Review: H-Pop : The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars

H-Pop : The Secretive World of Hindutva Pop Stars by Kunal Purohit
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Hooter: An essay on 3 different artistes in Hindi belt riding the Hindutva wave.

I am not sure if it is secretive or a bigger gameplan at large, the author takes a unique angle of covering the current political climate by capturing the story of 3 artistes who have pivoted to catering to the needs of the Hindutva audiences with catchy songs, poems and books that earn them a sizeable side income apart from the clout and the micro celeb status they owe to this movement.

From Kavi Singh's singing, Kamal Agneya's poetry to Sandeep Deo's publications, Kunal does provide a simple essay on each one's journey and challenges they face/ faced and how they aligned to the political climate and patronage that all artistes through centuries have looked for.

Whilst an innovative take on a sub-altern culture I am far removed from, I felt an article could have summarised the novelty of this take from my perspective.

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Review: The Remains of the Day

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hooter: Why do we do what we do? A butler asks himself that question

An old school butler - working towards excellence in his chosen field around the World War I in England often sacrifices self over the greater good of the profession - a propriety he emulates from his father though emotionally detached in that quest. Don't we often do the same with our careers - picking those long nights over other engagements because there is a professional code we adhere to and the extremely high standards we may have set for ourselves.

The book brilliantly captures the era and you live through the life of the butler and the ongoings around him in an extremely descriptive manner. The author manages to keep you interested in the monotony of life whilst switching tracks into the deeper philosophical questions troubling our protagonist Stevens through his motoring trip interspersed with flashbacks.

Regret is one of the heaviest things one can carry into the future.

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