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Raavi Paar and Other Stories
Raavi Paar is a collection of short stories which do not follow a particular theme but touch upon different human emotions. The stories in this book have their roots in the Indian culture but express universal emotions that are experienced across the boundaries of regions, caste, and creed. Varied emotions of love, heartbreak, aloofness, anxiety, fear, and longing are expressed in this book.
There is one story in which movie star Dilip Kumar breaks the heart of a young girl. There is another where a man pushes off another from a moving train. Raavi Paar also tells the story of a Muslim man whose wish is to be cremated after death and not be buried. There is also a story about a married woman who realises that the only reason for her husband to marry her was to use her as cheap labour.
The title of this book is an incident from the author’s own life. During the India-Pakistan partition, the author was mistakenly claimed as their own child by another family. Raavi Paar consists of stories which will touch the reader’s hearts due to the simplicity and intricacy of emotions portrayed by the author.
Serious, moving, funny and ironic by turns, these stories are replete with the perceptions of a man who has viewed the world with equanimity and compassion.
There is one story in which movie star Dilip Kumar breaks the heart of a young girl. There is another where a man pushes off another from a moving train. Raavi Paar also tells the story of a Muslim man whose wish is to be cremated after death and not be buried. There is also a story about a married woman who realises that the only reason for her husband to marry her was to use her as cheap labour.
The title of this book is an incident from the author’s own life. During the India-Pakistan partition, the author was mistakenly claimed as their own child by another family. Raavi Paar consists of stories which will touch the reader’s hearts due to the simplicity and intricacy of emotions portrayed by the author.
Serious, moving, funny and ironic by turns, these stories are replete with the perceptions of a man who has viewed the world with equanimity and compassion.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 28, 2014
Gulzar the name, the storywriter, the songwriter, the movie maker, the director, the poet, the person.. the life.. everything is as lyrical and melodious that you can't decide which image is the best... his short stories so simple yet so moving... for me Gulzar is the living Manto..so different but yet so similar...
I had been wanting to read his book for a long time and reading it has just made me want more of him.. if you like short stories and you are a fan of Manto, Chugtai or any Indian author from the partition era then Gulzar merges the noise and silence of partition so beautifully that you can see the characters coming to life...
As the name suggests Raavi Paar is definitely the best story in the collection. As I was reading this story my heart started beating faster, as I neared its end my temples grew tense, eyes became wet and I held myself tight dreading that something bad is going to happen and it did... I shut the book in silence and closed my eyes... thinking why did it happen.. why!! It took me some time to get back to the book trying to accept that it is just a story...
When an author can make you feel what he has written then he has done his job beautifully and that is what Gulzar does.... everytime...
I had been wanting to read his book for a long time and reading it has just made me want more of him.. if you like short stories and you are a fan of Manto, Chugtai or any Indian author from the partition era then Gulzar merges the noise and silence of partition so beautifully that you can see the characters coming to life...
As the name suggests Raavi Paar is definitely the best story in the collection. As I was reading this story my heart started beating faster, as I neared its end my temples grew tense, eyes became wet and I held myself tight dreading that something bad is going to happen and it did... I shut the book in silence and closed my eyes... thinking why did it happen.. why!! It took me some time to get back to the book trying to accept that it is just a story...
When an author can make you feel what he has written then he has done his job beautifully and that is what Gulzar does.... everytime...
January 7, 2017
गुलज़ार साहब ने बहुत ही खूबसूरत रचना है
समाज के अनेको मशलों पर गौर फ़रमाया गया है .
मेरी पसंदीदा कहानियाँ निम्न हैं
"खौफ़" 1993 मुम्बई में हुए साम्प्रदायिक हिंसा पर है तो "सनसेट बुलवार्ड " में एक प्रौढा अभिनेत्री पर केन्द्रित है.
