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When Shiva Smiles
Om, the handsome son of the head-priest of an almost unreachable hilltop Shiva temple, has been yearning to see the world below. The brief visit of the beautiful mountaineer, Anjali, sets his heart on fire, acting as a catalyst to his journey. One night, he runs away from the temple to catch up with Anjali in her city but not before asking Shiva to forgive him and Shiva smiles, Oms journey is eventful as he interacts with various performances on the world stage, experiencing every facet of human emotion. Om meets Anjali and the narrative unfolds into a melodramatic love triangle, where Girish, the over possessive lover is determined to keep them apart in every which way. Does Om find his true love in Anjali? or does the glamorous city life lure Om away from her and even Shiva? or does all this bring him closer to his inner self? Shiva and Parvati make a few one-page appearances in the book, watching with interest the wanderings of their devotee and smiling.
R. K. Kapoor, a one-time Fauji and a one-time film personality, has now replaced the gun and the camera with the pen. This is his maiden offering where he expresses his deep-rooted fascination for Shiva, the most-available god in the Trinity.
R. K. Kapoor, a one-time Fauji and a one-time film personality, has now replaced the gun and the camera with the pen. This is his maiden offering where he expresses his deep-rooted fascination for Shiva, the most-available god in the Trinity.
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 19, 2014
Thanks to Col. RK Kapoor for writing this wonderful story about Om and his Shiva that would bring a goofy smile on even the most hard hearted person on earth.
If I could, I would give all the stars in the world for this book for how it transports us to another plane, the feeling of joy it evoked in me seeing God's hand everywhere - oh how I would love to see all the places mentioned here and meet Om. But this book also shows us that Shiva is everywhere helping us in small or big ways and encouraging us when we find ourselves in trouble or depressed. He who loves us and forgives our mistakes as we are his beloved children. I have never agreed with the term 'God fearing' and I am glad there are people who think the same too.
At first it feels that it may be a story about Om and Anjali but the incidents in between of Ganga and Brij Mohan (disgusting man) and Jeera (amazing woman - thumbs up to her) fit so perfectly into the narrative and the overall moulding of Om. The fleeting presence of his mother - it was like she was alive just for that one moment. Then comes in Raju and Govind and the concept of Instant Karma! And how Shiva himself says that it was Raju's guilt.
I cannot pinpoint which was my favourite scene in this book - but I would try hard and say that it would be the last scene where OM realises the truth (which I had guessed all along). The dialogues between Shiva and his consort, Maa Parvati was so perfect the way it was not preachy but fun filled and teasing. It surely reinforced the fact that Shiva is indeed the most approachable of all Gods!!!
When Shiva smiles, my hearts swells with joy and I feel like crying and laughing at the same time. And above all, I feel that he will hold me in the palm of his hands and make sure that he will be beside me to face any harm that befalls me.
If I could, I would give all the stars in the world for this book for how it transports us to another plane, the feeling of joy it evoked in me seeing God's hand everywhere - oh how I would love to see all the places mentioned here and meet Om. But this book also shows us that Shiva is everywhere helping us in small or big ways and encouraging us when we find ourselves in trouble or depressed. He who loves us and forgives our mistakes as we are his beloved children. I have never agreed with the term 'God fearing' and I am glad there are people who think the same too.
At first it feels that it may be a story about Om and Anjali but the incidents in between of Ganga and Brij Mohan (disgusting man) and Jeera (amazing woman - thumbs up to her) fit so perfectly into the narrative and the overall moulding of Om. The fleeting presence of his mother - it was like she was alive just for that one moment. Then comes in Raju and Govind and the concept of Instant Karma! And how Shiva himself says that it was Raju's guilt.
I cannot pinpoint which was my favourite scene in this book - but I would try hard and say that it would be the last scene where OM realises the truth (which I had guessed all along). The dialogues between Shiva and his consort, Maa Parvati was so perfect the way it was not preachy but fun filled and teasing. It surely reinforced the fact that Shiva is indeed the most approachable of all Gods!!!
When Shiva smiles, my hearts swells with joy and I feel like crying and laughing at the same time. And above all, I feel that he will hold me in the palm of his hands and make sure that he will be beside me to face any harm that befalls me.
July 4, 2020
A very subtle middle ground achieved between Mythology and Fiction. Not too harsh, not too soft.
December 23, 2018
It is a very beautiful book which has Om as its central character ...each and every character in this book is portrayed wonderfully ...Om the son of the head priest falls in love with Anjaly ...Om who has no idea what the world down the mountains would be like ..but to meet Anjaly ...he decides to take this journey ...this story does not revolve just around Om and Anjaly...it also has a lot to say about each and every character that is mentioned in these book ...this book is definitely not a mythological book..I loved the convrsations between Shiva and Parvathi ... I missed a heartbeat when Shiva's eyes twinkled ....Girish who is Anjaly's boyfriend is my most favourite character
May 3, 2015
Reminded me of the time, when I was like Om. And also the belief Om puts in the Lord is unshakeable. Love that charecter.
November 6, 2015
loved the character Om.. and the conversation between Shiva and Parvati is awesome..
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews