Sumeet enters a prestigious university to explore the libertine philosophy, to shake off the prejudices and the taboos he believes the constrictive society has implanted deep in his unconscious psyche. Here begins a horrible faceoff between Sumeet and Avani, the two worlds nurturing hedonistic and platonic notions of love respectively. This is a tale of Sumeet who carries a load of unfulfilled desires; this is a tale of Avani who doesn't want to be a puppet, but a master of her own will. Also, this is a tale of the tussle of two subjects—History and English—a tale of the subdued innateness and the imposed foreignness. Why don't you join the journey of Sumeet and Avani to witness the intriguing tussle of body and soul?
Sumeet and Avani are two opposite poles yet what makes them come together is their differences. The novel is not only about these characters but also about two archetypes i.e. Fire and Water. Sumeet is fire from inside, Sumeet owns desires and fantasies about women, Avani represents water as she is more clear, practical and calm through out the novel. I think, this novel deserves a wide readership because it caters to the general emotions of human race.
It is not a review; it is rather my heartfelt gratitude for choosing “Call It Anything” your companion for a couple of days. I hope it must have entertained you. Thanks a lot, my dear readers (my family). When I began writing this novel, it was supposed to be a typical ‘happy ending’ romance. But I realised what different content would I cater to my readers then. I wanted to entertain my readers, but with fresh and insightful literary content. First and foremost, “Call It Anything” deals with issues such as repressed sexuality, unconscious state of mind and vivid manifestation of instincts. These are issues which we hardly attempt to have discussions on. Being an Assistant Professor of English at University of Rajasthan, I have noticed people cringing even at such academic places at the mention of the word ‘sex’. Believe me, it is not a sin to talk about or have discussions around this issue. I have witnessed a number of cases in my locality where people get mentally retarded or sick due to sexual frustration. Due to inappropriate awareness, the word ‘sex’ gets such a big swing that only it moves in their heads. The question of morality or immorality is at another place, but the limited knowledge of their sexuality in true sense makes them socially misfit human beings. Is it their fault? It needs to be answered. So, I have based one of my prominent characters battling harder than ever with this issue. The novel is divided in five Books, each having played a key role in the development of characters’ persona. The first two books are the exploration of love and betrayal on a university campus, while the subsequent books are testimony of life that falls ahead. If it ended like other typical ‘happy ending’ novels, who would have told my readers what happens after ‘happy endings’ then? I have taken this onus on me to depict life that comes after ‘happy endings’. Believe me, it hasn’t been an easy task for me to write this phase of life. I was so immersed in the portrayal of this phase that it brought certain catastrophes in my own life too. Anyway, it consists of so many conflicts, so many horrible face-offs, so many reversals of fortune, or what not. I haven’t held myself back in showcasing life as it is, no moderate or middle way of narration. If it needed the language to be a bit coarse or gross, I have purposefully done it; if the plot demanded some explicit sexual scenes, I have portrayed them without being prudish, for this is how we live by making our lives sahaj, without suffocating ourselves. And if we suffocate our breaths (instincts), we die that moment only. Throughout the novel, I have tried to rotate the plot around one of the most conflicting issues that is ‘body and soul’. Avani and Sumeet, the two of the prominent characters, are always in perplexing conflicts due to their contrasting philosophies: Platonic notions of love vs. Hedonism. This conflict always runs through the pages. I may get bashing for vividly and explicitly portraying certain scenes, but I feel the plot demanded this, for we human beings have always danced on the tune of instincts from our primitive days, so this could be the only way to deal with the thing called ‘human dilemma’. Sumeet is also a human and he has his dilemma too. I invite you all to be a part of the spiritual quest which deals with confounding postmodern issues such as love, sex, betrayal, desires, and taboos. I have purposefully called it a ‘spiritual quest’, because it takes into account the issues (body and soul) which have been quite an ordeal for me. Let’s be free; let’s live our lives by manifesting our instincts. I conclude my plea by quoting from Call It Anything that celebrates the instincts thus: “I really hate those people who preach puritanism. When God has created two heterogeneous bodies, they are meant to mingle. The amalgamation of two symbiotic bodies and souls should be celebrated instead. It is what nature is: the pollen should be implanted in the desired ‘being’ to sustain the spirit of creation. Nature is God. The ones who live under its tutelage are the pristine devotees. It is our foolishness when we address the saviours of nature as ‘primitives’. It is high time we realised that taboos fetter us and nature liberates us” (p. 123).
