Bhisham Sahni’s Tamas scared me. All that detailed buildup of communal sentiments in a small village in 1947 – how one thing led to another, snowballing into a night of rape, looting, and murder – it scared me like hell. I wish everybody reads the book. But no, even if they did, they would start taking sides. And that’s where it all breaks apart.

I remember that there was some furore when the serial by Govind Nihalani got released. The preface of the book (by Nihalani himself) says that inspite of complaints and dharnas, Doordarshan decided to go ahead and telecast the entire series. Way to go! This from a channel that banned a serial after it showed Netaji Subhash Bose drinking some alcohol. (I think the serial in question was Raaj se Swaraaj tak)I wish I could see Tamas. Some company should bring out VCD/DVD collections of all these old serials. They have done it with Ramayan, Mahabharat and Mirza Ghaalib. Not interested in any of them. What about stuff like Kachhe Dhoop or Indradhanush? The latter was the first “intelligent” children’s sci-fi serial, even better than Space City Sigma.

Tamas was really good, though. In case anybody decides to read it, try using the Bandit Queen soundtrack as background music when you’re doing so. Adds to the creepy, chilly feeling of foreboding.

Have picked up something by Clive Barker. An 800-page “masive epic that delves into America’s dark heart with Clive Barker’s grand metaphysical vision” named Galilee. Nothing to do with Christ or Christianity. It’s more of a fantasy, relating two families caught up in “a mutually destructive frenzy”.

Whoof. I hate it when I have no clue what I am going to read about. Sometimes it’s fun. But mostly, such a book promises too much, and then slowly and methodically chops your brain into dog poo-poo.

Am halfway through, and at least I am sticking with it.

Saw Lagaan for the nth time. At Anand theatre. To put it mildly, ’twas good!! :-D

Just found out that our company gives away kilo-packets of sweets only on Diwali. Holi gets conveniently overlooked. Sighhh!!!