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Baaz
Now in a fresh new look!
'The high priestess of popular fiction...' THE ASIAN AGE 1971. The USSR-backed India-Mukti Bahini alliance is on the brink of war against the America-aided Pakistani forces. As the Cold War threatens to turn red hot, handsome, laughing Ishaan Faujdaar, a farm boy from Chakkahera, Haryana, is elated to be in the IAF, flying the Gnat, a tiny fighter plane nicknamed 'Sabre Slayer' for the devastation it has wreaked in the ranks of Pakistan's F-86 Sabre Squadrons. Flanked by his buddies Raks, a MiG-21 Fighter; Maddy, a transport pilot who flies a Caribou; and fellow Gnatties Jana, Gana and Mana, Shaanu has nothing on his mind but glory and adventure -- until he encounters Tehmina Dadyseth, famed bathing beauty and sister of a dead fauji, who makes him question the very concept of nationalism and whose eyes fill with disillusioned scorn whenever people wax eloquent about patriotism and war... Pulsating with love, laughter and courage, Baaz is Anuja Chauhan's tribute to our men in uniform.
'The high priestess of popular fiction...' THE ASIAN AGE 1971. The USSR-backed India-Mukti Bahini alliance is on the brink of war against the America-aided Pakistani forces. As the Cold War threatens to turn red hot, handsome, laughing Ishaan Faujdaar, a farm boy from Chakkahera, Haryana, is elated to be in the IAF, flying the Gnat, a tiny fighter plane nicknamed 'Sabre Slayer' for the devastation it has wreaked in the ranks of Pakistan's F-86 Sabre Squadrons. Flanked by his buddies Raks, a MiG-21 Fighter; Maddy, a transport pilot who flies a Caribou; and fellow Gnatties Jana, Gana and Mana, Shaanu has nothing on his mind but glory and adventure -- until he encounters Tehmina Dadyseth, famed bathing beauty and sister of a dead fauji, who makes him question the very concept of nationalism and whose eyes fill with disillusioned scorn whenever people wax eloquent about patriotism and war... Pulsating with love, laughter and courage, Baaz is Anuja Chauhan's tribute to our men in uniform.
436 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2018
72 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Anuja Chauhan
11 books1,084 followersAnuja Chauhan is an Indian author and advertiser. She worked in the advertising agency, JWT India, for over 17 years. She has written 3 novels, The Zoya Factor (2008), Battle For Bittora (October 2010) and Those Pricey Thakur Girls (January 2013). All three books are romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
August 16, 2023
Word of caution, this review of mine is not for the story, but mostly a crazy fangirl's rant about Flying Officer Ishaan (Shaanu) Faujdaar aka Baaz,
Pride of the batch of ’68
Param Vir Chakra
Bir Putro
Medal of Valour
Lion of the Soviet Union. (Pretty impressive, huh?)
From the very beginning Baaz had a certain je ne sais quoi that had me fawning over him. The hold this 20 something adrenaline junkie had on my heart was so fricking strong that his abrupt death left me a blubbering mess.
The ending had me screaming 'Why God Why???!!!' in a very joey like fashion coupled with a stream of tears and a bunch of Tinka like expletives.
With the only consolation that he lives forever young (courtesy the sweetish epilogue), I stop my tirade.
Now to the author, Whyyyyyy, just why did you do this to us?????
Pride of the batch of ’68
Param Vir Chakra
Bir Putro
Medal of Valour
Lion of the Soviet Union. (Pretty impressive, huh?)
From the very beginning Baaz had a certain je ne sais quoi that had me fawning over him. The hold this 20 something adrenaline junkie had on my heart was so fricking strong that his abrupt death left me a blubbering mess.
The ending had me screaming 'Why God Why???!!!' in a very joey like fashion coupled with a stream of tears and a bunch of Tinka like expletives.
With the only consolation that he lives forever young (courtesy the sweetish epilogue), I stop my tirade.
Now to the author, Whyyyyyy, just why did you do this to us?????
May 4, 2017
Actually its 3.5, but Goodreads does not allow .5 in ratings.
Let me begin by saying that i am a huge fan of Anuja Chauhan. As all her books, i finished this book in one go (3 chapters were read in my office.....in my defense i had been waiting for this book since the longest of time!)
Unlike her previous books based primarily on women, this one is centered around a man. A man no less than a dishy looking air force officer with steel grey eyes and insufferable cockiness, Ishaan Faujdaar a.k.a Shaanu. His heroine is Tehmina Daddyseth a.k.a Tinka, a ballsy pacifist who has captured the imagination of men throughout the country by appearing in a green bikini under a waterfall. The officer is flanked by his best friends and can't wait for the 1971 war to break out to flex his muscles.
As i have read a lot of Chauhan and multiple times, i have realized like every writer she has some familiar tropes
1. Dishy looking heroes. Really, the way she describes them makes them uber desirable. Before this book the number 1 spot was Given to Khoda from 'The Zoya Factor' but now i love Shaanu
2. Feisty supporting female charcaters gets the best line - Monita in 'Zoya factor', Amma in 'Battle for Bittora', Chachiji and Anjini in 'Pricey Thakur Girls' and the 'The house that BJ built'. In this book its Kung Fui, Tinka's paternal aunt who gets the sauciest of dialogues. My favorite is her very first encounter with Ishaan
3. This point is something that i have long suspected, Her books are written like two parts- pre interval and post interval. Very filmy. This one especially, before Tinka goes to Decca is pre inetrval and the part that plays out in Decca is post interval.
4. Taking on the filmy factors, you can literally pick up the points where a bollywood song can be placed. Even in this book, some spots are perfect for a song and dance sequence, like the one where two protagonists dance at a club.
5. The woman knows her romance. The romantic scenes are a complete mush, toe curling and endorphin inducing. The men have sinewy arms, there are kisses on the nape of the neck, palpating hearts and stroking fingers.
6. Rib crackling hinglish. I have had a lot of discussion with other people who don't like her language. As for me i cant get enough of it. Me and the author come from the same city - Delhi. I can totally relate to this lingo and the gaalis that are peppered throughout.
In all her previous books, these tropes have worked effortlessly to create a story full of emotions and laughter. In this book, some of the tropes work and some not.
The story starts out with a bang, we are introduced to Shaanu, adrenal loving 10 year old kid who jumps over open wells and baits trains, settled in the small village of Chakakhera in Haryana. The story steadily progresses with his joining the army, creating friends for life by doing something insane together and charming his seniors. He meets Tinka and their first encounter is classic Chauhan - hilarious yet emotional. You see, in their first meeting itself they have a 'connection'. The story shift to the airbase in Eastern India and the hero heroine encounter again. Sparks fly. War starts. It all goes downhill from there (just like a lot of movies do post interval)
To her credit, Chauhan handles all fight sequences with aplomb. The romantic scenes are obviously better. But they come after such long gaps that as the book was nearing its end, i was screaming for another romantic encounter between the protagonists before it all ends. When Shaan lands in Decca, the plot also gets ridiculous. There are too many coincidences and half baked characters here. But my biggest problem lies with how the end was handled.
You can see the end coming from a mile, but you don't expect is to pan out like that. Again its too filmy and illogical. Shaanu deserved a better end to his story, I deserved a better closure. The ending really let me down. I literally recoiled from the book and felt a little cheated.
Reading the book is like one of those girls night out, you take in heady colorful looking cocktails and dance the night away. But in those last critical moments, right before the night can be termed 'epic' somebody orders a cheap vodka shot that burns your throat. You suddenly remember all that is wrong in your life, you start crying (okay fine puking!) and wake up the next day with killer hangover and plain cold regret.
Let me begin by saying that i am a huge fan of Anuja Chauhan. As all her books, i finished this book in one go (3 chapters were read in my office.....in my defense i had been waiting for this book since the longest of time!)
Unlike her previous books based primarily on women, this one is centered around a man. A man no less than a dishy looking air force officer with steel grey eyes and insufferable cockiness, Ishaan Faujdaar a.k.a Shaanu. His heroine is Tehmina Daddyseth a.k.a Tinka, a ballsy pacifist who has captured the imagination of men throughout the country by appearing in a green bikini under a waterfall. The officer is flanked by his best friends and can't wait for the 1971 war to break out to flex his muscles.
