What do you think?
Rate this book
A Life in the Shadows: A Memoir
No Indian spymaster has, until now, written a memoir. A.S. Dulat is the first to do so, and in A Life in the Shadows he does it with considerable elan.
He is one of India's most successful spymasters, his name synonymous with the Kashmir issue. His methods of engagement and accommodation with all people and perspectives from India's most conflicted state are legendary. The author of two bestselling books, The Vajpayee Years (2014) and The Spy R&AW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace (2018), Dulat's views on India, Pakistan and Kashmir are well-known and sought after.
Yet very little is known about him, primarily because the former spymaster has been notoriously private about his personal life. In this unusual and unique memoir, Dulat breaks that silence for the first time. This is not a traditional, linear narrative as much as a selection of stories from across space and time. Still bound by the rules of secrecy of his trade, he tells a fascinating story of a life richly lived and insightfully observed. From a Partition-bloodied childhood in Lahore and New Delhi to his early years as a young intelligence officer; from meetings with international spymasters to travels around the world; from his observations on Kashmir-political and personal-post the abrogation of Article 370, to his encounters with world leaders, politicians and celebrities; moving from Bhopal to Nepal and from Kashmir to China, Dulat tells the story of his life with remarkable honesty, verve and wit.
He is one of India's most successful spymasters, his name synonymous with the Kashmir issue. His methods of engagement and accommodation with all people and perspectives from India's most conflicted state are legendary. The author of two bestselling books, The Vajpayee Years (2014) and The Spy R&AW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace (2018), Dulat's views on India, Pakistan and Kashmir are well-known and sought after.
Yet very little is known about him, primarily because the former spymaster has been notoriously private about his personal life. In this unusual and unique memoir, Dulat breaks that silence for the first time. This is not a traditional, linear narrative as much as a selection of stories from across space and time. Still bound by the rules of secrecy of his trade, he tells a fascinating story of a life richly lived and insightfully observed. From a Partition-bloodied childhood in Lahore and New Delhi to his early years as a young intelligence officer; from meetings with international spymasters to travels around the world; from his observations on Kashmir-political and personal-post the abrogation of Article 370, to his encounters with world leaders, politicians and celebrities; moving from Bhopal to Nepal and from Kashmir to China, Dulat tells the story of his life with remarkable honesty, verve and wit.
- GenresIndiaNonfiction
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2022
28 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
A.S. Dulat
9 books26 followersAMARJIT SINGH DULAT served as the head of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s spy agency, under Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee. He later joined Vajpayee’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), where his job was to ‘monitor, manage and direct’ the government of India’s peace initiative in Kashmir.
Dulat was born in Sialkot, Punjab, in December 1940. With India’s Partition, his father Justice Shamsher Singh Dulat, ICS, was posted to Delhi. Dulat was educated in Bishop Cotton School, Shimla and Punjab University, Chandigarh, after which he joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1965, and then the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 1969, where he served for almost thirty years. At IB he headed the Kashmir Group during the turbulent 1990s till he joined and headed R&AW.
Since leaving the government in 2004, Dulat has been active on the track two circuit, and has visited Pakistan. He has co-authored a paper with former Pakistani intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Asad Durrani on the benefits of intelligence cooperation between India and Pakistan.
During service, Dulat accumulated a vast reservoir of goodwill with Kashmiris of all shades. As Jane’s Intelligence Digest put it in 2001: ‘Well known for his social skills, Dulat prefers dialogue to clandestine manoeuvres. He has built up an impressive network of personal contacts in Kashmir including militants.’ A decade after retirement, that goodwill remains intact, with Kashmiris dropping in on him and his wife Paran at their Friends Colony house in Delhi, to share gossip, information, and advice.
Dulat was born in Sialkot, Punjab, in December 1940. With India’s Partition, his father Justice Shamsher Singh Dulat, ICS, was posted to Delhi. Dulat was educated in Bishop Cotton School, Shimla and Punjab University, Chandigarh, after which he joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1965, and then the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in 1969, where he served for almost thirty years. At IB he headed the Kashmir Group during the turbulent 1990s till he joined and headed R&AW.
Since leaving the government in 2004, Dulat has been active on the track two circuit, and has visited Pakistan. He has co-authored a paper with former Pakistani intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Asad Durrani on the benefits of intelligence cooperation between India and Pakistan.
