Seduction by Truth by Mukul Kumar: a review

Some books catch your eye by just the title. Seduction by truth by Mukul Kumar was one such. The next thing that struck me when I saw the book was the cover. It showed exactly what the blurb had to offer. But did the book actually live by the expectations? You have to read the whole book to know that. Here's what the blurb says…

About the book- Shiva is good looking, an irresistible talker, well off, lives in Delhi's poshest suburb, is a dutiful husband to the attractive Akriti, and a perfect father to their little son. So why is he the picture of disenchantment? It could be that not uncommon human condition: boredom that sometimes accompanies fidelity. In Shiva's case, the discovery that Akriti has already found distraction with someone else frees him to look for excitement on his own- but with a mind conflicted between Dharma and desire. Which path to follow? He embarks on a journey to empirically explore different options- the sexually vibrant Sana and Mary, to name just two- but at the end of it, winds up with more questions than he started out with. To confuse things further, Akriti continues to occupy a tender place in his heart; a woman first and a wife later. A story, part reality, part legend, that dared the modern reader to solve mankind's oldest puzzle: marriage.

The premise of the book spoke a lot to me and thus the expectations went further high up. To begin with, I somehow felt that this particular book doesn't cater to a wide range of an audience per se. It's about the couples who are married, separated or to be married. The whole backbone of this book is spread on as the author puts it, “mankind's oldest puzzle: marriage”. The clean and simple way of writing and narration made it simple for me to read the book in one sitting without any break.

Now that is something I like in books. Which keep you hooked to the end. The way the whole concept is dealt with is really good and everyone should read it. Shiva as a character have been portrayed very cleverly with typical traits. This makes sure that you feel, as a human being, that Shiva is someone right beside you. There are legends mentioned in the book which can be used to draw comparisons and that's something that is very well thought of. I also liked how all the women in Shiva's life has been crafted in the book.

For the cons, I would like to mention that I believe the book had one too many facts which the urban reader might not prefer reading much. Also, the book could've been written with much more vibrancy in it than there is. There were a few parts which I felt could've been ignored while some needed a bit more explanation. Grammatical errors there weren't any and that's a good sign for me as a reader. All in all the book had a good flow to it and is surely an one time read for the audience. For me, it's 3.25 out of 5 looking forward to reading more of the author's works.

Tarikshir by Khayaal Patel: a review

I divide my choice of books in a few categories and judge me if you want to but books which look good are surely in my wish list. This debut work by Khayaal Patel, Tarikshir: The Awakening had in itself every category that I like. The cover is mesmerising where I remember when guests had come over to my place they commented that this book is gorgeous. The blurb is interesting and the premise holds your breath.

About the book- A small princely state in Rajasthan is the last bastion of resistance against the might of the British empire. While unrest surrounding the sudden death of the king of Devangarh grows, young prince Rudra Pratap Chauhan prepares to ascend the throne. But the kingdom is in turmoil. The Devangarh army is outnumbered and the British forces are closing in. To make matters worse, Rudra discovers the king's death may not have been accidental at all. The frequent appearance and disappearance of a mysterious, masked stranger, and a series of ritualistic murders in which the bodies have been drained of blood, spread panic across the realm. Who is this creature and how is he connected to all the strange occurrences? As Rudra struggles to manage his new responsibilities and investigate his father's death, he stumbles upon dark, dangerous secrets that will destroy everything he now holds together.

First things first, Rudra is definitely my newest favorite character. Everything about him is so good. But is everything what they seem it is? The book is all about known characters with unknown faces and unknown characters with known faces. It traces the journey wonderfully and does not seem like the author's first novel at all. The grasp of the language is wonderful and so is the narrating skills.

I'm seriously not going to comment on the characters or the plotline because the book is a series and I wouldn't want to spoil it for you. The flow is great and there's not a single dull moment in the book which might bore the readers. The language used isn't that much tough and is lucid enough for readers across generations to find the book meaningful and interesting. While a lot of writers are trying to experiment with the genre, Khayaal has done a commendable job in writing his debut.

For the cons of the book I would like to say that there were some scenes where I felt the book was stretched but then that's something that I give the liberty to the new writers about. The pace was maintained throughout apart from a few drops which I know the author will improve in his further books. I would also like to commend the author for writing something like this which made the book reading all the more worth while and giving birth to the eagerness to know what happens next. For me this one's a 4.5 on 5. Looking forward to more from the author's desk.

A conversation with fashion stylist, Chandni K Doshi: an interview

As a fashion conscious woman of the 21st century, what can perk your mood? Well, I guess for me it HAS TO be a chit chat with a new and upcoming fashion stylist (who has already done a lot of work in the industry by styling Bigg Boss 11 fame Vikas Gupta and Roadies, Splitsvilla and Bigg Boss 11 fame Priyank Sharma on various occasions)! Join me and Chandni K Doshi in this conversation and don't forget to check out her blog The Style Influencer

(https://chandnikdoshi.wordpress.com) for tips and tricks related to fashion.

1. To begin with, thanks a tonne for taking out time from your schedule for this conversation. You have been doing some great work for the past couple of years. How did the fashion bug bite you, actually?

Answer:  I think this fashion bug was already in my genes. My mother had some amazing taste with colours and palettes. Though she hails from a place and era where women weren’t allowed to do many things. She did break few rules of the family, though, and I broke all of them.