As i have read a lot of Chauhan and multiple times, i have realized like every writer she has some familiar tropes
1. Dishy looking heroes. Really, the way she describes them makes them uber desirable. Before this book the number 1 spot was Given to Khoda from 'The Zoya Factor' but now i love Shaanu
2. Feisty supporting female charcaters gets the best line - Monita in 'Zoya factor', Amma in 'Battle for Bittora', Chachiji and Anjini in 'Pricey Thakur Girls' and the 'The house that BJ built'. In this book its Kung Fui, Tinka's paternal aunt who gets the sauciest of dialogues. My favorite is her very first encounter with Ishaan
3. This point is something that i have long suspected, Her books are written like two parts- pre interval and post interval. Very filmy. This one especially, before Tinka goes to Decca is pre inetrval and the part that plays out in Decca is post interval.
4. Taking on the filmy factors, you can literally pick up the points where a bollywood song can be placed. Even in this book, some spots are perfect for a song and dance sequence, like the one where two protagonists dance at a club.
5. The woman knows her romance. The romantic scenes are a complete mush, toe curling and endorphin inducing. The men have sinewy arms, there are kisses on the nape of the neck, palpating hearts and stroking fingers.
6. Rib crackling hinglish. I have had a lot of discussion with other people who don't like her language. As for me i cant get enough of it. Me and the author come from the same city - Delhi. I can totally relate to this lingo and the gaalis that are peppered throughout.
In all her previous books, these tropes have worked effortlessly to create a story full of emotions and laughter. In this book, some of the tropes work and some not.
The story starts out with a bang, we are introduced to Shaanu, adrenal loving 10 year old kid who jumps over open wells and baits trains, settled in the small village of Chakakhera in Haryana. The story steadily progresses with his joining the army, creating friends for life by doing something insane together and charming his seniors. He meets Tinka and their first encounter is classic Chauhan - hilarious yet emotional. You see, in their first meeting itself they have a 'connection'. The story shift to the airbase in Eastern India and the hero heroine encounter again. Sparks fly. War starts. It all goes downhill from there (just like a lot of movies do post interval)
To her credit, Chauhan handles all fight sequences with aplomb. The romantic scenes are obviously better. But they come after such long gaps that as the book was nearing its end, i was screaming for another romantic encounter between the protagonists before it all ends. When Shaan lands in Decca, the plot also gets ridiculous. There are too many coincidences and half baked characters here. But my biggest problem lies with how the end was handled.
You can see the end coming from a mile, but you don't expect is to pan out like that. Again its too filmy and illogical. Shaanu deserved a better end to his story, I deserved a better closure. The ending really let me down. I literally recoiled from the book and felt a little cheated.
Reading the book is like one of those girls night out, you take in heady colorful looking cocktails and dance the night away. But in those last critical moments, right before the night can be termed 'epic' somebody orders a cheap vodka shot that burns your throat. You suddenly remember all that is wrong in your life, you start crying (okay fine puking!) and wake up the next day with killer hangover and plain cold regret.
May 2, 2017
WHY WOULD YOU END IT LIKE THAT OH MY GOD @ ANUJA CHAUHAN. I HAVE BEEN BETRAYED!!!
sobbing.gif
sobbing.gif
June 13, 2018
knocking off three stars to an otherwise 5 starred read, because
July 15, 2017
One of the best books I've read so far, Baaz steals the show. Chauhan has created such a captivating and loving story and I instantly fell in love with her writing.
Why do they call you Baaz?
It means falcon, he replies solemnly. Or bird of prey. Because I swoop down on the enemy planes just like a Baaz would.
Then he grins. The grey eyes sparkle.
It's also short for bastard.
Looking for a character to fall in love with? Ishaan 'Baaz' Faujdar, who is initially just a bastard son, becomes a Gnat pilot in the Indian Air Force. He is confident, smart, witty; waiting to be a part of the Indo-Pak war, and is flanked by his friends Maddy and Raka. Tehemia Dadyseth, a budding journalist, is a character you fall in love with a little more than the protagonist.
This book is full of action, love and emotions, of war, friendships, family and romance. I loved every bit of this book. It's an absolute page-turner. It is well paced, the character development is amazing and the plot is incredible. The book is detailed and I'm stunned with the amount of research the author has done to get everything related to the Indian Air Force on point. Been born and brought up in the society of IAF, I could relate to every little detail; that being said, this book is written so beautifully that no reader would face any problem understanding the fauji parlance.
This book is an absolute stunner and I would definitely recommend everyone to read this book.
RATING: 5 / 5 STARS :)
*Thank you HarperCollins India for sending me a copy of this book.*
Why do they call you Baaz?
It means falcon, he replies solemnly. Or bird of prey. Because I swoop down on the enemy planes just like a Baaz would.
Then he grins. The grey eyes sparkle.
It's also short for bastard.
Looking for a character to fall in love with? Ishaan 'Baaz' Faujdar, who is initially just a bastard son, becomes a Gnat pilot in the Indian Air Force. He is confident, smart, witty; waiting to be a part of the Indo-Pak war, and is flanked by his friends Maddy and Raka. Tehemia Dadyseth, a budding journalist, is a character you fall in love with a little more than the protagonist.
This book is full of action, love and emotions, of war, friendships, family and romance. I loved every bit of this book. It's an absolute page-turner. It is well paced, the character development is amazing and the plot is incredible. The book is detailed and I'm stunned with the amount of research the author has done to get everything related to the Indian Air Force on point. Been born and brought up in the society of IAF, I could relate to every little detail; that being said, this book is written so beautifully that no reader would face any problem understanding the fauji parlance.
This book is an absolute stunner and I would definitely recommend everyone to read this book.
RATING: 5 / 5 STARS :)
*Thank you HarperCollins India for sending me a copy of this book.*
June 12, 2020
What is this behaviour Anuja?
First, you'll make us fall for "The Baaz" and then.... Why did you do that?!
Okay, so the story is really fictional- Very, very fictional.
I truly enjoyed reading it and was almost at the verge of falling for Ishaan unless things started to go exceedingly heroic.
Since I myself is the part of the same organization. So, for that reason as I kept on reading further I could feel "ab ye toh kuch zyada hi ho gaya".
I am impressed by the way she has showed trenchancy and mordancy in her writing. Also, the military slangs she has used is in fact unfeigned.
The romance between the main characters has been so good that almost everyone would crave for that similar spark, exoticism, and ardour. Likewise the comradeship between Shaanu, Maddy and Raka that is filled with great joie de vivre.
But the ending, Darn it!
Why every hero has to be inconceivably heroic? *facepalm*
The ending was so made up and devised and for some it may be a little heartrending such that either you'll guffaw saying "what the heck!" or you'll turn on the water works.
I would give this book 3.5/5.
First, you'll make us fall for "The Baaz" and then.... Why did you do that?!
Okay, so the story is really fictional- Very, very fictional.
I truly enjoyed reading it and was almost at the verge of falling for Ishaan unless things started to go exceedingly heroic.
Since I myself is the part of the same organization. So, for that reason as I kept on reading further I could feel "ab ye toh kuch zyada hi ho gaya".
I am impressed by the way she has showed trenchancy and mordancy in her writing. Also, the military slangs she has used is in fact unfeigned.
The romance between the main characters has been so good that almost everyone would crave for that similar spark, exoticism, and ardour. Likewise the comradeship between Shaanu, Maddy and Raka that is filled with great joie de vivre.
But the ending, Darn it!
Why every hero has to be inconceivably heroic? *facepalm*
The ending was so made up and devised and for some it may be a little heartrending such that either you'll guffaw saying "what the heck!" or you'll turn on the water works.
I would give this book 3.5/5.
June 26, 2017
3.5 stars.
So conflicted about this book. It wasn't really moving along until I was almost halfway through, but after that, it was an engaging read.
I do understand that given the kind of story that this is, the characters had to be established well before all the action began. And Anuja Chauhan is so bloody good at this. But the beginning lagged a bit. More on that later.
She never disappoints. I love this book. I went in knowing that I'd love it, because it's Anuja Chauhan, and I did. She's just that reliable. I just wish, it rose a bit over what it is right now. (No pun intended haha)
So conflicted about this book. It wasn't really moving along until I was almost halfway through, but after that, it was an engaging read.
