In his debut novel Harp, Gun Nidhi Dalmia offers a glimpse into the bygone era of the sixties, revisiting the idealism, music and culture of a generation, who, like him, believed that the good times would never end.
Born into one of India’s oldest industrialist families, Gun Nidhi Dalmia, son of the late Ramkrishna Dalmia, was brought up in surroundings typified by business and culture. While imbibing nuances of running businesses, he also cherished the spiritual environment prevalent at home, where Vedas and Upanishads were a part of his home-schooling.
We bring you a tête-à-tête with the industrialist-turned-author, who has penned a fictional tale of love, longing and coming-of-age, in a decade popularly referred to as the ‘Swinging Sixties’.
What motivated you to write Harp?
I wanted to describe the hope and idealism of the sixties that I and many others thought would never end—how the themes conveyed then were universal and how music interspersed with everyday life. I wanted to write about the universality of human emotions and feelings. We all have stories to tell. I wrote a tale about how love and obligation compartmentalise people, making them choose between love and duty, between the head and the heart, between one’s social contract and what one wants. The individual choices one has to make have profound consequences. I wanted to portray a deeply felt love story, as different as any personal experience can be.
Have you wanted to be a writer for a long time?
This story is from the May - June 2017 edition of MARWAR India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May - June 2017 edition of MARWAR India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Rolex Renaissance
To mark the International Women's Day, a shout out to women watch aficionados to embark on a journey of alluring Rolex wristwatches and consider adding some of them, at least, to your existing collection.
Style it up with Lights
Brighten up your decor with intriguing lights that give a unique character to your room and maximise your space. Browse through this luxurious selection of immersive lights for an unparalleled experience.
THE MODERN MINIMALIST
An immersive experience of the updated Range Rover Velar changes little of its outer persona while cleaning up the interior, yet somehow improving on its already-regal ride quality.
Capturing The Essence of Freedom
Swadheen, a retrospective exhibition held at Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Mumbai, celebrated the life and times of Jankidevi Bajaj, a proponent of Gandhian values and staunch supporter of Khadi.
A Soul-Stirring Experience
The 15th edition of Sacred Spirit Festival held in the royal Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur showcases the spiritual significance of music that transcends communities, cultures and creeds.
Revisiting Roots
Bharati Morarka, Chairperson, Morarka Foundation, has been promoting the legacy of her late industrialist and politician husband Kamal Morarka at considerable cost and effort.
The Flying Carpet
Hands Carpets puts the spotlight on the 143-yearold legacy and the ancient heritage of hand knotted carpets. MARWAR speaks to Ravi Patodia, Chairperson, Patodia Exports, and his sons Apurva Patodia and Pranay Patodia, Managing Directors, on the journey and the aesthetic allure and craftsmanship of one of the leading handcrafted carpet brands in the world.
THE WRITE CHOICE
The life of Deepak Jalan, Managing Director, Linc Limited, has been a journey of learning, adapting, and growing amidst the landscapes that shaped him.
A Legacy of Timeless Elegance
India's leading jewellery brand, Navrathan Jewellers, is renowned for its legacy and commitment to heritage and excellence.
Wonder Women
Celebrating International Women's Day with empowering stories of women who stepped out of their comfort zones to break some stereotypes and, in the bargain, are inspiring us for the better.