As poll fever strikes, Soumya Mukerji introduces you to two new, interesting titles that'll help you get in the mood for action
As poll fever strikes, Soumya Mukerji introduces you to two new, interesting titles that'll help you get in the mood for action
Laughter's the best medicine, especially when it comes to election flu. Veteran caricaturist Sudhir Tailang takes 
potshots at Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh through his compilation of humorous works, which revolve around the infamous N-deal, health problems, economic crisis and more. The PM isn't complaining, but isn't endorsing it, either. We picked out a few funny illustrations for you to see, and chatted up on the rest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Do you think the PM hates you?
I think he does. I started pursuing him about a year back as the first choice for releasing my book, but he didn't agree. I waited for three months before the PMO called to say "The PM would feel awkward and embarrassed releasing his own book of cartoons." The next person who came to mind was Amar Singh, who gave a second lease of life to the PM last July. He immediately agreed to my request. Shatrughan Sinha, too, joined in, as he's a long-time friend. Deadly combo, no?
Do you, too, hate your protagonist?
Not at all. I love the PM! I respect him deeply, and even though he may not have blessed others with employment, he's been the source of my bread and butter for the last five years. He can take that credit.
Who's your real subject Dr Manmohan Singh or the PM's chair?
People don't matter. Issues do. The PM is my hero, not Dr Manmohan Singh. He only symbolises the establishment. So much happened in this PM's tenure, the situations were just too interesting to ignore. But, my cartoons are absolutely fair. I don't love or hate anyone. It's an art of protest, and it's my job to be anti-everybody sometimes.u00a0
Ever felt your life's at risk because of your job?
Oh yeah, I've received quite a few threat letters and calls. I've had a Delhi police gunman protecting me for six months, but after that, I requested the commissioner to withdraw security, because I had to protect him instead! He used to fall asleep while I drove, putting both of us at risk, and often disappeared to watch matches.
What's the funniest thing about elections?
I think all those speeches are written by Salim Javed or some C-grade writer. They're very below the line, and the only thing that remains to be heard is 'kutte main tera khoon pee jaoonga!'
The most overhyped part of it?
Rahul Gandhi.
Title: No Prime Minister
Author: Sudhir Tailangu00a0u00a0
Publisher: Wisdom Tree
Price: Rs 200
He's had enough of God
Delhi-based entrepreneur-author Tejeshwar Singh isn't happy with the way God's used as a license to cheat, brainwash and win votes, and he's doing something about it provoking consciences in print. His controversial debut rubbishes shallow ritual rites in all forms, especially politics. "Politics is meant for the country's welfare, but together with religion, it has destroyed 60 years and three generations. It only spreads hatred. The use of religious propaganda should be banned with immediate effect," he lashes out.
Against holy sh**
The message comes through a 20-year-old protagonist's journey of discovering the true meaning of God, and in the process, encountering sheer absence of free will, and the hypocrisies of human society. A mysterious order of sadhus and Lord Buddha act as catalysts in the boy's quest, based on the author's own. No, he isn't an atheist, but doesn't believe in the many farcical forms of the entity, and prefers to go by the law of karma.
"The world needs sanity, and I strongly feel that the whole human civilisation is certainly not on the right track. As individuals, our end is certain... but we can definitely do things that can benefit us and the future generations," he feels, explaining how times have changed, and raising banners and shouting slogans won't be of any help. "What's needed is a constant and untiring movement." We think he's already sparked a silent yet strong one.
Title: I've Had Enough Of God
Author: Tejeshwar Singh
Publisher: Rupa & Co
Price: Rs 250
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