I do understand that given the kind of story that this is, the characters had to be established well before all the action began. And Anuja Chauhan is so bloody good at this. But the beginning lagged a bit. More on that later.
She never disappoints. I love this book. I went in knowing that I'd love it, because it's Anuja Chauhan, and I did. She's just that reliable. I just wish, it rose a bit over what it is right now. (No pun intended haha)
May 6, 2017
So. Baaz.
(There might be some spoilers ahead)
I recommend Anuja Chauhan's books to pretty much everyone I know. I think her writing kicks ass when it comes to capturing modern day India, injecting scenes with humour that sometimes only desis will get and giving us characters that we can all relate to in some way or the other. I had the opportunity to watch her participate in a panel discussion a few months ago at a lit fest in Bangalore, and I was excited to say hello. She's extremely observant and isn't afraid to speak her mind, and that's a lethal combination of skills for a writer - I love that.
This book is peppered with many examples of her typical Anuja Chauhan writing style: hip burn, tell-me-na, kota stone coloured eyes - I could go on. While I got through the book mostly because of her enjoyable writing style, I think what let me down (completely personal opinion) was the plot itself.
I enjoyed parts of this book, but I guess what didn't work for me is that there were just too many things going on. This isn't new - again, it's her typical writing style - but I was just left feeling very overwhelmed, disoriented and frustrated. I rushed through the end, simply because I just couldn't keep up with all the details. I'm a die-hard romantic, so I wish the romantic arc had been fleshed out a little bit more. I also must admit that while I initially thought the whole IAF setting would be very Top Gun-esque and steamy, the technical details and fight scenes got boring pretty quickly (because I personally don't enjoy that theme).
Let's not talk about the end. That just didn't work for me. At all.
P.S I kept imagining Tehmina to be Kangana Ranaut and Shaanu to be Shahid Kapoor. Rangoon hangover, maybe. Don't ask why, I have no clue!
(There might be some spoilers ahead)
I recommend Anuja Chauhan's books to pretty much everyone I know. I think her writing kicks ass when it comes to capturing modern day India, injecting scenes with humour that sometimes only desis will get and giving us characters that we can all relate to in some way or the other. I had the opportunity to watch her participate in a panel discussion a few months ago at a lit fest in Bangalore, and I was excited to say hello. She's extremely observant and isn't afraid to speak her mind, and that's a lethal combination of skills for a writer - I love that.
This book is peppered with many examples of her typical Anuja Chauhan writing style: hip burn, tell-me-na, kota stone coloured eyes - I could go on. While I got through the book mostly because of her enjoyable writing style, I think what let me down (completely personal opinion) was the plot itself.
I enjoyed parts of this book, but I guess what didn't work for me is that there were just too many things going on. This isn't new - again, it's her typical writing style - but I was just left feeling very overwhelmed, disoriented and frustrated. I rushed through the end, simply because I just couldn't keep up with all the details. I'm a die-hard romantic, so I wish the romantic arc had been fleshed out a little bit more. I also must admit that while I initially thought the whole IAF setting would be very Top Gun-esque and steamy, the technical details and fight scenes got boring pretty quickly (because I personally don't enjoy that theme).
Let's not talk about the end. That just didn't work for me. At all.
P.S I kept imagining Tehmina to be Kangana Ranaut and Shaanu to be Shahid Kapoor. Rangoon hangover, maybe. Don't ask why, I have no clue!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2017
Anuja Chauhan writing about IAF Officers... This one's going to be killer! I thought when I heard about Baaz the first time, and boy, she hasn't let me down.
We're introduced to our protagonist- cool cat, Ishaan 'Baaz' Faujdaar, a flying officer with the IAF, who is as handsome and cocky as he is patriotic. Flanked by his buddies, Maddy and Raka, Baaz lives life king size, enjoying an army officer's life to the core and hoping to be a part of the 1971 war. Enter the rebel with a cause Tehmina 'Tinka' Dadyseth, a budding photojournalist, who believes that people matter more than borders and that wars have no real winners, thus challenging Baaz's notions of patriotism.
The book reads like a Bollywood blockbuster with jaw dropping war scenes, witty one liners and the trademark Anuja Chauhan style mushy love. Baaz, despite the cockiness, endears himself to you and Is a cracker of a character. Tehmina joins the ranks of the romantic interests, who you end up liking a little more than the main character itself. So far, Dylan has been another such character for me. The supporting characters of Maddy, Raka, Kung Fui and Kuch Bhi Carvalho are extremely relatable and one can easily reminisce times spent with a loving friend or a pushy, but caring relative, while reading about them. The tension of the 1971 war and its ramifications on the lives of civilians are well depicted, adding a layer of drama to the book. The ending does get a teensy bit predictable and you pray hard that it doesn't go that way, but well...
All in all, Anuja Chauhan brings a completely new spin to war novels.
We're introduced to our protagonist- cool cat, Ishaan 'Baaz' Faujdaar, a flying officer with the IAF, who is as handsome and cocky as he is patriotic. Flanked by his buddies, Maddy and Raka, Baaz lives life king size, enjoying an army officer's life to the core and hoping to be a part of the 1971 war. Enter the rebel with a cause Tehmina 'Tinka' Dadyseth, a budding photojournalist, who believes that people matter more than borders and that wars have no real winners, thus challenging Baaz's notions of patriotism.
The book reads like a Bollywood blockbuster with jaw dropping war scenes, witty one liners and the trademark Anuja Chauhan style mushy love. Baaz, despite the cockiness, endears himself to you and Is a cracker of a character. Tehmina joins the ranks of the romantic interests, who you end up liking a little more than the main character itself. So far, Dylan has been another such character for me. The supporting characters of Maddy, Raka, Kung Fui and Kuch Bhi Carvalho are extremely relatable and one can easily reminisce times spent with a loving friend or a pushy, but caring relative, while reading about them. The tension of the 1971 war and its ramifications on the lives of civilians are well depicted, adding a layer of drama to the book. The ending does get a teensy bit predictable and you pray hard that it doesn't go that way, but well...
All in all, Anuja Chauhan brings a completely new spin to war novels.
June 12, 2017
Ever fancied a life which makes you feel alive. Like a dhook dhook dhooki inside you? ‘Baaz’ by Anuja Chauhan will make your heart leap with each flip of page. It makes you learn one more thing about passion. It is magnetic.
Here are the five reason why you should pick up ‘Baaz’ by Anuja Chauhan.
The Indian Air Force – Baaz ke maaphik!
This is for those who have fancied men in uniforms and patriotic movies like ‘Border’. The book takes you away from your fancies and inside the lives of the men in uniform. Those who come from humble backgrounds and transform into enigmatic personalities. Ishaan ‘Baaz’ Faujdaar comes from a village in Haryana and evolves into the best pilot that Indian air force has produced. He is a ‘Cool Cat’ and he knows it. There are other boys who turn into super heroes during the course of the book.
Reading ‘Baaz’ will make you learn more about the life and times in the Indian Air Force.
Nativity – Kori Chakori
How many times have you read a novel by an Indian author which tries hard to sound more ‘British’ with proper diction and hard narratives. Well, this book is not one of those. You will come across colloquial English. The native Haryanvi language is mindfully infused inside the chapters. You are going to meet boys who swear both in Hindi and English. There is a switch in accent where necessary and jabs when needed. In short, the nativity is not only preserved but proudly displayed in this piece of literature.
Love story – you are my mercury
What happens when a cool cat and a sassy girl meet? They fall in love. What happened when a patriotic aggressive pilot and a pacifist war-hating woman meet? They fall in love. It was easy, wasn’t it? No it was not.
Ishaan ‘Baaz’ Faujdaar is the least worst pilot in the team. His sisters are all proud of him. His friends love him but sadly he decides to wrap his heart and give it away to a woman who hates the reason of his existence, not his mother - The Indian air force. Tehmima Dadyseth or Tinka lost her brother to war and plans to run her own crusade against it. She is going to stop the war in her own way. Thus, throwing Ishaan out of job.
Their bang opposite nature prevents them from being together till the longest time. The story is about them almost coming together and separating to go their own way. Each time. Is it meant to be? You would love to find out.
