Dec 17, 2006 12:51 AM
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(Updated Dec 17, 2006 01:01 AM)
"Dont judge a book by its cover",a popular quote known to all readers.But in Shobha De's "Strange Obsession" the cover including all its contents, everything about it is ultimate crass.If you have read the entire unreadable novel without managing to throw up then Hats OFF!!Since I am fond of Jackie Collins I thought I shall subject myself to read a novel written by her Indian counterpart Shobhaa De (note the extra 'a' happens to be recently added).I do respect her style of Journalism and love to read her write-ups.But after reading "Strange Obsession" I felt disgusted and extremely disappointed.A niche writer like her has produced a soft porno novel with a ghisa-phita Hindi film formula end.
The main protaganist of the novel is Amrita Aggrawal,a twenty-someting,very beautiful girl from Delhi who comes to Mumbai the dream city to enter the world of modelling.Her family is supportive as they trust her capabilities so the otherwise protected girl stays alone in Mumbai and is bagging all those wonderful contracts along with attracting a weirdo called Minx ie Meenakshi Iyengar.Minx smokes Cartiers,hangs out with local goons and is influential in the cop circle coz of her daddy dearest.Now Minx who is potrayed as strong and psychotic is besotted by Amrita and can go to any extent to please Amrita.For example she throws acid and cuts the insides of the vagina of another model ,Lola, who happens to steal Ms Pretty and Sweet Amrita's ad campaign,reduces her own breasts size.Amrita feels totally trapped in the unwanted attention but gives in to Minx after listening to her sad story.Minx has a dark childhood as she claims to be raped by her own father.All the pity does not last long and Amrita heads back to Delhi where she is again followed by her extreme female lover.Few characters are thrown in ,here and there like Karan the reserved and in-love- with -Amrita AD director and Partha a well known editor.But no one can aid poor Amrita or rescue her from the frightful lover.On the otherhand, Minx impresses Amrita's entire family in Delhi.It is idiotic that her parents dont notice Minx's lovesick conduct. Our leading lady after moving from Delhi spends an entire year with Minx in her Cuffe Parade apartment gratifying her sexual desires ,enjoying it which even involves even posing in front of the camera while her gay lover calls the shots.
When you get completely bored with the preverse love making which De describes in a crude fashion,enters NRI Rakesh Bhatia the hero.Approved by Mrs Aggrawal he falls in love with the daughter in the first look and wants to marry her, saving sex for suhaagrat.Finally with her hero in scene Amrita manages to escape from Minx 's clutches,marries and enjoys passionate love making with her husband in a taxi going uphill.Finally the novel ends with Minx kipnapping the hero,our heroine finding him and Minx asking them to strip and make love while she shoots.Like hell they do the act then Minx sets the place around her on fire.The hero jumps to rescue his now wife's ex same sex lover and enters the police.Totally filmy end where the police arrive after the crime.The chief being Minx's dad who reveals his daughter suffers from mental illness,weaves lies and he has never raped her.The hero and the mentally ill daughter are rushed to the hospital and survive.The misery ends in a years time wherein the Amrita carries a pot bellied stomach,she's expecting twins and she happens to read Minx's obituary.A happy ending to the readers agony and woe having read the filth.
The characters are shoddy ,you dont feel an onuce of pity to the anguish of Amrita who always seemingly enjoys her sexual escapades,as she swings both ways.Minx is a confused identity she charms people like Amrita's family,Mrs Pinto and is hated by rest of society.The other characters are so listless and spineless they dont make any difference to the plot.So it is 208 pages of completely to be avoided rubbish.I find it a contempt for Jackie Collins if De gets compared to her.She does not possess the class to match her in any terms.Strange Obsession makes a C grade plot for sleazy flick.