2. From there till now where you're styling internet sensations like Priyank Sharma, Vikas Gupta and many more, how does it feel? Especially since some of the people you have styled are known to have a very quirky style statement.

Answer: Styling to me is my own private happiness. And Priyank is my personal favourite. Honestly, styling a celeb is always a challenge. Understanding their comfort zone is one thing, but convincing them to wear what can become a trend and how to carry it is the major task. I think my conviction in my work and confidence on my instinct brought me till here.

3. What is style or fashion according to you? Also, what according to you is the current trend in the market?

Answer: Style and fashion are two different things. Style is something which you have right within you. That x-factor which can make your basic white shirt also super desirable. Whereas fashion to me is more of science. Yes!! It actually involves so much of "how's" and "why's" added with your personal style. Current trend varies from person to person, but I'm loving the casual looks flaunted by celebs these days. Those cute t-shirt dresses, sweatshirts, sneakers...!!! I love it when fashion becomes the medium to provide you comfort.

4. When you look back at your teenage days and your style statement back then, if you were given a chance to style yourself from that time what would you like to change or add?

Answer: I committed my fashion disasters during my teenage. I come from a place where I was strictly supposed to be a girl next door. And simultaneously I had a fashion rebel poking me from deep inside. If I can ever rewind things, I would add more grace to my previous self. And if given a chance to erase something that will have to be my school farewell look from world history!!

5. You are also a fashion blogger apart from being a stylist and your blog focuses till now mostly on basics. Tell me a few things that make your blog “The Style Influencer” unique.

Answer: Well I don't know if I’m different or not, but I'm very practical for sure. Generally, whenever I read any fashion blogger, I always wonder how practical will it be to wear the garment in day to day life. My idea of blogging is to write about the everyday fashion. Like in the work place, or college or a casual dinner or maybe when you are just out to shop. Being comfortable with your style is any day a preference than being a glam goddess and being really uncomfortable.

6. There are endless fashion bloggers and vloggers out there in today's time. Youngsters these days also follow celebrities and how they dress up. Anyone you follow or admire?

Answer: Yes..!!! Alia Bhatt and Dolly Singh (blogger and YouTuber). They both have one thing in common. They are so much fun to look at. So casual yet desirable. I'm in love with their witty videos and pictures. And of course, I adore Alia Bhatt’s dressing sense. I love how she balances her looks.

            

7. 7. If you were given a chance to style for any one person on the biggest day of their life, who would that person be and why? Additionally, any particular look you would love to recreate giving a special touch?

Answer: It has to be Fawad Khan! For any occasion. And for all the obvious reasons.

I would love to recreate Anarkali (played by the ethereal Madhubala) from the film Mughal-e-Azam. How mesmerising she looked in the ‘panghat’ song! It sure is my dream to be involved in such a project and dress up somebody like her.

8. When there's fashion there has to be some major fashion faux pas. We keep on seeing all these people (celebs and non celebs) sporting clothes that are complete disasters. What is that one major fashion faux pas that you suggest people should be careful of?

Answer: Showing too much of skin. Or getting way too decked up. I always write (and believed so) about the power of ‘minimals’ in my blogs. I think minimalistic fashion is very underrated. Minimalism keeps gives one a mysterious aura thereby adding an overall charm to the persona. Same with make up or accessories.

9. “Dress according to the function” - We've all heard this some or the other time from fashion gurus. How would you dress up a person (both a man and a woman) going to the following events:

Answer - Book launch:

Male: power of khadi kurta and denim

Ladies: Chikan kurtis. Oh, chikankari is my weakness!

Red carpet:

Male: Tuxedo. 

Ladies: saree (personal favourite) or a gown.

Dinner date:

Please wear something comfortable. You have anyway impressed the person hence they have agreed for the date.

Male: some casual shirt or tshirt. 

Ladies: some flare dresses! They look so dramatic and pretty.

Late night/early morning movie:

Male: joggers and a cool tee.

Ladies: boyfriend's denims and a box tee.

Brunch with family:

Guys: denim and polo t-shirts.

Girls: some cute dresses or kurtis.

10. What is that one tip that you would like to give to the rising fashionistas of today's time?

Answer- Less is more! And be really comfortable in your own skin.

11. Fashion and trends keep on changing. They also come back to being popular. In a few years from date, what do you picture to be trending back in fashion?

Answer- Those ‘Yash Raj’ chhiffon sarees in pastel colours. I so want them to make a come back!! Especially the ones shown in the film Chandni played by the forever gorgeous Sridevi.

12. How different is your approach when you dress up/style a fictional character compared to a real life person?

Answer- It's not really different for me. The fictional characters, as I understand it, are also inspired from real life characters. All I do is dig deep into the background of the characters keeping the filter of my fashion science of the hows and whys activated. In fact, recently I posted a picture with my nose pin and an author friend of mine said he wants his protagonist in the next story to wear a nose pin. I guess this is how inspiration works.

13. Last but not the least, where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?

Answer- I like to hold onto every plan of action of mine. All I can say as of now is I just want to make my parents extremely proud of me. Somewhere a fashion rebel still awaits a closure for a really old war.

It has been a pleasure talking to you, Chandni and I'm sure my readers would love this.

This girl next door from MP has turned into a fashion statement over the years and have proved that nothing is impossible for us! So, no matter what your gender is; get your fashion game strong and up your confidence! Much love ♥♥