Passion is attractive – dhook dhook dhooki
There is nothing more attractive than passion. Not a ‘lets buy a camera and travel the world’ kind of passion. Something that makes you go to any length, that gives you a rush like you just downed a bottle of jack, neat.
This books is filled with that kind of passion. Ishaan’s passion for flying. Tinka’s passion to contribute to shut down war. Their passionate love for each other.
Didn’t I say? This book will make you feel alive.
The constant conflict – patriotic or pacifist
Especially in the current scenario in our country, you can either be a patriot or a pacifist.
This book however, asks you not to panic. You can hate war and you can still be a patriot. You can help the hurt from both the countries and still be patriotic. That love for humanity is no less pious that love for your country. That you should not have to choose one over the other. That you do not need to.
https://www.merakipost.com/2017/06/Ba...
Here are the five reason why you should pick up ‘Baaz’ by Anuja Chauhan.
The Indian Air Force – Baaz ke maaphik!
This is for those who have fancied men in uniforms and patriotic movies like ‘Border’. The book takes you away from your fancies and inside the lives of the men in uniform. Those who come from humble backgrounds and transform into enigmatic personalities. Ishaan ‘Baaz’ Faujdaar comes from a village in Haryana and evolves into the best pilot that Indian air force has produced. He is a ‘Cool Cat’ and he knows it. There are other boys who turn into super heroes during the course of the book.
Reading ‘Baaz’ will make you learn more about the life and times in the Indian Air Force.
Nativity – Kori Chakori
How many times have you read a novel by an Indian author which tries hard to sound more ‘British’ with proper diction and hard narratives. Well, this book is not one of those. You will come across colloquial English. The native Haryanvi language is mindfully infused inside the chapters. You are going to meet boys who swear both in Hindi and English. There is a switch in accent where necessary and jabs when needed. In short, the nativity is not only preserved but proudly displayed in this piece of literature.
Love story – you are my mercury
What happens when a cool cat and a sassy girl meet? They fall in love. What happened when a patriotic aggressive pilot and a pacifist war-hating woman meet? They fall in love. It was easy, wasn’t it? No it was not.
Ishaan ‘Baaz’ Faujdaar is the least worst pilot in the team. His sisters are all proud of him. His friends love him but sadly he decides to wrap his heart and give it away to a woman who hates the reason of his existence, not his mother - The Indian air force. Tehmima Dadyseth or Tinka lost her brother to war and plans to run her own crusade against it. She is going to stop the war in her own way. Thus, throwing Ishaan out of job.
Their bang opposite nature prevents them from being together till the longest time. The story is about them almost coming together and separating to go their own way. Each time. Is it meant to be? You would love to find out.
Passion is attractive – dhook dhook dhooki
There is nothing more attractive than passion. Not a ‘lets buy a camera and travel the world’ kind of passion. Something that makes you go to any length, that gives you a rush like you just downed a bottle of jack, neat.
This books is filled with that kind of passion. Ishaan’s passion for flying. Tinka’s passion to contribute to shut down war. Their passionate love for each other.
Didn’t I say? This book will make you feel alive.
The constant conflict – patriotic or pacifist
Especially in the current scenario in our country, you can either be a patriot or a pacifist.
This book however, asks you not to panic. You can hate war and you can still be a patriot. You can help the hurt from both the countries and still be patriotic. That love for humanity is no less pious that love for your country. That you should not have to choose one over the other. That you do not need to.
https://www.merakipost.com/2017/06/Ba...
May 24, 2017
When a book is based on the 1971 Indo-Pak War, you expect more of a grave and critical read. But this is where Chauhan’s magic in storytelling shines through. She has taken a very serious incident and turned it into a light and happy read. Yet, nowhere is the charm of the IAF or the earnestness of the war lost. Chauhan deserves durable credit for producing this piece.
Baaz is characterised by the inexplicable Jatness of Ishaan Faujdaar, with his macho and suave self, who indisputably enjoys the approaching war and the pacifist mentality of the ultra sleek and modern Tehmina Dadyseth. Tehmina or “Tell-me-na” is a strong advocate against the anguish and despair brought by a war-stricken country. Inevitably, sparks fly and opposites attract and Chauhan’s funny quips and characterisation steal our hearts.
Chauhan has always had strong female protagonists in her previous novels and it was a fresh change when there was a gender reversal in Baaz. Shaanu’s baaz-ke-maphik (like a baaz) swiftness and his sweet arrogance makes the ladies go swooning. This Chakkahera (a village in Haryana) guy loves thrills and takes on challenges to satisfy his thirst. His light banter and intense friendship with Raka and Maddy touches our hearts.
Other than the fascinating characters, the book delves into the war scenario excellently. The research and effort that went into it is evident. And the signature Chauhan twist in the tale is something worth eagerly waiting for.
If you are looking for a light, fun and entertaining read that talks about a nationally important event without sounding didactic or preachy then you definitely need to pick up this new release by Anuja Chauhan. Even though the plot gets dramatic and unreal at times but the simple and honest writing style of the author leaves the readers with a satiated smile.
Baaz is characterised by the inexplicable Jatness of Ishaan Faujdaar, with his macho and suave self, who indisputably enjoys the approaching war and the pacifist mentality of the ultra sleek and modern Tehmina Dadyseth. Tehmina or “Tell-me-na” is a strong advocate against the anguish and despair brought by a war-stricken country. Inevitably, sparks fly and opposites attract and Chauhan’s funny quips and characterisation steal our hearts.
Chauhan has always had strong female protagonists in her previous novels and it was a fresh change when there was a gender reversal in Baaz. Shaanu’s baaz-ke-maphik (like a baaz) swiftness and his sweet arrogance makes the ladies go swooning. This Chakkahera (a village in Haryana) guy loves thrills and takes on challenges to satisfy his thirst. His light banter and intense friendship with Raka and Maddy touches our hearts.
Other than the fascinating characters, the book delves into the war scenario excellently. The research and effort that went into it is evident. And the signature Chauhan twist in the tale is something worth eagerly waiting for.
If you are looking for a light, fun and entertaining read that talks about a nationally important event without sounding didactic or preachy then you definitely need to pick up this new release by Anuja Chauhan. Even though the plot gets dramatic and unreal at times but the simple and honest writing style of the author leaves the readers with a satiated smile.
November 24, 2020
I love all of Anuja Chauhan's books, picked this up shortly after it came out and put it down after one chapter in the mistaken belief that it was a Proper Serious Novel. It is not! It is another funny, warm book about another pair of star-crossed lovers: this time Shaanu, a Haryanvi village boy who's managed against all odds to become a fighter pilot in the IAF, and Tinka, who's a dedicated journalist, smart, privileged and pacifist. It's 1971, India and Pakistan are gearing up for war, which naturally leads to interpersonal conflict. Neither of them are right or wrong, most of the time, and their story is complicated without losing any of fun parts. As ever there is a large cast of hilarious and fleshed-out minor characters and a lot of wordplay. I enjoyed it a lot.
(NB. without spoiling it, it's about two people in love, but is definitely a war story rather than a genre romance.)
(NB. without spoiling it, it's about two people in love, but is definitely a war story rather than a genre romance.)
May 31, 2017
Nobody does desi humour the way Chauhan does. Baaz does have humour but is distinctly lacklustre compared to her previous books, which combined humour and heart in the narrative of her stories. But you don't read Anuja Chauhan for the humour but for the romance. The romance doesn't disappoint- filled with toe tingling chemistry and spark but it's the ending which spoilt the overall experience for me. Which is why I'm giving it a three star instead of four. *spoilers ahead* Not only did the ending seem forced- it was also completely unnecessary. Deaths are a part of war, yes, and it would be unreasonable to expect a story based on a war to be without character deaths- but Ishaan's death is tacked on as an afterthought as if the author realised oops, the book was too happy (and therefore unrealistic) in its setting. It certainly wasn't fair to Tinka, who had already lost her brother to the army, the trauma of which was the basis of all her liberal pacifist principles. And for the majority of the book, her character arc is overcoming her disdain and discomfort about the army and what it does- to the people, to the soldiers. It seems for sure, that losing Ishaan in such a way would have traumatised her fo life. But other than this, it is a standard Chauhan fare, a light breezy read full of chuckle-worthy moments.
