our mother-tongue.
Prof Lalit Magotra, President, Dogri Sanstha has rightly opined that this book has made unique contribution to Dogri literature.
The theme of the book and its super narration makes it both interesting and instructive. I was quite absorbed while going though this novel in Dogri and expect that it would be welcomed in the literary circles and appreciated by common readers. Ved Rahi his given yet another good creative writing and also made a distinct contribution for readers to have excitement and new experiences while going through his latest novel in Dogri.
( Starline Syndicate Service)
Follow our WhatsApp channel