राविपर बॅटवारे की एक कहानी मे उन्होंने दर्शाया है की कैसे खौफ के कारण इंसान अपने होश खो बैठा था और हिसाब किताब में दहेज़ प्रथा के नए रूप को दर्शाया है
मर्द में दिखाया गया है की कैसे कभी पति तो कभी बेटा बन कर वह एक औरत का सोशन करता है तो जीना यहाँ में एक विकलांग के मन के उथल पुथल को दर्शाया गया है
जंगलनामा में बहुत ही खूबसूरती से डॉ सलीम अली साहब को श्रधांजलि दी गई है.
राविपर पढने वालो लोगो से गुज़ारिश सिर्फ इतनी है की जहाँ तक हो सके इसे हिंदी में पढ़े
अंग्रेज़ी रूपांतरण में इसकी खूबसूरती का, भाव का सही चित्रण नहीं है
समाज के अनेको मशलों पर गौर फ़रमाया गया है .
मेरी पसंदीदा कहानियाँ निम्न हैं
"खौफ़" 1993 मुम्बई में हुए साम्प्रदायिक हिंसा पर है तो "सनसेट बुलवार्ड " में एक प्रौढा अभिनेत्री पर केन्द्रित है.
राविपर बॅटवारे की एक कहानी मे उन्होंने दर्शाया है की कैसे खौफ के कारण इंसान अपने होश खो बैठा था और हिसाब किताब में दहेज़ प्रथा के नए रूप को दर्शाया है
मर्द में दिखाया गया है की कैसे कभी पति तो कभी बेटा बन कर वह एक औरत का सोशन करता है तो जीना यहाँ में एक विकलांग के मन के उथल पुथल को दर्शाया गया है
जंगलनामा में बहुत ही खूबसूरती से डॉ सलीम अली साहब को श्रधांजलि दी गई है.
राविपर पढने वालो लोगो से गुज़ारिश सिर्फ इतनी है की जहाँ तक हो सके इसे हिंदी में पढ़े
अंग्रेज़ी रूपांतरण में इसकी खूबसूरती का, भाव का सही चित्रण नहीं है
August 3, 2018
A masterful collection .... each story a gem in itself !
October 16, 2013
Tamilian turning fan of Saheb!
I attended a literature discussion of Gulzar Saheb recently. My friend urged me to get any of Saheb's book autographed by him. I didn't really know how precious it is.
Now, I'm reading his writing with a pride (having a book autographed by him!).
His stories makes you to travel with the time, and with the situation. This book is no exception. I'm not an eligible one to review his writing, the best I could do is suggest you to read this book.
I attended a literature discussion of Gulzar Saheb recently. My friend urged me to get any of Saheb's book autographed by him. I didn't really know how precious it is.
Now, I'm reading his writing with a pride (having a book autographed by him!).
His stories makes you to travel with the time, and with the situation. This book is no exception. I'm not an eligible one to review his writing, the best I could do is suggest you to read this book.
December 28, 2017
Such elegant prose with depth in characters, the stories make the reader get lost in those times. The narration is quite interesting and is reflective of how we, as a country and society are changing, while in reality we live in the same old world. Gulzar is a master of words. His poetic element is what makes such writing memorable and beautiful. It makes one contemplate beyond the ordinary existence. I am glad I read this one.
July 19, 2016
I read it right before Norwegian Wood and then lost the faculty to view it separately. Read about their combined effect and my thoughts here: https://medium.com/the-unread-bookshe...
December 23, 2019
What's not to like in a book by Gulzar? This was is an eclectic collection of short stories each delightful in a different way. Some bring home the horror of partition while some make you smile. They all capture life in all its simplicity and all its shades over the past decades.
A definite must-read.
A definite must-read.
October 29, 2017
Raavi Paar and Dhuan, both short tragic stories based during the Partition, and Kagaz Ki Topi, of unrequited - in a uniquely Indian way - love are amazing!!
May 19, 2015
I've read this text in Hindi, and it was almost like going back home. Well, for people who've explored and enjoyed Gulzar's poetry, this might come as a pleasant surprise, but might succumb to the pressure of the reader's expectations. His tales about love, life, loss, and circumstances carry the optimum dose of profundity that his poetry offers, but somewhere miss the depth of analogies, or imagery that one is so used to. I personally preferred tales such as "Seema", "Bimalda", "Bantwara", and "Lekin" for the quintessential Gulzar-ness about them. Those who're fond of him would know what I mean. And, the others could read it for themselves.
January 13, 2016
I knew Gulzar has a way with words when it comes to poetry but this is the first prose that I've read that's been written by him. The stories in Raavi Paar are derived from day to day life in India from a bygone era. Stories related to partition really bring out the suffering of that time without ever trivializing it.
I'm sure everyone will find something to relate to in this book. The prose is simple and effective. Gulzar has a way with narrative that few possess.
Highly recommended!
I'm sure everyone will find something to relate to in this book. The prose is simple and effective. Gulzar has a way with narrative that few possess.
Highly recommended!
March 26, 2009
What a nice book of short stories. I just loved the story "Raavi paar." So touching and sad as well. You must read this story book.
February 10, 2017
What a brilliant compilation of short stories, written by the genius Gulzar himself! Highly recommended to lovers of storytelling around the world.
March 12, 2018
Name of the Book: Gulzar’s - Raavi Paar and
Other Stories
As said before, I went in search for more soulful reads after my previous venture of #urdustories and I got to lay my hands in this yet another wonderful collection of stories by Gulzar.
There are totally 25 stories which gives you 25 varied emotions or even more, I promise. Each and every story comes around 3-4 pages except for two or three which makes it a easy fast read. But I warn,because most of the tales leave a deep void/scar in your heart is for sure.
My take on the book:
After devouring this awesome book, all I could say is those ordinary everyday occurrences are said in an extraordinary style of narration which left me so touching and spellbound all at the same time. I never thought a fictional prose could be in such a brilliant poetry form, yes, the author has his own way of magic with words.
All the characters are simple, familiar, bold even they are decades old. I swear, most of the stories boils your blood, makes you shed tears, melts your heart, let’s you suffer the pain and touches your inside tissues/soul.
Since the stories are written during the partition period of India it conveys the pain and struggles of people gone through that era which was more emotional is all I could say.
Among the 25 stories I like to highlight two of my favourites as follows:
1. Raavi Paar:
Yes, you heard it right, this is the title story which is a heartbreaking one, tells us how the newborn twin babies of Darshan Singh crosses the river Raavi in Lahore.
The tale was gripping from the start till the end though it’s less than four pages. As, I was not ready for that such climax I still couldn’t gather my words/feelings to write the review. Yes, it was bleak but the originality he weaves to the characters made it more a remarkable read.
2. Junglenama:
This is a simple story with lot of food for thoughts.
The story is about the survival of animals threatened by the increasing tribes of We, the Humans. Yes, the author has beautifully portrayed the growing human greed and how they have no pity for their own race dominating the weaker ones and enslaving them. I do felt a deep shame how being human we behave so cruel to that animals though they are far more better than Us.
I like to share a small excerpt from a paragraph is as follows:
“Overtime his species was divided into different races, countries and religions. Different kinds of animals can still live together in a jungle but man does not even like to share a country with other men. He often divides a country.Families fight among themselves and houses get divided.He has no qualms about appropriating what rightfully belongs to others”
Overall, it was an enriching experience and I am glad I came across this soul stirring anthology.
As this is a translated version people who read Hindi can definitely try the Originals.
Book length: 191
Do read and share your thoughts. Happy Reading!!
December 7, 2021
Gulzar sahab is a master storyteller!
This book is a collection of some fictional & some personal stories of his. The majority of the stories end up breaking the reader's heart! These stories revolve around oppression, pain & other emotions that we experience in our day-to-day lives. The stories which talk about the time of India & Pakistan's partition are just heart-wrenching to read.
