Banaras Talkies by Satya Vyas : Laughing Away BHU BLUES

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Recently I was invited to a book launch event in my city and it was so refreshing to get back to Hindi literature at the fair.As a child, I had started reading Hindi literature by reading the classics but I soon lost interest when I tried reading contemporary Hindi literature.It dealt with serious issues that depressed my young self. Coming back to the book fair,I picked Satya Vyas’s book ” Banaras Talkies “ after listening to him talk at the book launch event. His clear headedness and simple demeanour impressed me enough to entice me into buying this book.So here I am sharing my experience after reading this book. I read Banaras Talkies in Hindi but it is available in English and some other Indian languages too.

About the Author Satya Vyas

Satya Vyas is a young and  prominent contemporary Hindi writer known for his engaging storytelling and relatable characters.Born on January 1, 1980, in Bokaro, Jharkhand, he later pursued law at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). This experience heavily influenced his writing, particularly his first novel, “Banaras Talkies.”

Writing Style: Vyas is considered a pioneer of “Nai Wali Hindi” (New Hindi), a style that uses simpler, more colloquial language, making his work accessible to a wider audience, especially the youth. He blends humor, romance, and social commentary in his narratives.

Notable Works

Banaras Talkies (2015): A coming-of-age story set in BHU, capturing the essence of student life and the city of Varanasi.Buy it HERE

Dilli Darbar: A tale of friendship and life in Delhi.

Chaurasi/84: A more serious work based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, showcasing Vyas’s range as a writer.

Baghi Ballia: Explores student politics.

Uff Kolkata: A story set in Kolkata.

Impact: Vyas has garnered a large following, particularly among young readers, and is credited with revitalizing interest in Hindi literature. His books have been translated into several languages, including English.A kindle version is also available for this bestseller.

Satya Vyas’s work is characterized by its authentic portrayal of contemporary Indian life, making him a significant voice in modern Hindi literature.

Banaras Talkies by Satya Vyas
Source – Amazon.in

Book Blurb -Banaras Talkies

A perfect college. Three imperfect students.
A caring hostel.
Three careless mates.
The decisive years.
Three ignorant souls.
A bomb blast and A close shave.
Welcome to life through the gate of BHU.

Banaras Talkies – The Book Review

“Banaras Talkies” by Satya Vyas is a delightful journey into the heart of Banaras and the vibrant world of college life. Vyas masterfully weaves a coming of age tale that captures the essence of this ancient city and the vibrance of youth with humor and nostalgia.

Coming of age and the flavour of Benaras

The characters in “Banaras Talkies” are the life of the story. They are relatable, flawed, and utterly endearing. The protagonist, Suraj, is a young student navigating the ups and downs of college life, love, and friendship. His friends, with their unique quirks and personalities, add depth and humor to the narrative. The supporting cast, including professors, hostel mates, and local Banarasis, further enriches the story with their distinct flavors.

Vyas paints a vivid picture of Banaras, bringing this iconic city to life with his words. The reader can almost smell the incense and taste the street food as they take a stroll along the ghats of this ancient city or converge at the student’s favourite meeting place they call“Lanka”. The local dialect and cultural nuances add authenticity to the story, immersing the reader in the scent of Banaras.

Essence of College Life

The novel also beautifully captures the essence of college life. The camaraderie, the rivalries, the crushes, and the anxieties of youth are all portrayed with a touch of humor and nostalgia. It transports the reader back to their own college days, reliving the joys and sorrows of that transformative period.

The only negative for me was the plethora of expletives but I guess this is how young college going  men of all generations talk so at least the expletives add that touch of genuineness to his narration.

To conclude I’d say, “Banaras Talkies” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a lighthearted and engaging story with well-developed characters and a strong sense of roots or earthiness. It is a celebration of friendship, youth, and the magic of Banaras.

My Rating – 5/5

This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile

“This post is a part of ‘Embrace the Native Blog Hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters”

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