NOVEL RELEASED IN INDIA

Harper Collins has published Dahanu Road in India. Had wonderful readings in Bombay and Delhi. Even though my work's been translated into many languages and published in many countries, it's a great feeling to finally see the novel in Indian bookstores.

In the photo, from the left, singer/choreographer Shiamak Davar, Anosh Irani, film director Govind Nihalani, and Bollywood actor Boman Irani at the Bombay launch.

The word STATIONERY can be seen above our heads, but I promise you we weren't selling pens. Or anything of the sort.

BAHROT - AS IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW

With the monsoons finally hitting Dahanu, the hills turn green, shy at first, then suddenly opulent, bursting with color. As mentioned in one of my earlier entries, this is the route to the seven caves where the Iranshah, the Fire Of Victory, was preserved -- and hidden -- for twelve years, when the Muslims invaded Sanjan and forced the Zoroastrians to flee. This fire is believed to be have been kept burning for 1284 years. It currently shines bright and strong in Udvada, Gujarat.

But going back to the photograph, there's something about an Indian monsoon that is unforgettable. The spray of water on your face as you ride your motorcycle, the sudden shiver as the wind makes your shirt balloon, and when you stop riding, and rest, the trickling of water, gurgling, purring away, making you long for a steaming cup of masala chai.