Book Review:Made in India

Title: Made in India
Author: Biddu
Publisher: Read Out Loud Publishing LLP
Genre: Autobiography

THE BOOK

CONTENT:

‘Made in India’ is the journey of a musical icon Biddu. It is an insight into his dreams, his aspirations and the path he follows to live his dreams, achieve his aspirations. Told in first person, the book takes us on virtual tour of Biddu’s life right from his school days till the point he decided to pen this book. Spanning over a period of over five decades ‘Made in India’ gives the reader an insight into not only the making of Biddu the singer, lyricist, composer and producer but also into the changes that have taken place over the years, in the lifestyle, culture, nature and tastes of people both in India and abroad.

The Calcutta and Bombay (now Mumbai) of the 60s are put across well in just a few pages so too the spirit of brotherhood of the people of the Middle East of those times. Neither jobs, nor money were easy to come by then. If ever someone made it to the top, it was only through sheer hard-work. Biddu’s indomitable spirit is very much evident throughout the book. Laced with anecdotes here and there, ‘Made in India’ is not only an interesting read but an inspiring one too. And yes, there is also this little thing that impressed me- the naming of Biddu’s children. While the son was named ‘Zak’, the daughter went by the name ‘Zaza’. Wondering what’s so special about that? Well it’s not the names but the thought that went into it that impressed me. Biddu tells us that “the reason for giving the kids names beginning with ‘Z’ was to teach them patience. In school they would have to learn tolerance as the teacher called out the pupils’ names during morning roll call, usually in alphabetical order beginning with the letter A.” Now isn’t this truly ‘zen of an idea’ as Biddu puts it?

‘Made in India’ is in every way an account of the ‘roller-coaster journey of a young man in his quest to become a success.’

LANGUAGE & PACE: The language is simple and easy to digest. The pace is perfect. Nowhere during the entire book did I feel my interest wane.

THE AUTHOR

Born in India, Biddu started his career playing in a pop band whose influences lay in the classic repertoire of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Following his early success, he decided to move West and enter the international music arena. He struck gold, signing the unknown Carl Douglas and producing “Kung Fu Fighting”. The album went on to become a hit all over the globe. Biddu also wrote and produced hits for Tina Charles and soul legend Jimmy James.

Biddu’s tryst with Bollywood saw the birth of “AapJaise Koi” for the film Qurbani. His pop album, “Disco Deewane” with Nazia Hassan became the largest selling pop album in Asian history and was the first Indian album to hit the charts in fourteen countries. In 1995, Biddu wrote and produced the three-million-selling album “Made in India” featuring singer Alisha Chinai.

RECOMMENDATION & RATING : A wonderful read, one that’s sure to not only feed the reader’s curiosity regarding the making of Biddu the music icon but also the making of some of his hits like the nine million selling “Kung Fu Fighting” and the iconic youth anthem of “Made in India”, I give this book 4 on a scale of 5.

**********************************************************************************************************

Giveaway Details
1 Gift Voucher : $10 Amazon GV or INR 500 Flipkart GV (Winner’s Choice)
1 Signed copy of Curse of the Godman by Biddu
Paperback copy of Made in India by Biddu

Enter via the Rafflecopter given below

a Rafflecopter giveaway