Title:
My Name is Not Devdas
Author:
Aayush Gupta
Publisher:
HarperCollins India
Genre:
Contemporary Fiction
Paperback:
150 Pages
ISBN:
978-9356292826
‘There
are two kinds of dead people. The first are remembered fleetingly, of
course-for the things they did when they were alive. Made money. Travelled.
Loved Lost. The second are remembered for the things they did not do in life.
Never cheated anyone. Never committed a crime. Never hurt a fly.’
“My Name is Not Devdas” by Aayush Gupta is a captivating retelling of an Indian classic. The novel sets in Delhi and weaves an imaginative world around intriguing characters – Paro, Chandramukhi, and Dev. It takes us on a sweeping journey through modern reality.
At its core ‘My Name is Not Devdas” is a story about bruised egos, frame-ups, and quaint obsessions. The characters are incredibly relatable to contemporary India. The portrayal of characters is nuanced and moving, as they struggle through intense human emotions.
‘I honestly don't know. My love for Dev didn't have a when. It didn't happen at a time, or a place, or a moment or a word. It happened to me much like life. Constantly. Inevitably. He was the cigarette smoke corroding my very being. I knew it would kill me, but in this moment, the smoke was the air that I breathed in and out. How does one stop breathing?’
Aayush Gupta’s prose is elegant and crispy, immersing readers in the rich details of the current scenario. The story deals with key elements such as student politics, outrage over gender-biased assault, and corruption. Dishonesty and desire work as prime driving forces. Besides, he wisely blends classic chords and complex power dynamics of present society, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved story that has been told-retold for decades.
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Devdas is not the typical tragic lover who is misunderstood by society, Basically, Dev is a Marxist and holds principles that motivate him to become a reformer. Paro is not the typical beloved who is rejected by her lover and withdraws from the world, and Chandramukhi is not the stereotypical prostitute, who is kind-hearted. As the plot unfurls, the characters make tough choices and, that leads to a shocking revelation.
Overall, ‘My Name is Not Devdas” is pacy and thought-provoking read, perfect for the young generation seeking to explore the complexities of identity and relationships. It’s a slim and stunning book, that can be your perfect weekend read.
About the Author
Aayush
Gupta is an author-screenwriter. He's been a part of writers' rooms in
Eros, Zee and is currently associated with Yash Raj Films. He's produced and
presented shows for All India Radio's External Services and National channels.
Under his own banner, Guddi Productions, he has directed and co-produced
multiple nonfiction shows and documentaries.
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