The book can be quite a deterrent for the average wannabe film-maker, hence, read it cautiously! Otherwise, the language is simple, the pace is good and the story itself is moderately engrossing. If you manage to make yourself care about the central character, till the end, I guess the job of the writer is half done. I'm not sure how many of us would actually, really care. But the tid-bits about the industry are very spicy, and would definitely enthrall the avid gossip-seekers. Read it with an open mind! Bombay Duck is a Fish, the title which is a misnomer is also symbolic of Bollywood. Behind the glitz, the stardom, the lights and the glamor is a world that is ugly, manipulative, merciless and without any pretensions of morals or principles. This is the premise on which author Kanika Dhillon bases her debut novel. A young, educated Punjabi girl from Amritsar gives up a lucrative career in management to chase her dream of becoming a filmmaker. She begins at the lowest rung, as an Assistant Director, and the lowest ranked at that. There are other ADs who are senior to her and she must follow the most whimsical orders to perfection. Through her hard work and dedication she begins to rise but then falls in love with a rising star, gets involved in a scandal, and many other twists and turns later finds her life hanging by the edge. What happens next is spoiler worthy and I think can be enjoyed better by reading the novel.Bombay Duck is a Fish is an interesting title and the same is also true about the story. Though there are stereotypes and predictable situations, the narrative and the breezy writing keeps the reader engrossed till the end. Along the way there's some star worship too, with none other than SRK making a surprise entry. Actually this is not surprising since Kanika Dhillon began her Bollywood career as a scriptwriter in SRK's company Red Chillies.The book while taking you behind the camera into the world of Bollywood does not reveal much that is not already known or heard. However, there are bits about the kind of job an AD has to do which are fresh and amusing. The bitching and rivalries between starlets also finds a mention. All said and done this is a fun read with all masala to keep the reader involved. Not a classic or a definitive book on bollywood but a light read that entertains and also makes one think about the superficiality and ugliness hidden behind the glitter of showbiz. A book well written and deserves praise particularly as it is the writer's first book.
What do You think about Bombay Duck Is A Fish (2011)?
very much enjoyed it, except for the end - tho the last paragraph of the acknowledgements is fine!
—Kitten
A light read. For days when you don't want to think too much :P
—orvin
story was okay but too many characters n bad ending!!!
—jass
my sister's first book and can't be more proud.
—laurie
