Of Buddies , Books and Bachpan..

What a wonderfully scintillating conversation we had with Shri Vertul Singh, the author of our much thumbed and dearly loved ‘Bhopalnama’ as the befitting finale of Season 9. His deep attachment to the city almost made the vivid tales about Bhopal come alive and take on bright and beguiling hues. An hour whizzed by and left us longing for more time as we indulged in endless nostalgia about our Sha...

In this very special episode of Season 9, we reminisce about old times and forgotten ‘qisse’ of those good old days with our school buddy Shefali who delights us with some really precious nuggets about Bhopal and Bhopaliyat. And of course we also talk about the wonderful ‘Sukha Bargad’ and all the lovely memories it rekindled in us. Do join us in the conversation…

The 29th and concluding chapter of “Sukha Bargad” written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb ends on a hopeful note. Will Rasheeda’s life take an upward curve? Will Suhail pull himself together and lead a life Abbu wanted him to- principled, steadfast and quiet? Reading this book has been a very rewarding journey- one filled with pleasant discoveries related to our beloved Bhopal and its myriad tales but a...

Conversations, confrontations and outbursts dominate chapter 28 of “Sukha Bargad” written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb. Thought-provoking, heartbreaking and sadly with a ring of truth, the statements made by the characters in this part cannot be just ignored or taken lightly. Forceful writing indeed by Manzoor Saheb. Do listen…

In the 27th chapter of “Sukha Bargad” Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb brings together the extended “khaandan” when the much awaited NRI Parvez returns to his roots. The conversations about Indian society vis-a-vis Pakistan are quite interesting and the observations about human behaviour especially within the family are astute and on point and speak a lot about the author’s sensitivity. Do tune in…

Lose yourself in chapter 26 of ‘Sukha Bargad’ where Manzoor Saheb lures you to witness the unveiling of Suhail’s suppressed angst, hurt, regret through his dreams. The entire sequence of these dreams and disturbing thoughts has been masterfully brought out pursuading the reader to feel and be one with the experience. One cannot help but understand Suhail’s vulnerability and utter misery, made wors...

25th chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' authored by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb, takes us to the estranged Vijay's place and a world starkly different from the modest Wahid abode. Does Rashida's bitterness go away after this meeting or does it deepen? Do listen..

Suhel's diary reveals his turmoil and angst in the 24th chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb. The issues raised in this chapter of disillusionment, of discrimination, of embittered relationships are honestly portrayed and hit the nerve. The author attempts to present a perspective from an insider's viewpoint thereby bringing credibility to the narrative. Do tu...

In the 23rd chapter of ‘ Sukha Bargad’ written by Manzoor Ahtesham saheb, things take an unsavoury turn as relations between Vijay and the Wahids sour. Is Rashida a victim of her circumstances? Is Vijay right to take a stand? Do tune in to find out..

Life has to go on in the Wahid household after Abbu passes away and it does. In the 22nd chapter of ‘Sukha Bargad’ penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb, Suhel faces yet another turmoil while Rasheeda bravely shoulders on more responsibilities. Conversations about politics, society and religion continue to dominate the narrative and sound eerily familiar even after many decades. Do listen

Sorrow and loss engulf the Wahid family in the 21st chapter of “Sukha Bargad” written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb. Grim, tragic and sombre period, but the writer navigates this difficult time fallen upon the family with immense sense and sensitivity while keeping the narrative entirely relatable to each one of us. Do listen… ‎

Chapter 20 of “Sukha Bargad” written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb opens an entirely new line of conversation related to the ripples created by Bangladesh liberation especially on Indian Muslim community. The chapter gives a glimpse of the turmoil and attempts to present the perspective of Muslims living in India through the turmoil the protagonist Rashida is going through. The penmanship is poignant...

A special day for Buddies today as we remember Munshi Premchand on his birthday and what better way to celebrate than enjoy the thought provoking chapter 19 from 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb which resonates with views propounded not only by Premchand but by all progressive writers and thinkers of India. To our delight we also discover some more trivia from India's in...

In the 18th chapter of Sukha Bargad, written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb, Rashida delves into those special poignant reminiscences locked away in a corner of her mind- memories sweet and bitter; happy and sorrowful. The writing is extremely evocative and poetic caressing like gently flowing breeze. More questions arise, more concerns gather ground... Do listen

And we are back with the next chapter from the thought provoking "Sukha Bargad" written by Manzoor ahtesham Saheb . It is fascinating to know how some issues continue to plague our pluralistic society even after so many years of Independence. The writer has presented them very sensitively and yet with honesty , gently delving into the root causes of such divisive mindsets and their furth...

Things take a worrisome downward turn in the Waheed family as we discover in Chapter 16 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Saheb. Will Suhail stray away from the family, especially his father, what will happen to Rashida, how will Abbu and more so Ammi, cope with these currents of rebellion- these questions arise as the story progresses further. Do listen..

Chapters 14 & 15 of 'Sukha Bargad' touch new dimensions and reveal the intricacies and complexities of human psyche, especially that of a middle class educated Muslim girl living in a traditional household. The author Manzoor Ahtesham displays immense restraint and senstivity in these paras. The language, the metaphors, the gentle unfolding of thoughts are so light on the soul while st...

Chapter 13 of "Sukha Bargad" written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab reveals new equations, ups and downs as the story unfolds further. Suhail's angst and Rashida's thought provoking conversations are part of everyday lives of all of us even today. Oblivious father, worried mother, concerned sibling are a constant in an ever changing Indian middle class society, no matter what the reli...

And one by one, the leaves of the Banyan tree start drying up, dreams start dying- Rashida, the protagonist, shelves her plans to become a journalist, Ammi's desire to see Rashida married remains unfulfilled, loneliness permeates the house quietly.... Chapter 12 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham paints a very real picture of a struggling middle class family- struggling with...

While today's experience of reading Chapter 11 of 'Sukha Bargad' was almost like being a fly on the wall of any middle class educated, progressive family home, arguing among themselves, mother losing sleep over daughter's marriage and future of their son, relatives subtly and not so subtly passing comments, it also yet again brought very important issues to the fore, honestly and b...

Difficult truths, shockingly relevant even after decades are courageously discussed in Chapter 10 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab. Open and frank discussions help in clearing the air and finding solutions, however complicated the issues maybe. Besides, the perpetual divide highlighted in this part, the nuanced presentation of a daughter's thought process, the whys an...

Though Chapter 9 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzooor Ahtesham Sahab is woven around school picnic and exams and looming summers, the sub plots highlight issues which plague the society even today- concerns about daughters' marriages, burden of morality amidst middleclass, cost of leading a progressive life and so on... Do listen

Chapter 8 of 'Sukha Bargad' penned by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab, continues to delve into human nature, bigotry, orthodoxy and examines the reasons and rationale for such beliefs. And it does so, gently, softly and without any hint of preaching or patronising. The author's personal beliefs and thoughts are mirrored in this wonderful piece we present today. Do listen...

The 7th chapter of 'Sukha Bargad' raises pertinent questions about divisiveness and roles humans play in it. The author Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab in his signature honest and relatable style, fearlessly expresses perhaps his own views in this extremely relevant conversation included in today's episode. It also surprises us that how little things have changed really, even after half a centu...

Let us relive those teenage years filled with eager curiosity, innocence and a sense of wonder through the pages of Chapter 6 of 'Sukha Bargad' written by Manzoor Ahtesham Sahab and his protagonist Rashida. The keen and sensitive observation and beautiful presentation of issues oft never raised are remarkable. Do listen