During service, Dulat accumulated a vast reservoir of goodwill with Kashmiris of all shades. As Jane’s Intelligence Digest put it in 2001: ‘Well known for his social skills, Dulat prefers dialogue to clandestine manoeuvres. He has built up an impressive network of personal contacts in Kashmir including militants.’ A decade after retirement, that goodwill remains intact, with Kashmiris dropping in on him and his wife Paran at their Friends Colony house in Delhi, to share gossip, information, and advice.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 1, 2024
3.5ish
Good anecdotes from 'life', not much revelations from the 'shadows'..
Good anecdotes from 'life', not much revelations from the 'shadows'..
October 1, 2024
Wow. A masterpiece. Written from from heart. Read it. Just read.
March 16, 2023
I always enjoy a good memoir, and A.S. Dulat's A Life In The Shadows is a well written one. There is a certain degree of joie de vivre to the writing which makes it quite enjoyable to read. You can tell the man loved his life and job.
In fact, it was so colloquially written that it was almost like having a conversation with an old friend, or like the times my grandfather would reminisce about his younger life and regale with stories of the past, of course, excepting that my grandfather didn't run a world-renowned spy agency and his stories will a little more Madwadi businessman-esque.
What I found particularly interesting was Dulat came across as a rather peace loving man. I appreciated his candour through the book, he wasn't afraid to call out so-called powerful people if he thought they were wrong. He was very candid about how politics and politicians affect the way Intelligence works and how that is detrimental to the country.
I enjoyed the last few chapters the most, they focused on Kashmir, a state that is clearly close to his heart. His views on how to handle the militancy issue were particularly enlightening, and I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter devoted to Farooq Abdullah.
However, the problem with the story-telling style narrative is, as in real life, it tends to jump between timelines and people, hence making it a bit harder to follow. It was more like rafting through his memories than reading a memoir.
And, there really weren't any thrilling spy stories or R&AW stories such as one found in Bar-Zohar and Mishal's Mossad. I suppose I had an incorrect expectation to begin with. The book was more about his IB years.
All in all, if you like memoirs, this is a worth while read.
In fact, it was so colloquially written that it was almost like having a conversation with an old friend, or like the times my grandfather would reminisce about his younger life and regale with stories of the past, of course, excepting that my grandfather didn't run a world-renowned spy agency and his stories will a little more Madwadi businessman-esque.
What I found particularly interesting was Dulat came across as a rather peace loving man. I appreciated his candour through the book, he wasn't afraid to call out so-called powerful people if he thought they were wrong. He was very candid about how politics and politicians affect the way Intelligence works and how that is detrimental to the country.
I enjoyed the last few chapters the most, they focused on Kashmir, a state that is clearly close to his heart. His views on how to handle the militancy issue were particularly enlightening, and I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter devoted to Farooq Abdullah.
However, the problem with the story-telling style narrative is, as in real life, it tends to jump between timelines and people, hence making it a bit harder to follow. It was more like rafting through his memories than reading a memoir.
And, there really weren't any thrilling spy stories or R&AW stories such as one found in Bar-Zohar and Mishal's Mossad. I suppose I had an incorrect expectation to begin with. The book was more about his IB years.
All in all, if you like memoirs, this is a worth while read.
January 16, 2023
An ok read. Covers nothing new from Vajpayee years except for a few chapters on his childhood and another on Ajit Doval.
February 5, 2024
"A Life in the Shadows," a memoir by A.S. Dulat, is an innovative contribution to literature as the first memoir written by an Indian spymaster. Renowned for his adept portrayal of the Kashmir dispute, Dulat, deftly negotiates the intricacies of this non-linear story.
The memoir reveals the author's acclaimed approaches to accommodation and engagement, demonstrating his skillful management of many viewpoints in the most unstable state in India. This biography illuminates the mysterious person who held those viewpoints & perspectives.
The author finally breaks his infamous silence on personal issues and offers a tapestry of life stories. The story threads through his early years as a young intelligence officer, his bloodied youth in Lahore and New Delhi during the Partition, and his interactions with foreign spymasters, trips throughout the world, and his observations of Kashmir after Article 370 was repealed.
The Author keeps the secrecy that his previous life as a spymaster has instilled in his tale, telling it with honesty, vigor, and wit. The book offers readers a comprehensive and perceptively observed account of a life journey that traverses various geographies, including Bhopal, Nepal, Kashmir, and China. His interactions with politicians, celebrities, and world leaders give the story an intriguing depth.
This odd and distinctive book is a tapestry of experiences rather than just a chronological chronicle. The author's writing style gives readers a peek into the secretive realm of intelligence while also providing a tough and fascinating look into his life.