June 3, 2017
I can't believe I just read an Anuja Chauhan book. She is my favourite of the current crop of Indian mass market writers. But this book, this book shakes my faith in her.
How do I explain, because there are so many things that just don't gel and the ending being the biggest problem.
Ishaan Baaz Faujdar is such a delightful character, he is the kind of hero that you want to see on screen again and again (the 2 stars are only for Ishaan and nothing else). The one who you root for, he has had a shitty childhood, he gets shortchanged during passing out and when being assigned squadrons, the sister that he dotes helps his step-father pull a fast one on him. If that was not enough he falls in love with the queen of mixed signals. Yet, he is entirely too loveable and you want him to have whatever he wants, even if he wants the idiot Tinka.
But does he get his romance. Nooooooo. Ishaan hardly gets 10 scenes with Tinka. In fact Raka and Juhi's story gets more traction that that of Baaz and Tinka.
Anuja starts throwing out references to Aradhan, the movie, and my heart stopped because we know what that means when you pair 'that' film with IAF officers. But I held on and soldiered through extremely slow storyline which goes no where.
When the story shifts to Dacca it just slides into a free fall but I still think if Baaz gets a happy ending I would still like the book. But proving my suspicions right Anuja writes a contrived climax and kills off Baaz. She kills off the best thing about the book. What was she thinking? Honestly, that poor man just can't get a break can he.
So so disappointed, that I had to rant.
How do I explain, because there are so many things that just don't gel and the ending being the biggest problem.
Ishaan Baaz Faujdar is such a delightful character, he is the kind of hero that you want to see on screen again and again (the 2 stars are only for Ishaan and nothing else). The one who you root for, he has had a shitty childhood, he gets shortchanged during passing out and when being assigned squadrons, the sister that he dotes helps his step-father pull a fast one on him. If that was not enough he falls in love with the queen of mixed signals. Yet, he is entirely too loveable and you want him to have whatever he wants, even if he wants the idiot Tinka.
But does he get his romance. Nooooooo. Ishaan hardly gets 10 scenes with Tinka. In fact Raka and Juhi's story gets more traction that that of Baaz and Tinka.
Anuja starts throwing out references to Aradhan, the movie, and my heart stopped because we know what that means when you pair 'that' film with IAF officers. But I held on and soldiered through extremely slow storyline which goes no where.
When the story shifts to Dacca it just slides into a free fall but I still think if Baaz gets a happy ending I would still like the book. But proving my suspicions right Anuja writes a contrived climax and kills off Baaz. She kills off the best thing about the book. What was she thinking? Honestly, that poor man just can't get a break can he.
So so disappointed, that I had to rant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2020
This book is a unusual love story of ishaan faujdaar and tahmina dadyseth with unusual war of 1971 between india, east pakistan that is bangladesh and Pakistan. However story starts with our hero being a small kid and running against the train coming in the same track to perform a stunt. When asked why he says I get a kick from it. Who becomes to be a IAF pilot and nicked named as baaz. He is like a Bollywood hero and he is pro in flying the fighter plane or a normal plane. On the contrary, our heroine is a peace and love making girl with a cute small dimple when she laughs. She believes in humanity and despises war as it results in the loss of humanity. Overall its a unusual love story between two contrasting people. Only thing is it should have been a happy ending. Overall it's a very good Goodread...🙂
June 20, 2017
This one is a romance between a IAF fighter pilot and a peacenik with the 1971 India-Pak war that led to Bangladesh's independence as the backdrop. I would say the whole story has three parts: The romantic interludes between the lead pair, the actual war related incidents and the bromance between the fighter pilots Ishaan(the hero), Maddy and Raka. The romantic portion works amazingly and I don't think any writer can write it any better. That consumes about 75-100 pages. The war related portion could have been written as it would happen or did happen. Anuja herself acknowledges that the pilots don't talk so much during the air raids as mentioned in the book. That I thought undermined the seriousness of the events. It seems it was a 16 days war. Here it was 2 air raids that destroyed Pak's 2 runways and a solo effort by Baaz (our hero) where he destroys 3 of Pak's Sabre planes. I am not sure which superior would sanction such an effort in reality. Anyway, Anuja's heroes can do pretty much anything. And the combat that happens on the ground has been metioned as something that is happening without much detail. I didn't want any either. And I didn't like much the bromance part. It was a lot of verbal back-slapping and high-fiving. But if somebody says they enjoyed it, I wouldn't get into an argument with them. I also didn't particularly enjoy the other characters like Kung Fui, Nikka khan, Kuch bi carvalho, Macho da ( all spin-offs on their actual names which I don't much remember) and Anuja's comedy surrounding these characters didn't work in my opinion. But I liked the short portions written surrounding Baaz's family, their visit to the air force base and their interaction with the heroine. And the happenings at the refugee camp was enjoyable at some level too. I have always liked Anuja's heroines. And this one was no exception. The novel was over 40 pages well before the actual ending. It was a complete drag after that and I only read every 4th sentence in those pages. Like it was pointed out by some other reviewer, the ending and the events leading to it would make a good climax for a masala pot-boiler movie. so to cut it short, the romance works and other elements not so much. Actual rating, 3.5 stars = 3 stars + 0.5 stars for the amazingly written romance portion.
April 5, 2021
Anuja Chauhan and her books remind me of 2 minutes Masala noodles. It’s the same, old, hackneyed, unhealthy, quick chikclit but still the comfort food it’s supposed to be which makes me keep going back to it.
Read more:
https://storywala.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Read more:
https://storywala.blogspot.com/2021/0...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2022
The queen of commercial romance does not fail!
May 8, 2017
Very disappointed to read this one after so much of fanfare ! The overall plot itself was was vague ! if she was pushing humanity over patriotism , that dint get established , if she was trying to get love of the country over above all in forces, that dint come out , when your lead character itself is joined the force and continue to work in IAF because war gives him a thrill !! the love hate relationship of both the lead characters with their respective fathers never got a closure in the whole book ! The love story which has been her expertise for quite a while in rest of the books so far , also was more of a confusion and shallow ! There were forceful attitude laden characters, forceful description of the war ( which she herself claims to have sourced from somewhere as it is at the epilogue )
The conclusion of the book with remaining characters 70 years old almost projected the screenplay of a karan johar movie !! She actually was the only Indian chick lit writer worth reading and she has lowered her benchmark so so badly !!
The conclusion of the book with remaining characters 70 years old almost projected the screenplay of a karan johar movie !! She actually was the only Indian chick lit writer worth reading and she has lowered her benchmark so so badly !!
May 6, 2017
For Anuja Chauhan fans, this is as good as it gets. It's got all the regular Chauhan tricks - a handsome, cocky, small town Air Force Jat pitted against a pretty, brash, peacenik, Parsi reporter. But... and it's a warning and a spoiler... this is more Top Gun than chick lit. It's less a love story and more a tribute to men in uniform - but without any bombastic jingoism, which seems to be the order of the day. Baaz is, by far, Chauhan's best-etched hero -and unlike her earlier books, the hero steals the show hands down. It's a cracker of an entertainer - Chauhan style. There definitely is a movie-script in there,somewhere.
June 6, 2017
The author begins the book in a small town named Chakkahera in Haryana. One ten year old inquisitive boy with cool grey eyes, is sowed dreams of being a fighter plane pilot for IAF. Ishaan Faujdaar, the young boy from Haryana grows up with fulfilling his dreams of being a pilot. The year is 1970-71, where he is the IAF academy and he makes friends for life- Rakesh "Raka" Agarwal & Madhavan "Maddy" Subbiah.
This is more of a "coming of a age" story about larger than life persona "Ishaan" & the underlying Indo-Pak War. Ishaan falls in love with a fiesty, independent, peace-loving journalist & accidental model-"Tehmina "Tinka" Dadyseth. Its their individual perceptions about war, patriotism & love of course which collides in the book. The story moves deftly from war to love to the political tension between political parties & back to war again.
The author describes Kolkata, the air force station-Kalina, the fights between India & Pakistanis. the tension in the book is palpable. The ending of course leaves one baffled and shocked. Any other words written about it, will give away the same.
