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 Shahr-e- Jaana

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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.

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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 also a glimpse into lives and challenges different from our own and this has made us feel think and see with a fresh perspective.

Shukriya Manzoor Saheb!

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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.

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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.

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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 worse as he was the main culprit and he knows this and is being eaten away as a result.

Do not miss this part, so tune in and listen…

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 tune in...

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