In conclusion, "A Life in the Shadows" is proof of The author's literary talent and his capacity to convey intricate geopolitical events in a nuanced and sophisticated manner.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
The memoir reveals the author's acclaimed approaches to accommodation and engagement, demonstrating his skillful management of many viewpoints in the most unstable state in India. This biography illuminates the mysterious person who held those viewpoints & perspectives.
The author finally breaks his infamous silence on personal issues and offers a tapestry of life stories. The story threads through his early years as a young intelligence officer, his bloodied youth in Lahore and New Delhi during the Partition, and his interactions with foreign spymasters, trips throughout the world, and his observations of Kashmir after Article 370 was repealed.
The Author keeps the secrecy that his previous life as a spymaster has instilled in his tale, telling it with honesty, vigor, and wit. The book offers readers a comprehensive and perceptively observed account of a life journey that traverses various geographies, including Bhopal, Nepal, Kashmir, and China. His interactions with politicians, celebrities, and world leaders give the story an intriguing depth.
This odd and distinctive book is a tapestry of experiences rather than just a chronological chronicle. The author's writing style gives readers a peek into the secretive realm of intelligence while also providing a tough and fascinating look into his life.
In conclusion, "A Life in the Shadows" is proof of The author's literary talent and his capacity to convey intricate geopolitical events in a nuanced and sophisticated manner.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
March 14, 2023
I had been eagerly waiting for the book as it was first memoir written by any intelligence chief who has seen it all. Also, becoz the first book written by Mr Dulat, the “Vajpayee Years” provided rare glimpse into the inner working of an intelligence agency, especially wrt Kashmir.
There were many expectations but the book seems rather a summary of the earlier book. Because there was so much expected from a memoir of a spy chief, I ended up rather wanting for more. But there was limitations to what a professional spy can write in a book.
Still, there are a few good takeaways from the book. The rich pedigree of Mr Dulat is quite interesting. The personal take on high and mighty with whom the author has worked is an eye-opener. The personal qualities and quirks of each of these leaders whom the author has seen very closely (Margaret Thatcher, Giani Zail Singh etc) are very interesting. The personal account of legendary discipline of Lee Kaun Yew makes an interesting read. The essential take away is that these people turned into legends due to few qualities that they possessed, nurtured and put to effective use.
There is much emphasis on how dialogue is an essential part of intelligence even when other side is involved in violent struggle.
Recommended read!
There were many expectations but the book seems rather a summary of the earlier book. Because there was so much expected from a memoir of a spy chief, I ended up rather wanting for more. But there was limitations to what a professional spy can write in a book.
Still, there are a few good takeaways from the book. The rich pedigree of Mr Dulat is quite interesting. The personal take on high and mighty with whom the author has worked is an eye-opener. The personal qualities and quirks of each of these leaders whom the author has seen very closely (Margaret Thatcher, Giani Zail Singh etc) are very interesting. The personal account of legendary discipline of Lee Kaun Yew makes an interesting read. The essential take away is that these people turned into legends due to few qualities that they possessed, nurtured and put to effective use.
There is much emphasis on how dialogue is an essential part of intelligence even when other side is involved in violent struggle.
Recommended read!
August 16, 2024
My father recommended this book to me, and I am glad I picked this one up. As you pick up this book, it almost seems like Dulat Sahab takes you back to his childhood and younger years leading up to serving at the RAW. Once, on a train journey, I chatted with an old man who was returning from the Queen's funeral and had some riveting stories to tell. This book felt like I was talking to a grandfather filled with compassion and empathy. Someone who has some interesting stories to tell. While the book doesn't really give much intel into the "spy" world, but; lurking through the shadows, A.S. Dulat does give us a sneak peek into the nuances and quirks of the leaders of the past.
And, of course, I cannot end this review without talking about Kashmir and his compassion for Kashmiris. His understanding of "kashmiriyat" and the stories of Farooq Abdullah helps one empathise with the plight of the Kashmiris and the struggle they have been in for years now. True to his work, he also spoke about his counterpart Ajit Doval, although I feel there was more to his story and their friendship than he covered in the book.
In the epilogue, he says that this is not his autobiography but vignettes he has picked from the kind of life he has lived—and that reflects in every chapter.
And, of course, I cannot end this review without talking about Kashmir and his compassion for Kashmiris. His understanding of "kashmiriyat" and the stories of Farooq Abdullah helps one empathise with the plight of the Kashmiris and the struggle they have been in for years now. True to his work, he also spoke about his counterpart Ajit Doval, although I feel there was more to his story and their friendship than he covered in the book.
In the epilogue, he says that this is not his autobiography but vignettes he has picked from the kind of life he has lived—and that reflects in every chapter.
