I Love You, Period! - Debut novel, a Tribute to Cinema of Shah Rukh Khan.
A coming of age tale of a SRK fan from the era of Orkut and Internet chats. The story treads its path touching teenage issues of fantasy vs. reality, Hero-fan relationship and most importantly, the quest vs. temptation of being loved.
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September 26, 2011 (FPRC) -- He watched Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi seven times in theatre and firmly feels that the movie didn't get the deserved praise and success, mostly because it was released after the unfortunate Mumbai's terror attacks and before the overhyped Ghajini.
No prize for guessing who is 'He' here? Of course, 'He' here is a SRK fan who easily can emulate hitting the chest action from Kal Ho Na Ho, open arm gesture from KANK, Na nana na nana badinage from KKHH, endearing dance steps of simpleton Suri from RNBDJ and run through moving dialogues for Mandira from his last hit, MNIK.
'I was twelve years old when I first saw Shah Rukh Khan doing skating stunts in the song Khoya mera dil hai from the movie Anjaam and I became an instant fan of him,' tells Shekhar Singh, an upcoming author ready with his debut novel, 'I Love You, Period!'
Like many Indian middle class families of that time, he didn't have cable television at home and Doordarshan didn't telecast recent releases at that time. But that didn't become a hurdle in the evolution of a fan-hero relationship over two decades. SRK magic was on its roll throughout nineties with his string of blockbusters like DDLJ, KKHH, and DTPH. Even his smaller hits like Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa and Yes Boss clicked big with audiences and the same held true for Shekhar.
'Such was SRK influence in 90's that every girl wanted a lover like SRK and every boy wanted to love his beloved like the Rahuls and Rajs portrayed by him in the movies,' adds Shekhar. Nineties was the golden period of his rising stardom, when audiences flocked to theatres in herds to watch his family romance dramas. He was the undisputed king of box office in 90's till Hrithik Roshan heralded on the silver screen with Kaho Na Pyaar Hai.
'As a SRK fan, that was the most trying period for his fans and him. His PDHH had bombed at box office and media had written him off. But his fans stood by him. I was on moon, when next 10-12 films of Hrithik continuously flopped after KNPH,' recalls Shekhar. Hrithik's flops meant more to his fans than the average hits of SRK in form of Josh and Mohabbatein. After that there was no looking back for SRK and his fans as KHNH, Veer Zaara, MHN, OSO, Chak De India, Don etc., all became instant super hits and earned applause for his performances as well.
So how does the idea of this book originate?
'I wouldn't say I always wanted and planned to write a book. Some circumstances led me to write this story which, of course, is loosely based on my real life experiences. While I was writing the book, I felt the story per se was a tribute to his cinema. Then I added some more elements to turn the story into a proper tribute,' replies Shekhar.
What should the readers expect from the book?
'Foremost, they will experience how SRK's portrayal of Raj and Rahul influenced the lives of his fans, and then how internet as a mode of communication has affected our worlds today. Besides, this story may not have a racy narrative, two dozen comic moments, thrilling twists in each chapter, but this story has a genuine heart and a meaningful message for its readers,' adds the debutant author.
I Love You, Period! is story of a shy, simple and introverted young man Raju. The novel takes through his journey from a small town to the cosmopolitan world of Delhi, and his transition from college to corporate life. As he settles in the new city and job, he faces his share of troubles - he hates the crowded city, his taxing job and his bad mouthing boss. On the verge of losing all the hope, enters Priya in his life like a whiff of fresh air. A charming, exuberant and vivacious girl, Priya is a complete antithesis of Raju. As time goes by, she captures Raju's heart, but revelation of a boyfriend brings things tumbling down.
However, in today's age of instant coffee, two minute Maggi and one night stands, and given the commitment level of individuals in relationships, the question - will Raju win his love in the end, forms the rest of the story.
What are your expectations from the book?
'As any first time author, I would love to see some positive feedback and appreciations for my first attempt. It would be satisfying if the story succeeds in passing the underline message to its readers. Bestseller tag is not in my hands, so I am not nervous in that respect. Besides, money was never on my mind while writing this book, a chance to meet SRK in person is the only reward I have in my mind,' comes the tongue-in-cheek reply from Shekhar.
Further plans after this book?
'First I will watch Ra.One as many times, till the time it doesn’t beat the record of 3 Idiots,' quickly replies Shekhar. 'Trailers have been awesome, location, music, theme, casting, cinematography, action, VFX, everything seems world-class and the movie has the potential to become all time blockbuster and prove his detractors wrong big time,' firmly believes Shekhar who is happy that one of characters played by SRK in Ra. One is called Shekhar.
It still needs to be seen how 'Ra.One' and 'I Love You, Period!' will be received by its respective audiences. But one thing is sure, 'I Love You, Period!' is a genuine tribute to Shah Rukh Khan from this ardent fan. Is SRK listening to his call???
Send an email to Shekhar Singh of APK Publishers
91-8989142906
Keywords:
Shah Rukh Khan, I Love You Period, Shekhar Singh
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