Ishaan is portrayed as a large hearted, life loving, dare devil air force pilot , whose immediate entourage are his friends Raka & Maddy and his team of gnats-Jana, Gana, Mana. This is a mini epic novel. I was completely drawn into it, so much that i was reading at work. At the risk of sounding stupid, i can proudly say that i had fell for "Ishaan" in a hard way. It would've been fun to look into his grey eyes & be mesmerized by it.
Anuja Chauhan does what she does best-gripping storytelling, i had read "those pricey thakur girls", "the house that BJ built" & finally "Baaz".
She has built up a story which is believable, characters which haunt long after the book is over. Moreover, being from a defense family herself, Anuja has clearly set the bar at a greater level. She has definitely done her homework and at a point in novel, there is also a literary mention of "tinker tailor soldier spy".
This is a book, where a male lead takes the center stage and all others follow lead sportively. And In spite of being a main male protagonist novel, Anuja Chauhan pens her female characters independent, strong willed, be it Tinka, her aunt or even Ishaan's sister.
Why is this book worth reading ? Because of the story, of the immortal characters, of the courageous, yet down to earth heroes in the book, the language & the war we fought which was not ours.
After reading this book, i would definitely like to read about non-fiction work on 1971 Indo-Pak War & probably date some uber cool & chic air force pilots : )
Thank you Flipkart for the book and extremely sorry for posting the review so late.
This is more of a "coming of a age" story about larger than life persona "Ishaan" & the underlying Indo-Pak War. Ishaan falls in love with a fiesty, independent, peace-loving journalist & accidental model-"Tehmina "Tinka" Dadyseth. Its their individual perceptions about war, patriotism & love of course which collides in the book. The story moves deftly from war to love to the political tension between political parties & back to war again.
The author describes Kolkata, the air force station-Kalina, the fights between India & Pakistanis. the tension in the book is palpable. The ending of course leaves one baffled and shocked. Any other words written about it, will give away the same.
Ishaan is portrayed as a large hearted, life loving, dare devil air force pilot , whose immediate entourage are his friends Raka & Maddy and his team of gnats-Jana, Gana, Mana. This is a mini epic novel. I was completely drawn into it, so much that i was reading at work. At the risk of sounding stupid, i can proudly say that i had fell for "Ishaan" in a hard way. It would've been fun to look into his grey eyes & be mesmerized by it.
Anuja Chauhan does what she does best-gripping storytelling, i had read "those pricey thakur girls", "the house that BJ built" & finally "Baaz".
She has built up a story which is believable, characters which haunt long after the book is over. Moreover, being from a defense family herself, Anuja has clearly set the bar at a greater level. She has definitely done her homework and at a point in novel, there is also a literary mention of "tinker tailor soldier spy".
This is a book, where a male lead takes the center stage and all others follow lead sportively. And In spite of being a main male protagonist novel, Anuja Chauhan pens her female characters independent, strong willed, be it Tinka, her aunt or even Ishaan's sister.
Why is this book worth reading ? Because of the story, of the immortal characters, of the courageous, yet down to earth heroes in the book, the language & the war we fought which was not ours.
After reading this book, i would definitely like to read about non-fiction work on 1971 Indo-Pak War & probably date some uber cool & chic air force pilots : )
Thank you Flipkart for the book and extremely sorry for posting the review so late.
June 4, 2017
This is the fifth book of Anuja Chauhan after her successes with Zoya Factor, Battle for Bittora and the Thakur Girls series. The book cover will try to grab some eyes although it could have been better.
She (Anuja Chauhan) has already plunged into stories where family relations, romance and authentic Indianess will find its way out of her books and Baaz is no different from it. The book reveals the story of Ishaan "Baaz" Fajudar or Shaanu who always find his adrenaline rushed and wanting something to do for thrills.
Baaz
The story follows his story from a boy where Shaanu jumps train tracks in Chakkahera, his relations with his step father, his immense love for his siblings, training days at the Jodhpur flying school and flying the Gnat with IAF. The backdrop of 1971 war is just amazing to the readers who are expecting some amazing stories from her. The term Baaz-ke - maaphik resonating throughout the book is quirky and reminds of Shaanu every time. Until he meets Tehmina Dadyseth aka Tinka who is a war photographer from a family of army men, he is all running where his adrenaline rushes. She condemns war and does not picking sides during the war, teaching dance to refugee children.
It is when both them meet the story rushes to a new zone where they argue incessantly about and as theories suggest opposite characters fall in love. Although, the author hasn't only tried to portray love throughout the book as complicated parenthood, sibling relationships while touching upon a number of social issues and most importantly war and patriotism.
The sub characters are well woven into the story and stay in our minds with the initial witty chapters staying afresh in our minds. Both Baaz and Tinka characters are more likable among the many characters due to their social consciousness and the way Anuja has inscribed about the oxymoron characters of them falling in love. All the characters are authentic like every other Anuja's book where we can relate them.
The language is very simple and easy to follow. The book is not just a rhetoric about patriotic men or women who defy the norms or patriotism that is fueling the country but an amalgamation of everything including some witty and strong personal relationships. The book is very much intriguing and will over in Baaz-ke-maaphik. So don't miss the book and plunge into Anuja's world of characters.
She (Anuja Chauhan) has already plunged into stories where family relations, romance and authentic Indianess will find its way out of her books and Baaz is no different from it. The book reveals the story of Ishaan "Baaz" Fajudar or Shaanu who always find his adrenaline rushed and wanting something to do for thrills.
Baaz
The story follows his story from a boy where Shaanu jumps train tracks in Chakkahera, his relations with his step father, his immense love for his siblings, training days at the Jodhpur flying school and flying the Gnat with IAF. The backdrop of 1971 war is just amazing to the readers who are expecting some amazing stories from her. The term Baaz-ke - maaphik resonating throughout the book is quirky and reminds of Shaanu every time. Until he meets Tehmina Dadyseth aka Tinka who is a war photographer from a family of army men, he is all running where his adrenaline rushes. She condemns war and does not picking sides during the war, teaching dance to refugee children.
It is when both them meet the story rushes to a new zone where they argue incessantly about and as theories suggest opposite characters fall in love. Although, the author hasn't only tried to portray love throughout the book as complicated parenthood, sibling relationships while touching upon a number of social issues and most importantly war and patriotism.
The sub characters are well woven into the story and stay in our minds with the initial witty chapters staying afresh in our minds. Both Baaz and Tinka characters are more likable among the many characters due to their social consciousness and the way Anuja has inscribed about the oxymoron characters of them falling in love. All the characters are authentic like every other Anuja's book where we can relate them.
The language is very simple and easy to follow. The book is not just a rhetoric about patriotic men or women who defy the norms or patriotism that is fueling the country but an amalgamation of everything including some witty and strong personal relationships. The book is very much intriguing and will over in Baaz-ke-maaphik. So don't miss the book and plunge into Anuja's world of characters.
June 3, 2017
Heads up: There may be spoilers. I am not sure.
I wasn’t sure if the book will keep me hooked, because I feared it will have too much of War and Flighter jet jargon, that I, as a laymen would not be able to comprehend. However, Ms. Chauhan’s narration kept me hooked and how! It kept me up for 2 nights and I also had to spend a restless day. The narration is the Hero of the book.
Two strikingly different people from two different worlds, with different ideologies, chance upon each other. Tinka, the well educated, upper class girl who hails from a celebrated army family, (in)famous for a swimsuit advert and a pacifist by nature, finds love and acceptance where it was least expected; a Haryanvi Jat village boy from Chakkahera with a penchant for adventure and an eye for glory- our Hero, BAAZ. One of the defining moments for me was when Ishaan Faujdaar tells Tehmina Dadyseth that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her ad & that she did nothing wrong. But with their ideologies, it is not your regular love story. And Tehmina Dadyseth is not your regular, “I am here to support the Hero” kind of lead. She has her own story and the narrative of her convictions and conflicts are slick.
Apart from the gripping narration, Ms. Chahuhan’s BAAZ also stands out because, each of her characters are well defined and build the story. They are part of the narrative and not present merely to glorify the lead characters. Each of them individually, has their own story too. The characters are also more real and believable. Juhi and Sneha, for example. Juhi though very fond of Maddy & Baaz, wishes that they find someone good for themselves, but not better than her. Sneha, though admits to liking Tinka, disapproves of her brother’s love for Tinka. The narrative of how Tinka, who hates everything about War, influences the thinking of Baaz, who is a nationalist, is very subtle, natural and not at all forced.
Only one thing let me down and that was how it ends. I personally felt flabbergasted that I was up for 2 nights “for this!” That is how I felt. I personally know many who applaud the ending and feel that Baaz could not have ended better. I for one, would have preferred “another” miracle.
This definitely does not feel like it was written by the same author who wrote “Those pricey Thakur Girls”. Nonetheless, I recommend this for its narration.
I wasn’t sure if the book will keep me hooked, because I feared it will have too much of War and Flighter jet jargon, that I, as a laymen would not be able to comprehend. However, Ms. Chauhan’s narration kept me hooked and how! It kept me up for 2 nights and I also had to spend a restless day. The narration is the Hero of the book.
Two strikingly different people from two different worlds, with different ideologies, chance upon each other. Tinka, the well educated, upper class girl who hails from a celebrated army family, (in)famous for a swimsuit advert and a pacifist by nature, finds love and acceptance where it was least expected; a Haryanvi Jat village boy from Chakkahera with a penchant for adventure and an eye for glory- our Hero, BAAZ. One of the defining moments for me was when Ishaan Faujdaar tells Tehmina Dadyseth that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her ad & that she did nothing wrong. But with their ideologies, it is not your regular love story. And Tehmina Dadyseth is not your regular, “I am here to support the Hero” kind of lead. She has her own story and the narrative of her convictions and conflicts are slick.
Apart from the gripping narration, Ms. Chahuhan’s BAAZ also stands out because, each of her characters are well defined and build the story. They are part of the narrative and not present merely to glorify the lead characters. Each of them individually, has their own story too. The characters are also more real and believable. Juhi and Sneha, for example. Juhi though very fond of Maddy & Baaz, wishes that they find someone good for themselves, but not better than her. Sneha, though admits to liking Tinka, disapproves of her brother’s love for Tinka. The narrative of how Tinka, who hates everything about War, influences the thinking of Baaz, who is a nationalist, is very subtle, natural and not at all forced.
Only one thing let me down and that was how it ends. I personally felt flabbergasted that I was up for 2 nights “for this!” That is how I felt. I personally know many who applaud the ending and feel that Baaz could not have ended better. I for one, would have preferred “another” miracle.
This definitely does not feel like it was written by the same author who wrote “Those pricey Thakur Girls”. Nonetheless, I recommend this for its narration.
March 27, 2018
Baaz is about an IAF officer, Ishaan, during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The theme of the book and the gender of the protagonist quite easily make this book stand out from the others written by Anuja Chauhan, all of which are romcoms centred around a young girl. The book does, however, retain most of her tried and tested formula: an overall Bollywood narration, a MFEO couple, a funny elder lady in a supporting role, an up-down-up again story arc to the romance, etc.
I didn’t really enjoy a few parts of the book though. First of all, I didn’t like the protagonist. He was a wonderful, caring person and a hero but too cocky. His love interest, Tinka, (again, although a wonderful, caring person) was equally unappealing, albeit for different reasons. She was too rigidly opinionated, a little spoilt and complacent.
The story wasn’t as well structured as I had expected. Parts of it were abrupt and made little logical sense. Also, I thought some of the humour was crass.
It is, however, an incredibly easy to read book. The language flows. And of course, all conversations between the lead couple, irrespective of the nature of the said conversation, are thoroughly engaging.
If you have read other book(s) by Anuja Chauhan and/or enjoy desi chick lit, read this book. Because why not. It’s not a great book but it’s good. I give the author credit for trying something different this time. It’s enjoyable and deserves to be read.
If you haven’t read anything by Anuja Chauhan, read Battle for Bittora. It’s intelligent, hilarious and one of the best of its kind.
I didn’t really enjoy a few parts of the book though. First of all, I didn’t like the protagonist. He was a wonderful, caring person and a hero but too cocky. His love interest, Tinka, (again, although a wonderful, caring person) was equally unappealing, albeit for different reasons. She was too rigidly opinionated, a little spoilt and complacent.
The story wasn’t as well structured as I had expected. Parts of it were abrupt and made little logical sense. Also, I thought some of the humour was crass.
It is, however, an incredibly easy to read book. The language flows. And of course, all conversations between the lead couple, irrespective of the nature of the said conversation, are thoroughly engaging.
If you have read other book(s) by Anuja Chauhan and/or enjoy desi chick lit, read this book. Because why not. It’s not a great book but it’s good. I give the author credit for trying something different this time. It’s enjoyable and deserves to be read.
If you haven’t read anything by Anuja Chauhan, read Battle for Bittora. It’s intelligent, hilarious and one of the best of its kind.
June 1, 2017
What I personally enjoyed about the book was some of those terrible puns (Kuch Bhi Carvahlo, for example). She literally made me laugh out loud at a couple of points in the book. (I'm surprised nobody ever called Ishaan Baaz Turd, though. But then again, my terrible puns are the worst kinds of terrible puns). I also loved how much time she spent describing Ishaan (delish, that boy). Physically and his cockyness. (Right up my alley, if he weren't in the military). I've never gotten to read physical descriptions of guys in this much detail, while the girl's physique was thoroughly deemphasized. (Of course she wears a bikini and guys go crazy, but we don't know what colour her eyes are, or what she's wearing at the moment, which almost never happens). I like how Ishaan gets confused about basic (to me) English words.
I'm not calling this the best book I've read this year. I'm not calling it flawless, or a literary masterpiece either. But it was a definite cheap thrill. Anuja ChauhanAnuja Chauhan has definitely grown as an author, in my opinion (should I be saying shit like this? Idk. But we've established I'm a snob). This is much, much better than The Zoya FactorThe Zoya Factor. It's got me piqued enough to consider reading more of her. It does have a certain je ne sais quoi.
For a more detailed review, check this link out
I'm not calling this the best book I've read this year. I'm not calling it flawless, or a literary masterpiece either. But it was a definite cheap thrill. Anuja ChauhanAnuja Chauhan has definitely grown as an author, in my opinion (should I be saying shit like this? Idk. But we've established I'm a snob). This is much, much better than The Zoya FactorThe Zoya Factor. It's got me piqued enough to consider reading more of her. It does have a certain je ne sais quoi.
For a more detailed review, check this link out
April 7, 2019
First half is a bit slow and the story picks up pace in the 2nd half. The end and the epilogue are right out of a Bollywood movie.
November 13, 2023
CLOSED.
November 24, 2017
I was really inspired by the hero of this story. Anuja Chauhan has done a decent job with her writing style. And her brilliance in explicating the professional life of air force men needs to be stressed. She has totally let the readers feel that sense of pride one feels for their country. However I find the story a bit dramatic at the romantic side. I did give her a five star as she is yet another Indian author who has an exemplary talent to make the pages turn by itself.
May 31, 2017
In the past Anuja Chauhan has tackled topics such as cricket and politics in her novels The Zoya Factor and the Battle for Bittora respectively. I like her writing but I'm not what you would call a fan. Anuja Chauhan is known for witty romances nestled in good, if sometimes unbelievable plots. So I was skeptical going in. Writing about war, the Indo-Pak 1971 war no less. Baaz offers us a behind the scenes view into the lives of everyone associated with air force. The multitude of things the air force men worry about, knowing their future is uncertain. How the wives and girlfriends deal with the stresses of their men being in combat.
Baaz opens in 1957 newly independent India. 10 year old Ishaan ‘Baaz’ Faujdaar is standing in front of an incoming train to get his adrenaline kick, to get that dhook-dhookk-dhoookk feeling, as he calls it.
Ishaan or Shaanu, as he's fondly known, is a thrill seeker. Motherless, his stepfather isn’t too fond of him but his five siblings hero-worship him. His Nanaji gives Ishaan the idea of becoming a pilot so that he could get the thrill he craves for. And there is no looking back.
10 years later, Ishaan gets through the exam and joins the Indian Air Force (IAF). Here he meets Rakesh Aggarwal (Raka) and Madan Subbiah (Maddy) who were in NDA corps together. Initially they make fun of him but soon become good friends. Ishaan takes never having known his father, coming from a humble background and not knowing English lightly. His faith in himself (read cocksure) tides him over.
