FROM DREAM DEBUT TO THE SILVER SCREEN
This is one happy ending that was predicted. Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s novel, “Swallowing the Sun” is going to be made into a digital series. The author, a former ambassador and ex assistant secretary general of the United Nations, had penned such an evocative coming of age saga written against the backdrop of the freedom struggle that it was only a matter of time it would be picked up for an OTT series.
The book will be adapted for the silver screen by Vikram Malhotra, founder & CEO, Abundantia Entertainment that has created box office hits such as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Kahaani, Chhori and Shakuntala Devi. In fact, what both Malhotra and Lakshmi Puri have in common is the portrayal of strong women characters.
“Swallowing the Sun” tells the story of its strong willed protagonist Malti set against the grand sweep of the Freedom Movement. Puri’s pen doesn’t just express itself with words alone, but the descriptive detail and conversational dialogue make reading the book a very evocative and visual experience for the reader. The family saga, the historic backdrop, a tale of women empowerment, the tapestry of human relations—this is a story that was written not just for the bookshelves, but also for the silver screen.
As Vikram Malhotra said, “‘Swallowing the Sun’ is a vivid journey through India’s past, told with an intimacy that makes the story timeless and the characters, real and relatable. At Abundantia, we consistently seek out stories of depth and relevance that have the power to resonate with diverse audiences”. Clearly, “Swallowing the Sun’s” dream run continues—from a record breaking debut to the silver screen.
MAYA WATI’S COMEBACK PLAN
Why is Mayawati, former UP Chief Minister and BSP chief, planning a public show of strength on Kanshi Ram’s death anniversary this year? On 9 October, the BSP chief has planned a mega show to be held at the “Manyvar Kanshi Ram Smarak Sthal” at Lucknow’s Ego Garden. Party workers from all over the state—and outside—are being rounded up for the event, with preparations being made at the Ramabai Rally Ground for their stay.
It will be over a decade since Mayawati will be holding such a public gathering on the occasion of Kanshi Ram’s death anniversary, for earlier anniversaries have been marked by her with silent homage at her residence, leaving the party workers to host public events. The last time she hosted a public gathering on this occasion was in 2016.
But now with the crucial 2027 elections coming, there is immense pressure on her to revive the organisation if she wants to remain relevant. Otherwise, the fight is really between the ruling BJP and the Samajwadi Party. Hence, the panic button has been pressed, with BSP leaders reaching out to not just the party faithful, but even those who have left the party.
Wonder if Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who has recently been released on bail, will be one of the surprise guests at the gathering, for there are rumours that he is not very happy with the current SP leadership. In fact, Azam Khan’s wife Tanjim had told reporters (when he was still in prison) that she had no expectations of help from the Samajwadi Party. But for now, Azam Khan says he is going to focus on his health.
TRACKING THE BIHAR VOTE
While the Election Commission is yet to announce the dates for the Bihar elections, a new Assembly has to be in place before November 22nd. Which means that the elections can be expected sometime during the second week of November. However, that aside, the campaigning has begun in full earnest.
Interestingly, while the Congress recently completed its Voter Adhikar Yatra that had RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on board, the Mahagathbandan is yet to announce its CM candidate. While it is clear that the CM face would be the RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, the Congress is yet to come on board with the announcement. This could be a negotiating tactic, for not only does the Congress want a greater say in seat sharing, it is also keen that the party’s Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Rajesh Kumar should be announced as the alliance’s candidate for Deputy CM.
Since Kumar comes from the Ravidas community, the Congress is hoping to woo back the Dalit vote that it has lost post Babu Jagjivan Ram. Dalits make up 19.56 % of the population, according to a caste survey conducted in the state in 2023 and the Congress knows that in order to win back the state, the alliance has to focus on the EBC and the SC vote as well, and not just the MY (Muslim + Yadav) combination of the RJD.
As far as the NDA is concerned, the BJP has gone ahead and announced Nitish Kumar as the alliance’s CM face, The trade-off for them is of course the JDU support for the Modi government at the Centre. And then there remains Prashant Kishor, for he is clearly in the game to make his presence felt rather than win the election.
As the saying goes: you fight your first election to make someone lose (for you will be making your presence known by eating into someone else’s vote bank); the second one to lose (for by then you should have emerged as a serious contender); and the third to win. The question is—whose vote will Prashant Kishor cut?