My favorite stories from this book are - 'Raavi Paar', 'Bimal Da', 'Jeena yahan', 'Lekin', 'Seema', 'Haabu ki aag' & 'Junglenama'.
The most amazing thing about Gulzar sahab's writing is that he can attach the reader to his characters even if the story is only one and a half or two pages long.
This one is a must-read for everyone.
This book is a collection of some fictional & some personal stories of his. The majority of the stories end up breaking the reader's heart! These stories revolve around oppression, pain & other emotions that we experience in our day-to-day lives. The stories which talk about the time of India & Pakistan's partition are just heart-wrenching to read.
My favorite stories from this book are - 'Raavi Paar', 'Bimal Da', 'Jeena yahan', 'Lekin', 'Seema', 'Haabu ki aag' & 'Junglenama'.
The most amazing thing about Gulzar sahab's writing is that he can attach the reader to his characters even if the story is only one and a half or two pages long.
This one is a must-read for everyone.
June 24, 2019
🍂 This book is the first translation of Gulzar's urdu stories to hindi. The book is a collection of 18 short stories, each telling a heart touching tale. Anyone who is familiar with saheb's work knows very well that how easily he can move one's emotions just by few words. .
🍂Few of the stories has social message as well for issues which most of us struggle from at some point in our life. How judgment and valid reasons gets downplayed when feelings take control. Truly nostalgic and heart piercing stories. 'Michaelangelo' and 'Sunset boulevard' are my favourites from the book. .
⚡Read it for :
⭐Depth of Characters from the best writer in this regard. ⭐ Magic of words
🍂Few of the stories has social message as well for issues which most of us struggle from at some point in our life. How judgment and valid reasons gets downplayed when feelings take control. Truly nostalgic and heart piercing stories. 'Michaelangelo' and 'Sunset boulevard' are my favourites from the book. .
⚡Read it for :
⭐Depth of Characters from the best writer in this regard. ⭐ Magic of words
June 10, 2018
कुल मिलाकर 27 छोटी छोटी कहानियां हैं इस किताब में.. बंटवारे की आंच से लेकर मुंबई के दंगों की दहशत तक… 1947 के सम्पूर्ण से लेकर बिमल दा के गुलज़ार तक… और सनसेट बुलवर्ड की अधेड़ अभिनेत्री चारूलता से लेकर, दिलीप कुमार के पीछे पागल अल्हड़ गुड्डो तक… हर किरदार जुदा, हर फलसफा महीन बुना हुआ.. विविधता की कोई कमी नहीं इस किताब में…
Read more at http://scribblesofsoul.com/ravi-paar-...
Read more at http://scribblesofsoul.com/ravi-paar-...
September 30, 2022
This is my second time reading Gulzar Sahab's book and as expected, I was mesmerized. The stories are crisp, hard-hitting, human. His words keep you hooked to the end of the stories. I loved all of them. This book is great for someone who wants a quick but impactful read. Loved it! Highly recommended!🌟
July 4, 2022
A delightfully emotional read! Stories that stay with you long after you've read them. A university in brevity and concise style of writing. It was refreshing to meet the colloquial hindi phrases, words and idioms that some of us may have heard growing up!
July 24, 2017
Typical Gulzar. Probably not as impactful in English, but still a very good read.
August 9, 2017
मार्मिक कहानियाँ जो दिल को छू जाती हैं
ख़ास कर 'रावी पार'
ख़ास कर 'रावी पार'
February 8, 2019
Gritty, emotional but also great.
April 22, 2019
Gulzar's prose is as beautiful as his poetry.
November 20, 2020
This was a total let down. Short fiction isn't Gulzar's forte.
December 24, 2020
Mr Gulzar this time comes with stories accounting the horrors of partition. These are short heartwarming stories, with subtle euphemism.
