Behind the doors of shahjahan..

Chowringhee...


Recently,I got a chance to read a beautiful novel Chowringhee, courtesy my nice colleague Rajiv who has a part in keeping my reading habits alive by providing me with his new, crsip novels.
The novel was based on the 'not so bright as it seems' life in one of the best hotels of calcutta,Shahjahan.The novel shows the dark side of High society and the darkness behind the courteous exchanges as seen by an advocate, who is offered a receptionist job in shahjahan due to job crunch. The author,Shankar Sinha has beautifully shaped the eventful history and darkness behind the glitz and pomp of the lively hotel, shahjahan, standing erect since ages.The novel had a multitude of characters , all gripped by fate to be living an unchosen life with smile on their faces.
It was heartening to read about the hostess Karabi Guha, Sohrabi, at the bar,the Bar dancer Connie and his poor brother Lambredta , the Singer, i dont remember the name. :) And last but not the least,the account of Bose da, my favourite character , a serene, pure at heart, mature and affectionate person, and Sujata, the charming air hostess, was very heartening and literally made me cry..

The manager has been portrayed as a shrewd, heartless fellow who ran the hotel well, his demenaour being a talk of the town among the hotel workers.But, his tormenting past, lovelost as he was, he gets a chance to bind the remaining tattered pieces of his life...

There has been a detailed account of the furtive visits of a very big socialite, in the wee hours, who at all times manages to keep her indecent endeavours at a hush from his businessman husband, who trusts her blindly.
Chowringhee has truly opened new visions to what lies beneath glitz and celebration at suites and hotels. And next time i visit some hotel , i am surely gonna stare and make what is there to the people attending to the guests.