January 2, 2023
Overall, the book is not too well organized, and especially early on jumps from one topic to another seemingly at random. Yet, the memoirs of a spymaster forms an interesting read and a unique perspective on recent events in Indian history.
Reading the book, I was a little surprised at the role that the IB played during these years. Often, the agency's mission sounded diplomatic or political in nature - "keep Farooq on the right side", for instance. Meanwhile, the agency was clueless about significant historical events called out in the book.
As one example, imagine the head of IB in Kashmir asking around "yeh kya gadbad chal rahi hai" when faced by the persecution of Kashmiri pandits, rather than infiltrating the perpetrators, predicting the tragedy and preparing law enforcement to counter it. Now imagine instead, the head of IB in Kashmir primarily being responsible for liaison between Delhi and Kashmir. Quite surprising.
That is not a criticism of Dulatji or the book, but it may be a criticism of the role played by IB in those days. Even after considering that there is a lot that must be kept under wraps in the world of espionage.
Reading the book, I was a little surprised at the role that the IB played during these years. Often, the agency's mission sounded diplomatic or political in nature - "keep Farooq on the right side", for instance. Meanwhile, the agency was clueless about significant historical events called out in the book.
As one example, imagine the head of IB in Kashmir asking around "yeh kya gadbad chal rahi hai" when faced by the persecution of Kashmiri pandits, rather than infiltrating the perpetrators, predicting the tragedy and preparing law enforcement to counter it. Now imagine instead, the head of IB in Kashmir primarily being responsible for liaison between Delhi and Kashmir. Quite surprising.
That is not a criticism of Dulatji or the book, but it may be a criticism of the role played by IB in those days. Even after considering that there is a lot that must be kept under wraps in the world of espionage.
May 14, 2023
A S Dulat seemed to be the first spy master to write a memoir. Always digressing from the narrative, he shares very ambiguously about his work and more about Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah and other people. May be, he did it very intentionally to make it a point that you can never get the truth from the spook. He always mentions that he told a lot in his previous so he'd not repeat the same thing. Looks like to know the stories, we need to read the other books.
Few descriptions on how & why spooks work seemed interesting. At the end of the day, I could realise that there's always hunger for power at every stage and point of life. Be it the beurocrats to achieve the top position in R&AW, or IB or any other agency. Sounds like a human nature.
Few descriptions on how & why spooks work seemed interesting. At the end of the day, I could realise that there's always hunger for power at every stage and point of life. Be it the beurocrats to achieve the top position in R&AW, or IB or any other agency. Sounds like a human nature.
January 2, 2023
Dulat talks about his life as a spy and narrates the various events spanning his career that were also some of the key moments in India’s post-independence history. They include the Kashmir issue, hijack of IC-814 aircraft, Bhopal gas tragedy, among others. The readers get insights into the thinking of the government of the day in general and the role played by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in particular. It’s a good read for those in the police and those interested in becoming a part of IB. His illustrious career is worth celebrating!
May 31, 2023
The book is entertaining, revealing snippets of AS Dulat's life in the services. I like he revealed something about his family background.
The book gives us some enjoyable aspects of life in the shadows. He is clear on his opinions and does not shy from sharing them. You must read between the lines: he is an excellent political player!
There are some excellent lessons you can glean from his writing. So, read well.
The book gives us some enjoyable aspects of life in the shadows. He is clear on his opinions and does not shy from sharing them. You must read between the lines: he is an excellent political player!
There are some excellent lessons you can glean from his writing. So, read well.
June 25, 2023
I believe I started the book with very different expectations, and the long list of names in the early chapters and the printing errors weren't exactly making for an interesting read. I ended up dropping the book for a while until I could readjust my expectations to get into a flow.
Although I did eventually come to appreciate the writing style–it almost felt like he was retelling the story to an audience–I was put off by the repetition of the same facts over and over after every few chapters.
That said, I was fascinated by his take on Kashmir and found that section interesting.
Although I did eventually come to appreciate the writing style–it almost felt like he was retelling the story to an audience–I was put off by the repetition of the same facts over and over after every few chapters.
That said, I was fascinated by his take on Kashmir and found that section interesting.
January 9, 2023
A very misleading title. The second star awarded to the book is due to the information that is shared through its pages, though in a singularly disorganised manner, with a visible absence of thorough proof reading.
Not worth it.
Not worth it.
March 22, 2023
Insightful in parts but too self-indulgent
July 12, 2023
Loved the chapter on Kashmir and Doval.
July 14, 2023
Good Book
September 6, 2025
verbose garbage pretentious writing. despite being r&aw chief, quite delusional.waste of time tbf
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews