What do You think about Show Business (1993)?
I loved this book. Written by an Indian national, it has the resonance of that culture, which to me is unique. The story is all about Bollywood and young film-star, Ashok, who seems to happily stumble into just about everything in his life -- he goes to Bollywood, and becomes a star, and eventually also has a political career. The book combines styles, including film play format. I laughed out loud at descriptions of Ashok's movies. At the end I was left with a lot to ponder. Tharoor's subtle satire of the culture of Bollywood and the political scene of India is reminiscent of Rushdie.
—Sherry
Of all the books of Shashi Tharoor's , this one definitely seems like the worst. The book lacks a good narrative - in fact there is absolutely nothing that holds one's attention. The plot is very contrived, seems like inspired from the lives/gossip we hear about so many of the popular Bollywood actors that you predict the story in most places. I used to regularly read his opinion columns - and they were usually well written even if I dint agree with his arguments. This has left me wondering whether it is the same guy...
—Durga
