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Show Business (1993)

Show Business (1993)

Book Info

Genre
Rating
3.15 of 5 Votes: 2
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ISBN
1559702273 (ISBN13: 9781559702270)
Language
English
Publisher
arcade publishing

About book Show Business (1993)

Tharoor's Show Business gives an interesting composition of the Indian entertainment industry's links to society and politics. The book reflects the old saying that what you get is not what you want and what you want is not what you get. The book indeed delivers some very strong messages of integrity and what greed and indifference and disloyalty can bring to one's life. While songs are selling features in Bollywood movies, I am not sure how much the transliteration of songs in the movie narratives added entertainment value. Maybe Tharoor wanted to make it look as literal as possible for the movie scripts. I believe the author considered the scripts integral to reflect show business as much as he discussed the personal lives. From a non-actor to a megastar and then a politician turned down to the lowest self-esteem anyone can imagine, this book reflects how greed and lust can turn one's otherwise success to doom. The novel becomes predictable towards the end.

I know very little about India or Bollywood so I was happy to win this book through the Goodreads giveaways.I was a little confused in the beginning of the book due to both the style and my lack of knowledge of India but became intrigued by the story. It was not long before I caught on. It was an enjoyable read with a surprise ending that I never expected.The characters are well developed and interesting. It is a well written very realistic story about a self absorbed man who gives no real thought to the people around him. When the story appears predictable there is a hint that something has happened which has not been revealed and then takes another twist. That is what keeps the story interesting.I am sure someone who knows something about the Bollywood movies would find it even more enjoyable.

Do You like book Show Business (1993)?

I loved this book. Written by an Indian national, it has the resonance of that culture, which to me is unique. The story is all about Bollywood and young film-star, Ashok, who seems to happily stumble into just about everything in his life -- he goes to Bollywood, and becomes a star, and eventually also has a political career. The book combines styles, including film play format. I laughed out loud at descriptions of Ashok's movies. At the end I was left with a lot to ponder. Tharoor's subtle satire of the culture of Bollywood and the political scene of India is reminiscent of Rushdie.
—Sherry

Of all the books of Shashi Tharoor's , this one definitely seems like the worst. The book lacks a good narrative - in fact there is absolutely nothing that holds one's attention. The plot is very contrived, seems like inspired from the lives/gossip we hear about so many of the popular Bollywood actors that you predict the story in most places. I used to regularly read his opinion columns - and they were usually well written even if I dint agree with his arguments. This has left me wondering whether it is the same guy...
—Durga

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