Let Me Hijack Your Mind: Restart Your Life with Freedom

by Alyque Padamsee

In this one-of-its-kind book by the late Alyque Padamsee, he invites us to re-examine and think afresh about some of our most deeply held beliefs, from love, marriage, terrorism, leadership, money, gender, faith to education. Let Me Hijack Your Mind is Alyque's parting gift to Indians, exhorting them to throw out the old and embrace new ways of approaching everything, which will lead them towards a more exciting and contented life-and a better society and country. It is a way to open windows in their mind to think about life aside from greed, power and money. This is a book designed to throw everyone off-balance in a good way, because it is crammed with fresh ideas on how to live, how to dream and how to completely reset our mindset and attitudes. As Alyque says in his inimitable 'Get people out of stuffy thinking.'

Some of the provocative questions he asks

- Why should marriage be 'till death do us part'?
- Why are terrorists breaking the law of their very own holy books?
- Why are multinational companies obsessed with GNP (Gross National Product) instead of GNH (Gross National Happiness)?
- Why do men fear women? And why do women hate themselves?

A fun, racy and often shocking read, the book busts some of the most well-known taboos, includes life hacks drawing on his experiences in advertising and theatre, as well as new 'commandments' for the present generation.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 15, 2022

Reviews

[Meethil Shah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good critique on on shortcomings of Indian Society, few useful insights, and some good amount of taboo breaking. But very elitist point of view of looking at things. For example a line in the book goes "Think of how many wasted lives there are in the Dalit community." An entire life cannot be junked as wasted just because you think so, Alyque. They might have their unique beautiful experiences and world views which typical English-Speaking foreign educated, privileged Indians might not have. Your kids believe that Hindi is spoken only by the maids at your house. Also, no need to coin terms like Alyqueism. I feel the author lacks exposure to ground level reality India.

[Akshay Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is how non-fiction should be written—unfiltered, confident, and insightful.

Alyque Padamsee has long been known for his unconventional writing and outspoken views. Throughout his career, he’s never been afraid to speak his mind, offering perspectives that often challenge the status quo. In his book, he explores various aspects of society—gender, caste, relationships, professional paths—and delves into the topics we typically keep behind closed doors.

The author encourages readers to think critically, deliberate, and engage in an internal debate. He asks us to consider where we stand in the larger conversation about societal progress. In the foreword, Ronnie Screwvala shares a heartfelt tribute, recounting how watching Alyque at work made him a lifelong note-taker. This sets the tone for the book: it’s not just informative, it’s transformative.

Each chapter begins or ends with a Shakespearean quote, elevating the book's themes and keeping readers hooked, with ever-growing expectations.

In the end, this book is not just a collection of thoughts; it's an invitation to engage in the hard conversations that shape our world. For those willing to step out of their comfort zones, it offers much to ponder and discuss—an unfiltered look at the complexities of our evolving society.

[Kiran Reddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this a bit patronizing and supercilious in the narration.
The observations are nothing new or no perspective unique. It's fairly obvious to any serious reader and observer of the current times. Definitely he didn't.... couldn't hijack my mind!
But perhaps it's for the youth....not an old geezer like me!