Raavi Paar and Other Stories

by Gulzar

The stories in Gulzar s first ever short collection in English have a distinct cameo quality, reflected in each story s subject matter and narrative style. The ingeniousness of this versatile writer finds expression in short narratives that vary from anecdotes to descriptions of states of mind. Serious, moving , funny and ironic by turns, the stories in this collection are replete with the perceptions of a man who has viewed the world with equanimity and compassion. It is no surprise, therefore, that is spite of their concern with human suffering, Gulzar s stories are refreshingly free from cynicism. Dextrously weaving tales with universal themes, ordinary characters and everyday incidents from his own unique perspective, this unconventional storyteller reveals the truth of existence with sincerity and sensitivity.

Genres: Short Stories, Indian Literature, Poetry, Fiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Neha Gupta]

Gulzar the name, the storywriter, the songwriter, the movie maker, the director, the poet, the person.. the life.. everything is as lyrical and melodious that you can't decide which image is the best... his short stories so simple yet so moving... for me Gulzar is the living Manto..so different but yet so similar...

I had been wanting to read his book for a long time and reading it has just made me want more of him.. if you like short stories and you are a fan of Manto, Chugtai or any Indian author from the partition era then Gulzar merges the noise and silence of partition so beautifully that you can see the characters coming to life...

As the name suggests Raavi Paar is definitely the best story in the collection. As I was reading this story my heart started beating faster, as I neared its end my temples grew tense, eyes became wet and I held myself tight dreading that something bad is going to happen and it did... I shut the book in silence and closed my eyes... thinking why did it happen.. why!! It took me some time to get back to the book trying to accept that it is just a story...

When an author can make you feel what he has written then he has done his job beautifully and that is what Gulzar does.... everytime...

[Pratibha Suku]

गुलज़ार साहब ने बहुत ही खूबसूरत रचना है
समाज के अनेको मशलों पर गौर फ़रमाया गया है .

मेरी पसंदीदा कहानियाँ निम्न हैं
"खौफ़" 1993 मुम्बई में हुए साम्प्रदायिक हिंसा पर है तो "सनसेट बुलवार्ड " में एक प्रौढा अभिनेत्री पर केन्द्रित है.
राविपर बॅटवारे की एक कहानी मे उन्होंने दर्शाया है की कैसे खौफ के कारण इंसान अपने होश खो बैठा था और हिसाब किताब में दहेज़ प्रथा के नए रूप को दर्शाया है

मर्द में दिखाया गया है की कैसे कभी पति तो कभी बेटा बन कर वह एक औरत का सोशन करता है तो जीना यहाँ में एक विकलांग के मन के उथल पुथल को दर्शाया गया है
जंगलनामा में बहुत ही खूबसूरती से डॉ सलीम अली साहब को श्रधांजलि दी गई है.

राविपर पढने वालो लोगो से गुज़ारिश सिर्फ इतनी है की जहाँ तक हो सके इसे हिंदी में पढ़े
अंग्रेज़ी रूपांतरण में इसकी खूबसूरती का, भाव का सही चित्रण नहीं है

[Sneh Pradhan]

A masterful collection .... each story a gem in itself !

[Karthik D.R]

Tamilian turning fan of Saheb!

I attended a literature discussion of Gulzar Saheb recently. My friend urged me to get any of Saheb's book autographed by him. I didn't really know how precious it is.

Now, I'm reading his writing with a pride (having a book autographed by him!).

His stories makes you to travel with the time, and with the situation. This book is no exception. I'm not an eligible one to review his writing, the best I could do is suggest you to read this book.

[Raksha Bhat]

Such elegant prose with depth in characters, the stories make the reader get lost in those times. The narration is quite interesting and is reflective of how we, as a country and society are changing, while in reality we live in the same old world. Gulzar is a master of words. His poetic element is what makes such writing memorable and beautiful. It makes one contemplate beyond the ordinary existence. I am glad I read this one.

[Prakruti]

I read it right before Norwegian Wood and then lost the faculty to view it separately. Read about their combined effect and my thoughts here: https://medium.com/the-unread-bookshe...

[Manoj Unnikrishnan]

I have known Gulzar as a poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and film director. I read his most famous short story, Crossing Ravi (Ravi Paar), translated from Hindi by Rakshanda Jalil in A Clutch of Indian Masterpieces edited by David Davidar. I became a fan of Gulzar's stories from then. Now, I have completed his collection of remarkable short stories, Raavi Paar and Other Stories, and I absolutely liked it! Translated by Masooma Ali and Alok Bhalla from Urdu and Hindi, these stories convey Gulzar's magical prose. It contains twenty-five short stories about human emotions and jungle animals alike. The stories are:

1. Khauf (Fear)
2. Sunset Boulevard
3. Dhuan (Smoke)
4. Dalia
5. Fasal (The Crop)
6. Kiski Kahani? (Whose Story?)
7. Raavi Paar (Across the Raavi)
8. Najoom (The Stars)
9. Mard (A Man)
10. Batwara (The Split)
11. Haath Peeley Kar Do (Stain Her Hands Yellow)
12. Michelangelo
13. Bimal Da
14. Zandagi (Life)
15. Lekin (But)
16. Hisab Kitab (A Good Bargain)
17. Guddo
18. Addha (The Half)
19. Das Paise aur Dadi (Ten Paise and Dadi)
20. Seema
21. Satranga (The Rainbow-maker)
22. Habu ki Aag (Habu Tames Fire)
23. Jamun ka Per (The Jamun Tree)
24. Kagaz ki Top (The Paper Cap)
25. Junglenama

A wonderful collection of stories!

[Tulika]

What's not to like in a book by Gulzar? This was is an eclectic collection of short stories each delightful in a different way. Some bring home the horror of partition while some make you smile. They all capture life in all its simplicity and all its shades over the past decades.

A definite must-read.

[Aisha]

It is rare for a collection of shorts to be compiled to such perfection that every story hits the spot. Such is Gulzar's command over storytelling that he captures the reader's mind with each word. Dhuan, Raavi Paar, Najoom, Batwara, Michelangelo, Hisab Kitab and Guddo are some of the best in this collection.

This translation has a strong flavour of Hindi/Urdu with phrases that have been translated verbatim rather than to the equivalent in English. This can sometimes be distracting as the text almost spills over in its original language. But it does not take away Gulzar's magic.

[Anubhav]

Raavi Paar and Dhuan, both short tragic stories based during the Partition, and Kagaz Ki Topi, of unrequited - in a uniquely Indian way - love are amazing!!

[Anamika]

I've read this text in Hindi, and it was almost like going back home. Well, for people who've explored and enjoyed Gulzar's poetry, this might come as a pleasant surprise, but might succumb to the pressure of the reader's expectations. His tales about love, life, loss, and circumstances carry the optimum dose of profundity that his poetry offers, but somewhere miss the depth of analogies, or imagery that one is so used to. I personally preferred tales such as "Seema", "Bimalda", "Bantwara", and "Lekin" for the quintessential Gulzar-ness about them. Those who're fond of him would know what I mean. And, the others could read it for themselves.

[Pankaj]

I knew Gulzar has a way with words when it comes to poetry but this is the first prose that I've read that's been written by him. The stories in Raavi Paar are derived from day to day life in India from a bygone era. Stories related to partition really bring out the suffering of that time without ever trivializing it.
I'm sure everyone will find something to relate to in this book. The prose is simple and effective. Gulzar has a way with narrative that few possess.

Highly recommended!

[Samir Dhond]

What a nice book of short stories. I just loved the story "Raavi paar." So touching and sad as well. You must read this story book.

[Faiza Sattar]

What a brilliant compilation of short stories, written by the genius Gulzar himself! Highly recommended to lovers of storytelling around the world.

[Indu Meenakshi]

Name of the Book: Gulzar’s - Raavi Paar and
Other Stories

As said before, I went in search for more soulful reads after my previous venture of #urdustories and I got to lay my hands in this yet another wonderful collection of stories by Gulzar.
There are totally 25 stories which gives you 25 varied emotions or even more, I promise. Each and every story comes around 3-4 pages except for two or three which makes it a easy fast read. But I warn,because most of the tales leave a deep void/scar in your heart is for sure.

My take on the book:
After devouring this awesome book, all I could say is those ordinary everyday occurrences are said in an extraordinary style of narration which left me so touching and spellbound all at the same time. I never thought a fictional prose could be in such a brilliant poetry form, yes, the author has his own way of magic with words.
All the characters are simple, familiar, bold even they are decades old. I swear, most of the stories boils your blood, makes you shed tears, melts your heart, let’s you suffer the pain and touches your inside tissues/soul.
Since the stories are written during the partition period of India it conveys the pain and struggles of people gone through that era which was more emotional is all I could say.

Among the 25 stories I like to highlight two of my favourites as follows:

1. Raavi Paar:
Yes, you heard it right, this is the title story which is a heartbreaking one, tells us how the newborn twin babies of Darshan Singh crosses the river Raavi in Lahore.
The tale was gripping from the start till the end though it’s less than four pages. As, I was not ready for that such climax I still couldn’t gather my words/feelings to write the review. Yes, it was bleak but the originality he weaves to the characters made it more a remarkable read.

2. Junglenama:
This is a simple story with lot of food for thoughts.
The story is about the survival of animals threatened by the increasing tribes of We, the Humans. Yes, the author has beautifully portrayed the growing human greed and how they have no pity for their own race dominating the weaker ones and enslaving them. I do felt a deep shame how being human we behave so cruel to that animals though they are far more better than Us.

I like to share a small excerpt from a paragraph is as follows:
“Overtime his species was divided into different races, countries and religions. Different kinds of animals can still live together in a jungle but man does not even like to share a country with other men. He often divides a country.Families fight among themselves and houses get divided.He has no qualms about appropriating what rightfully belongs to others”

Overall, it was an enriching experience and I am glad I came across this soul stirring anthology.

As this is a translated version people who read Hindi can definitely try the Originals.

Book length: 191

Do read and share your thoughts. Happy Reading!!

[Amit Lad]

Gulzar sahab is a master storyteller!
This book is a collection of some fictional & some personal stories of his. The majority of the stories end up breaking the reader's heart! These stories revolve around oppression, pain & other emotions that we experience in our day-to-day lives. The stories which talk about the time of India & Pakistan's partition are just heart-wrenching to read.
My favorite stories from this book are - 'Raavi Paar', 'Bimal Da', 'Jeena yahan', 'Lekin', 'Seema', 'Haabu ki aag' & 'Junglenama'.
The most amazing thing about Gulzar sahab's writing is that he can attach the reader to his characters even if the story is only one and a half or two pages long.
This one is a must-read for everyone.

[Tushar Kumar]

🍂 This book is the first translation of Gulzar's urdu stories to hindi. The book is a collection of 18 short stories, each telling a heart touching tale. Anyone who is familiar with saheb's work knows very well that how easily he can move one's emotions just by few words. .
🍂Few of the stories has social message as well for issues which most of us struggle from at some point in our life. How judgment and valid reasons gets downplayed when feelings take control. Truly nostalgic and heart piercing stories. 'Michaelangelo' and 'Sunset boulevard' are my favourites from the book. .
⚡Read it for :
⭐Depth of Characters from the best writer in this regard. ⭐ Magic of words

[pustakamare]

ಗುಲ್ಜಾರ್ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ದೇವರಾಣೆ ಯಾರಂತ ನನಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ. ಇಂಗ್ಲೀಷ್ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಓದೋದು ಸಿಕ್ಕಾಪಟ್ಟೆ ಬಹಳ ಕಮ್ಮಿ ನಾನು. ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಓದು ಅಂತ ಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು Vasudhendra sir.
ಸ್ವತಂತ್ರಕ್ಕೂ ಮೊದಲಿನ ಕಾಲದ ಜನರ ಬದುಕು, ಬಾವನೆ, ಹೋರಾಟದ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತೆಲ್ಲಾ ಓಡಾಡೋ ಸಣ್ಣಸಣ್ಣ ಕತೆಗಳು. ಬಹಳ ಸುಲಬದ ಇಂಗ್ಲೀಷು. ಕಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಕಟ್ಟೋ ಶೈಲಿ. ಇಲ್ಲಿರೋ ಕತೆಗಳು ಬಾರತೀಯ ನೆಲೆಗಟ್ಟುಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಂತಿದ್ರು ಇಲ್ಲಿರೋ ಬಾವನೆಗಳು ಜಾತಿ, ಧರ್ಮ, ಬಣ್ಣ, ಆಸೆಗಳನ್ನೂ ಮೀರಿದ ಪ್ರಪಂಚದ್ದು. ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಒಂದಲ್ಲಾ ಒಂದು ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅನುಭವಿಸುವಂತದ್ದು. ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಈಗ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಓದೋವಾಗ ಸಿಗೋ ಅನುಬವ ಇದ್ಯಲ್ಲ ಅದು ನಂಜೊತೆ ವಿಶ್ವ ಮಾತಾಡಿದಂಗಿದೆ. ಗುರು ಕತೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬರಹಗಾರರ ಜೀವನದ ಅನುಬವ ಬೆರೆತಾಗ ಆ ಕತೆ ಒಂತರಾ ವಿಚಿತ್ರವಾದ ಸುಕ ಕೊಡುತ್ತೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿನವೂ ಹಾಗೆ.
ಜೈ

[Anupama Sarkar]

कुल मिलाकर 27 छोटी छोटी कहानियां हैं इस किताब में.. बंटवारे की आंच से लेकर मुंबई के दंगों की दहशत तक… 1947 के सम्पूर्ण से लेकर बिमल दा के गुलज़ार तक… और सनसेट बुलवर्ड की अधेड़ अभिनेत्री चारूलता से लेकर, दिलीप कुमार के पीछे पागल अल्हड़ गुड्डो तक… हर किरदार जुदा, हर फलसफा महीन बुना हुआ.. विविधता की कोई कमी नहीं इस किताब में…

Read more at http://scribblesofsoul.com/ravi-paar-...

[Purnima]

This is my second time reading Gulzar Sahab's book and as expected, I was mesmerized. The stories are crisp, hard-hitting, human. His words keep you hooked to the end of the stories. I loved all of them. This book is great for someone who wants a quick but impactful read. Loved it! Highly recommended!🌟

[Paridhi Dixit]

A delightfully emotional read! Stories that stay with you long after you've read them. A university in brevity and concise style of writing. It was refreshing to meet the colloquial hindi phrases, words and idioms that some of us may have heard growing up!

[Soumya Jain]

Typical Gulzar. Probably not as impactful in English, but still a very good read.

[Deepak]

मार्मिक कहानियाँ जो दिल को छू जाती हैं
ख़ास कर 'रावी पार'

[Shashank J]

Gritty, emotional but also great.

[Rahul]

Gulzar's prose is as beautiful as his poetry.

[Likesh M V]

This was a total let down. Short fiction isn't Gulzar's forte.

[Gunjan]

Mr Gulzar this time comes with stories accounting the horrors of partition. These are short heartwarming stories, with subtle euphemism.

[Ru]

2.5

[Harsh Vardhan]

Stories on partition and post partition in this collection are one of the best that I have ever read, since it was in English I can easily imagine how great he must be in Urdu and Hindi....

[Sanil]

all the stories were beautiful but the ones about partition actually broke my heartt