Godaan, Nirmala and other stories

Author: Munshi Premchand, Screenplay: Gulzar
Publisher: The Lotus Collection, Roli Books, New Delhi; (ISBN 978-93-5194-105-7, Rs 795)

When we talk of Indian literature, we cannot fail to remember the writings of Munshi Premchand. Packaged beautifully, this two-book set is a treasure for all literature enthusiasts. The stories are realistic, focusing on the problems of the poor and urban middle class. Gulzar also needs no introduction. His screenplay has added charm to the whole script.

Written beautifully, these evergreen stories have come to life again. Set in a village in Uttar Pradesh, Godaan is the story of misfortunes of a poor farmer, who has his heart set on buying a cow but his life gets entangled in the web of debts and circumstances that never lets him come out of the throes of caste segregation and exploitation in an unequal society. Written more than eighty years ago, this classic adaptation by Gulzar is still relevant and brings to fore the fact that for the farmer or a labour in rural India, things are still the same.

The second book in the twin pack is a screenplay of Nirmala & Other Stories. Nirmala is about a young girl, who marries a widower. But, problem arises when the man sees his bride very friendly with his son, who is of the same age as her. All the stories are heart-warming and leave a lasting impression on the readers.