Revolution Evolution

Many an Overcoat

Images from the recently attended talk/book signing of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake, also promoting a short coffee-table picto-tour of the making of the movie by Mira Nair.

Basically a book about a film about a book.

In attendance were ice-princessy and monotonic Jhumpa Lahiri and the ever-so-gregarious and sweet Mira Nair (hmm, you're probably wondering whom I like better). Jhumpa went on at length about the inspirations behind the book, while shoving under the carpet several things that she couldn't remember, blaming bad memory as the book is nearly 4 years old (ignoring the fact that all she's done ever since is bask in its glory). Mira, on the other hand, spoke entertainingly about the making of the film (which was phenomenal, undoubtedly). She added, much to Lahiri's chagrin, that Jhumpa had one scene as an extra in the movie, which was edited out in the final cut. Hyuk hyuk!

Without a shadow, I feel that the book and the film, together, are beacon testimonials of the Indian immigrant experience. No two individuals have effectively captured, visualized and represented emotions and nuances, with the epic perfection and class of Mira and Jhumpa.

While I was getting my book signed by the two talented divas, I asked Mira what made her pick Nitin Sawhney to do the background score for Namesake. She replied "The Boatman Song". Its on the soundtrack, listened to it later that night, and its outstanding! Strongly recommended and in this order - read the book, watch the film, then buy the soundtrack. Its so very rare, but in this case, capital, that all three products will either meet or exceed your expectations.

In other news, what self respecting parent would name their kid Jhumpa, and which self respecting adult would still stick with the name for the rest of their existence (Jhumpa claims that her name doesn't mean anything, by the way). *sigh* you need a big hood on that Overcoat, sweetheart.