Ishaan meets Tehmina Dadyseth (Tinka) when he's on duty and she’s fleeing her marriage. They appear to have some kind of a connection which they realize when their paths cross again. She doesn't believe in hyper-patriotism and hates the idea of war whereas for Ishaan the country comes first and everything is black and white. Their backgrounds are vastly different and so is the way they view the world, but they do have something in common. The chemistry was sizzling but there was something missing.
Tinka, the motherless daughter of Major General Ardisher Dadyseth, was born to challenge the status quo. She is unafraid to go where very few women have gone. From studying photography to becoming a war correspondent in Dacca, she is undeterred once she has made up her mind.
Caste is very much in the air though caste system has been abolished. Pakistani’s and Muslims were viewed with the same suspicious lens. The society then was regressive and not to mention conservative - not ready to accept independent free thinking men or women, who deviate from the norm. It was heartening to have many strong female characters in the book, who defied convention in their own way.
As the book progresses and the war continues in full fervour, there are casualties. But their comrades have no time to grieve. They have to move past it and get into killer mode to avenge the death of fellow officers.
In Baaz the bromance is done well, which is new ground for Anuja Chauhan. Writing from the male PoV, were the central character is male and so are many of the key characters, is executed well.
With Anuja Chauhan’s books crackling dialogue is a given and she doesn't disappoint us in Baaz.
The setting is more or less spot on with the sights, sounds, and smells. But I would have preferred it to be less descriptive. Some scenes should have been shown to us not told and some surprises left for the reader to discover instead of stating it.
The book is peppered with great similes like this :
The Intercontinental Hotel squats self-importantly like a fat slice of birthday cake in the dust place that is Dacca, the other structures of the city heaped deferentially around it like lesser snacks that know their place.
Anuja Chauhan draws out humour from everyplace imaginable. In the book there’s a General who is obsessed with playing Tambola while the 1971 Indo-Pak war is raging!
The sentences peppered with Hinglish are a staple in Anuja Chauhan's books. But here there were some words and phrases I didn’t understand. A glossary would have been nice for those who are unfamiliar with the lingo.
I already knew how Baaz would end thanks to the people who had blabbed about it on social media. I hated the trite ending. And the epilogue was filmi to say the least and designed to bring out maximum emotion but it didn’t work for me.
Baaz is overlong. Some parts where the flight manoeuvres were described felt laboured and too technical for the layperson. But hats off to the author for writing a unlikely story, presented in a style true to her.
Note - The review copy was sponsored by Flipkart but the thoughts are my own.
Baaz opens in 1957 newly independent India. 10 year old Ishaan ‘Baaz’ Faujdaar is standing in front of an incoming train to get his adrenaline kick, to get that dhook-dhookk-dhoookk feeling, as he calls it.
Ishaan or Shaanu, as he's fondly known, is a thrill seeker. Motherless, his stepfather isn’t too fond of him but his five siblings hero-worship him. His Nanaji gives Ishaan the idea of becoming a pilot so that he could get the thrill he craves for. And there is no looking back.
10 years later, Ishaan gets through the exam and joins the Indian Air Force (IAF). Here he meets Rakesh Aggarwal (Raka) and Madan Subbiah (Maddy) who were in NDA corps together. Initially they make fun of him but soon become good friends. Ishaan takes never having known his father, coming from a humble background and not knowing English lightly. His faith in himself (read cocksure) tides him over.
Ishaan meets Tehmina Dadyseth (Tinka) when he's on duty and she’s fleeing her marriage. They appear to have some kind of a connection which they realize when their paths cross again. She doesn't believe in hyper-patriotism and hates the idea of war whereas for Ishaan the country comes first and everything is black and white. Their backgrounds are vastly different and so is the way they view the world, but they do have something in common. The chemistry was sizzling but there was something missing.
Tinka, the motherless daughter of Major General Ardisher Dadyseth, was born to challenge the status quo. She is unafraid to go where very few women have gone. From studying photography to becoming a war correspondent in Dacca, she is undeterred once she has made up her mind.
Caste is very much in the air though caste system has been abolished. Pakistani’s and Muslims were viewed with the same suspicious lens. The society then was regressive and not to mention conservative - not ready to accept independent free thinking men or women, who deviate from the norm. It was heartening to have many strong female characters in the book, who defied convention in their own way.
As the book progresses and the war continues in full fervour, there are casualties. But their comrades have no time to grieve. They have to move past it and get into killer mode to avenge the death of fellow officers.
In Baaz the bromance is done well, which is new ground for Anuja Chauhan. Writing from the male PoV, were the central character is male and so are many of the key characters, is executed well.
With Anuja Chauhan’s books crackling dialogue is a given and she doesn't disappoint us in Baaz.
The setting is more or less spot on with the sights, sounds, and smells. But I would have preferred it to be less descriptive. Some scenes should have been shown to us not told and some surprises left for the reader to discover instead of stating it.
The book is peppered with great similes like this :
The Intercontinental Hotel squats self-importantly like a fat slice of birthday cake in the dust place that is Dacca, the other structures of the city heaped deferentially around it like lesser snacks that know their place.
Anuja Chauhan draws out humour from everyplace imaginable. In the book there’s a General who is obsessed with playing Tambola while the 1971 Indo-Pak war is raging!
The sentences peppered with Hinglish are a staple in Anuja Chauhan's books. But here there were some words and phrases I didn’t understand. A glossary would have been nice for those who are unfamiliar with the lingo.
I already knew how Baaz would end thanks to the people who had blabbed about it on social media. I hated the trite ending. And the epilogue was filmi to say the least and designed to bring out maximum emotion but it didn’t work for me.
Baaz is overlong. Some parts where the flight manoeuvres were described felt laboured and too technical for the layperson. But hats off to the author for writing a unlikely story, presented in a style true to her.
Note - The review copy was sponsored by Flipkart but the thoughts are my own.
July 4, 2025
Baaz is the story of Ishaan Faujdar, who lives in chasing thrills after thrills in baiting trains, in jumping over open wells, plunging into pools even though he doesn't know how to swim because he was told to jump, after all, he figured airforce will pull him out before he dr0wn3d. Right?
It is the story of Tehmina Dadyseth, army brat, pacifist, implet with dimplets. A big girl from a rich family who hates wars and is desperate for peace.
They live lives that are polar opposites of each other. One gets excited because of course war is coming and the other wants peace so badly she is almost— almost delusional about it at first.
And yet, they fall in love with each other and it's beautiful to see them constantly cross paths and chase each other and meet finally,
It is beautiful to see him changing a little for her, with her, every passing meeting. Once a man who has himself convinced why war is okay, Ishaan sees a soldier as just a man, a father, a son, a husband, because of Tehmina Dadyseth. He sees, even if for just one moment, war as something sad.
But at the end of the day, this is not the story of Ishaan Faujdar and Tehmina Dadyseth.
This is the story of a soldier and his jet, of Shaanu and his Gnat. This is the story of a cocky, overconfident pilot who celebrates his victories with air stunts and whose story ends on his own terms.
It is the story of a man who was born for the skies and disappears into them with a happy little dance and a definite whoop. (I heard it loud and clear. You will too, if you listen hard enough ✨)
It is the story of Tehmina Dadyseth, army brat, pacifist, implet with dimplets. A big girl from a rich family who hates wars and is desperate for peace.
They live lives that are polar opposites of each other. One gets excited because of course war is coming and the other wants peace so badly she is almost— almost delusional about it at first.
And yet, they fall in love with each other and it's beautiful to see them constantly cross paths and chase each other and meet finally,
It is beautiful to see him changing a little for her, with her, every passing meeting. Once a man who has himself convinced why war is okay, Ishaan sees a soldier as just a man, a father, a son, a husband, because of Tehmina Dadyseth. He sees, even if for just one moment, war as something sad.
But at the end of the day, this is not the story of Ishaan Faujdar and Tehmina Dadyseth.
This is the story of a soldier and his jet, of Shaanu and his Gnat. This is the story of a cocky, overconfident pilot who celebrates his victories with air stunts and whose story ends on his own terms.
It is the story of a man who was born for the skies and disappears into them with a happy little dance and a definite whoop. (I heard it loud and clear. You will too, if you listen hard enough ✨)
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