Dr. Shankar Lal Jhanjhnodia IITian & Author of Call It Anything Assistant Professor, Department of English University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
A frank and honest portrayal of sexual frustration
The sexual frustration is the central theme of “Call It Anything”. Sumeet’s unconscious mind is the gateway to peep into it. When I was going through the chapters, I asked myself that who hasn't faced this conflict in his life once? Every one of us come into touch with a girl. Every now and then a youth comes to like a girl. Now the author has frankly written about it. What a youth thinks when he first sees a girl? Her body, off course. Can he openly announce this fact? No, society will call him a pervert. So what does he do? He just represses his sentiments. Sumeet is one of us. He carries a load of unfulfilled desires. When he sees an opportunity on a renowned university campus, he tries hard to manifest his instincts. But unfortunately the girl he feels besotted with is the exact opposite to him, for she believes in the notion of love that is directly against Sumeet’s notion of love. This is the central conflict of the novel. The author has beautifully capitalised on this conflict to construct a captivating plot. All through the Five Books (five parts), I remained with the thought-flow of the author, without once getting bored. The unconsciousness of Sumeet is filled with lascivious desires, and these desires get concrete shape in the form of some explicitly evocative narration in the novel. And I believe this openness of expression is what the author is trying to bring into public discourses. He even substantiates these narrations with wonderfully chosen examples from Hindu mythology. I completed the novel in two sittings. If you are a die-hard fan of intelligent yet charming fiction, this is particularly written for you, my friend.
More than a campus novel: a relatable tale to the modern generation
When I ran through the first two Books, it looked a well organised campus novel, with fresh plot and story line. It highlights the bro-code and comic bantering of friends. The friendship of Sumeet, Raunak and Tarun will make you envious. Whether it is their talks in double meanings, the leg-pullings and the fights, you will relive your own college life. I especially liked the character of Raunak. What a versatile person he is! Sometimes it seems as if he could be a hero of the novel. As the novel proceeds, it gets more than a campus novel in scope of space and context. The subsequent three parts are the soul of the novel. They portray life that really matters. The middle age crisis is one of the central themes that he has dealt in these chapters. I found the character of Shreya very delectable. A wonderful woman, I must say! I found this part the most aesthetic one. The story just runs, keeping you engaged. The author least seems to be thinking of the notions of morality, as at every second page he thinks of breaking the taboos and challenging the rotten social norms. Through fiction, he picks up the themes which need to be discussed urgently in modern times. It truly represents the spirit of modern people who so much in confusion and dilemma. The dilemma of Sumeet is every one’s. The conflict of Avani is of every second girl. You will find it relatable to your own life.
"Call It Anything" is a fascinating romantic novel. I liked the comic presentation of the characters. The friendship of Sumeet, Raunak and Tarun is amazing. The way they fight, the way they live like a family on the campus made me remember my own life in hostels. Sumeet is mad after Avani, but Avani isn't his cup of tea. The chemistry of two unseemly characters is very enchanting. Sumeet is someone who only cares for her body, but Avani isn't to be dominated. This conflict goes on throughout. I haven't seen such a novel recently which openly discusses issues which we often neglect to talk in public spaces. The novel's scope is very wide. It has a strong plot. As it is on the tongues of the modern people, it explicity narrates some evocative scenes. As is the psyche of Sumeet, it seems the pressing need of the plot to include such explicit and entertaining narrations. These are never out of context. These make us realize how earthly we are; and how celestial we instead try to be. The plot of the novel gets maturer with every turning of the page. The end will definitely make you sit for a while and think. A wonderful novel. I sugeest it to those who love reading skillful plots with mature scenes and entertaining tale.
I loved reading the passionate, yet conflicting journey of Avani and Sumeet. This is a tale of love; this is also a tale of betrayal. Also, this is a tale of instincts in which Avani and Sumeet find themselves entangled. I loved it more for the honest portrayal of vivid desires. Sumeet speaks his mind out to manifest the latent desires we all struggle with. The author hasn't tried once to be prudish. He has honestly and vividly expressed the dilemma Sumeet, or if I say truly we all cope up with. The author has left no stone unturned when it comes to the portrayal of the psyche of his characters. Sumeet’s frustration leads to the manifestation of his unconsciousness. While Avani is all together a different sort of a person. Give it a read if you love to read romantic thrillers with psychological aspects embedded in them. It will be a captivating tale for you guys.
At its core, “Call It Anything" is a love story, but it breaks conventional norms. The characters cruise through the complexities of desire and intimacy, grappling with the tension between physical attraction and emotional connection. They portrayal of Avani and Sumeet is very relatable, for now and then we too, being humans, grapple with unconsciousness, desires and sexual frustration. In spite of being a romance, it shows life’s key issues in fascinating way. I was excited like hell to read the psyche of Sumeet especially who strives hard to find his way. One of best the novels I have read recently. I thank the author for starting a discussion which we often evade. A must read for everyone.
An enjoyable thriller I was quite fortune to have the copy of "Call It Anything" on its official launch at HSS, ROORKEE. THE. AUTHOR'S remark made me quite excited about it. I grabbed the signed copy then only. I am done reading it now. A wonderful romantic thriller. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The author has beautifully accommodated Hindu myths in his narration to make his plot even more interesting. Without bringing any spoilers, I would just like to say that the journey of sumeet ang Avani is very bumpy, not a smooth one. There are plenty of dramatic ups and downs. The plot is very strong thematically. It is more than a romance, for it goes beyond a simple love story.it kept me engaged throughout.
Call It Anything is a story mixture of love, romance & their argumentary fights of main characters Sumit and Avani. Every line of story reflects true and live scenes of story like a movie. In this book, Sumit and avani, both are different type of persons in desire. Sumit wants to fulfill his physical desire at full cooperation of his partner whereas Avani believe in soul. Story explains alive incidents of life of love couples in college, during engagement, after marriage. Like attraction, love, lust desire, frustration, stress etc. I loved this story a lot and also recommend to everyone to read it. Beacuse I have read it from first page to last, I assure you that you will surely enjoy it . So go ahead and read it.
I liked reading the novel. The novel is written in such a fascinating way that it kept me engaged till the end. I liked the banters of the three friends. It is full of overpowering emotions. The love story is very fresh. It is more than a love story actually. They love, fight and do all other stuff that we often do in our own lives. Sumeet's mental make-up is like every other boy’s. Hello runs after love, desires and instincts. And I think everyone of us does it in his adolescent days. Avani is a modern woman who is very particular about her likes and dislikes. The story is very captivating. Anyone who likes reading about body, soul, sexuality and such other youth related issues would love reading it.
Absolutely an eye-opener read. I liked it for its sheer openness and intelligent writing style. Never for a while, the author takes a short route to evade the harsh truths that society considers taboos or sins. It is not for those whose morality consciousness is just too high, or for the ones who are hypocrites at the core. It is for the art lovers who are not judgemental and enjoy fascinating tales. The plot is well constructed. The story will hook you just after a couple of pages and will keep you engaged till the end. A number of turns and twists, with an end that just blows one’s mind.
Call it anything is an amazing novel. One of the best in contemporary fiction. It is not like any other traditional happy ending romantic fiction.Perhaps, the author believes that happy endings are just like ‘Mirage’ . This novel depicts the life-journey of a couple. I liked it very much because I too believe that happy endings are just like a fairy tale.The twists and turns in this novel are mind blowing. I must say “Call It Anything” is a mind-refreshing tale. I recommend it to those who are waiting for a refreshing romantic thriller.
Call it anything is amazing story of Sumit which I loved a lot. I totally was engaged in this story. Esa lag rha tha jaise ek movie chal rhi h mind m inn story texts through. Story tells true feelings or desires which arises in a person at time of college and at further stages when it gets unsatisfied. yah hme batati h kaise Sumeet apni love desire ko pura krne k liye kaise khud ko aur apno ko kho deta h . At the end, story tells the superiority of spirituality that how beyond the science mantras cure.
Call it anything is an amazing novel. One of the best in contemporary fiction. It is not like any other traditional happy ending romantic fiction.Perhaps, the author believes that happy endings are just like ‘Mirage’ . This novel depicts the life-journey of a couple. I liked it very much because I too believe that happy endings are just like a fairy tale.The twists and turns in this novel are mind blowing. I must say “Call It Anything” is a mind-refreshing tale. I recommend it to those who are waiting for a refreshing romantic thriller.
“Call It Anything” is an exciting novel. I lived my college life again. It has beautifully narrated the bond of friendship. It is so exquisite. The bond of Raunak, Tarun and Sumeet is so enviable that I almost recalled my friends. I didn't get bored for a minute. The love story of Sumeet and Avani is so relatable that I pictured myself in the story. It has so many ups and downs that it kept me excited all through. The end literally blew my mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Call It Anything” is an exciting novel. I lived my college life again. It has beautifully narrated the bond of friendship. It is so exquisite. The bond of Raunak, Tarun and Sumeet is so enviable that I almost recalled my friends. I didn't get bored for a minute. The love story of Sumeet and Avani is so relatable that I pictured myself in the story. It has so many ups and downs that it kept me excited all through. The end literally blew my mind.
Firstly I thank you to the author shankar lal jhanjhnodia. This Book is really awesome. I suggest everyone to buy this Book and read it. If you like suspense and romantic thriller stories. Call It Anything" is a fascinating romantic story. once you start to read this book then you can't stop yourself from finishing this story. I think this is enough to tell you about this book. If you are interested to know about this book you should buy it.ha
I read this book, "Call It Anything". Kamaal ki story h ye and esa lag rha h jaise author college students and unki further life ko minutely observe kr rha h. At each stage of story, it feels actual story of someone. College m uthane wali vo feelings, vo late nights ki calls, chhoti chhoti baanto ko lekr narajgi, after marriage face ki jaane wali situations etc. Seriously, It's a bindaas story book, which I think, everyone should read.
Call it anything is most exciting love story of sumit and avani. How Trimurti friends lives ... how love and expectations change of sumit and avani, how avani feels insecurity and how sumeet acts to complete his sexual desire . Story teaches to everyone that whats mistakes we acts and how to cope up from those depressed situations. I recommend it to everyone to read it and I guarantee you that you will surely enjoy it. You will enjoy it from starting to end. Go ahead and read it.
I didn’t get bored for once. Some steamy scenes, in total sync with the narrative. Whether it is love, marriage, society, and life, I liked author’s emphasis on ‘sahajata’, natural instincts of humans. The novel just flows. The author is crystal clear when it comes to the thoughts of his characters and he just puts right dialogues in the mouths of the characters. An intelligent writing.
wonderful thriller. Kept me excited all through the novel. The title is quite apt, as the end suggests it. There could be multiple interpretations. A true postmodern work that narrates the confusion of modern generation at a great scale. The definition of traditional love is challenged and the instinctual love that is uninstitutionalized is celebrated. I have become a big fan of the author.
I loved this novel Sumit and Avani both have different opinions on love yet they are together. They fights get seperate reunites frequently but on their conditions respectively. Both of them don't surrender to each other. Every love have their story but narration of this story is unique. The novel call it anything thrilled me
“Call It Anything” is a wonderful romantic thriller. I liked it very much. The suspense kept me engaged till the end. It is written in simple but very intelligent way. The language is also very simple, having a number of quotable sentences. I recommend this thriller to the youth especially. Go through it if you love reading romances with intriguing cliffhangers.
I feel short of words to fix an adjective to it, as the title of this novel qualifies its theme. Its characters are built and narrated so well that I can call it anything. Both of the characters have multiple layers, multiple personas in fact. It is on the readers whose victory they celebrate and what sense of victory they actually consider. I thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact I loved the end.
Along with the plot of the novel, I liked the way it has been written. The author has minutely and skillfully portrayed the details in it. I totally imagined every place and the action that took place. In fact, a map of the university got printed in my mind. I was literally taking classes and having banters with my friends. It looks like I lived my college life again.
I feel short of words to fix an adjective to it, as the title of this novel qualifies its theme. Its characters are built and narrated so well that I can call it anything. Both of the characters have multiple layers, multiple personas in fact. It is on the readers whose victory they celebrate and what sense of victory they actually consider. I thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact I loved the end...❤️
I liked it. Sumeet’s portrayal is very candid. There are so many Sumeets running wild in the world. Sexual frustration is something which needs to be talked about. And the author does it really. We come to know Sumeet’s psyche which is full of repressed desires, the desires we too often suppress. The novel is absolute gem.
Sumeet’s character is very interesting. He is like every other guy who is very reserved but filled with unspeakable emotions. He loves Avani, but hasn't got guts to pronounce it. So what does he do? He suppresses every bit of his emotions in his mind. It is a sort of dangerous path for him. Once he decides to go on this route, there is no way back. An interesting read. Just enjoy it
Intresting novel. It kept me captivating through all pages.I usually don't do such things ratings and reviews but I did because I found this novel deserve a review. I think every reader who is fond of good romance and suspense should read this novel
“Call It Anything” is a gripping romantic thriller that keeps readers glued to it from its beginning to the end. Seamlessly blending heart-pounding suspense with sizzling romance, this campus novel delivers an experience that is hard to put down.