November 10, 2021
Uff. The beauty and simplicity of his prose. The eclectic variety but all-encompassing aura of his stories. The heart-wrenching takes on religion, partition, his own life, and just about anything that caught his fancy in his bid to write an 'afsaanaa'. This is an effortlessly, note-perfect collection from one of the greats.
January 24, 2018
A wonderfully written heart touching book. Life is experienced, explored and explained, with unbelievable impact and beauty in each and every story.
March 1, 2017
"पिछले पचास सालो में बड़ी तबदीली आयी है उरदू अफ़साने में। हमारी कहानी ने इन पचास सालो में इतनी तरककी की है क़ि हम उसे दुनिया के किसी भी..."
घसीटा ने पाँव की चमकती हुयी "खेडिया" आगे करते हुए कहा-
" किसकी कहानी की बात कर रहे हो भाई साहब? जिनकी कहानी लिखते हो, वो तो वही पड़े है। मैं अपने बाप की जगह बैठा हूँ। और आप भाई साहब की 'बैठक' चला रहे हो, तरककी कौन सी कहानी ने कर ली?"
घसीटा ने पाँव की चमकती हुयी "खेडिया" आगे करते हुए कहा-
" किसकी कहानी की बात कर रहे हो भाई साहब? जिनकी कहानी लिखते हो, वो तो वही पड़े है। मैं अपने बाप की जगह बैठा हूँ। और आप भाई साहब की 'बैठक' चला रहे हो, तरककी कौन सी कहानी ने कर ली?"
July 2, 2013
Sheer genius could be an understatement when it comes to describing Gulzar and his works.I have always been a fan of his songs and movies and this book had me spell bound yet again.
My favourite stories would be "Raavi Paar" and "Khauff".I certainly agree with the other reviewers ,they had a feel of Manto and Amrita Pritam to them.
While reading the story "Daliya" i realised this one had been used in the very famous movie "Rudaali". The other ones that i enjoyed reading were "Dhuaan", "Mard", "Bantwara" and "Jaamun Ka Ped".All the stories sure do have a poetic ring to them, and this unique style of story weaving makes him a writer par excellence for me.
My favourite stories would be "Raavi Paar" and "Khauff".I certainly agree with the other reviewers ,they had a feel of Manto and Amrita Pritam to them.
While reading the story "Daliya" i realised this one had been used in the very famous movie "Rudaali". The other ones that i enjoyed reading were "Dhuaan", "Mard", "Bantwara" and "Jaamun Ka Ped".All the stories sure do have a poetic ring to them, and this unique style of story weaving makes him a writer par excellence for me.
February 3, 2016
"पिछले पचास सालो में बड़ी तब्दीली आयी है उर्दू अफ़साने में। हमारी कहानी ने इन पचास सालो में इतनी तरक्की की है क़ि हम उसे दुनिया के किसी भी..."
घसीटा ने पाँव की चमकती हुयी "खेडिया" आगे करते हुए कहा-
" किसकी कहानी की बात कर रहे हो भाई साहब? जिनकी कहानी लिखते हो, वो तो वही पड़े है। मैं अपने बाप की जगह बैठा हूँ। और आप भाई साहब की 'बैठक' चला रहे हो, तरक्की कौन सी कहानी ने कर ली?"
very emotional stories. its a dish you would like to enjoy slowly by reading only one story at time. Gulzar's style of giving emotion twist is simply awesome.
घसीटा ने पाँव की चमकती हुयी "खेडिया" आगे करते हुए कहा-
" किसकी कहानी की बात कर रहे हो भाई साहब? जिनकी कहानी लिखते हो, वो तो वही पड़े है। मैं अपने बाप की जगह बैठा हूँ। और आप भाई साहब की 'बैठक' चला रहे हो, तरक्की कौन सी कहानी ने कर ली?"
very emotional stories. its a dish you would like to enjoy slowly by reading only one story at time. Gulzar's style of giving emotion twist is simply awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews