I didnt know to sing without crying

till I sang in my book launch today.

This post is dedicated to Nirali, to thank her for taking me to her favorite temple, for being the host for the launch in Ahmedabad, for designing the cover of the book, and for urging me to sing at the launch.

While sorting out the pages of the novel for something nice to read out, I came across a piece that has a song at the end. I read it out to her and she loved it.

'There is only one problem.' I said.

'What.'

'I cant sing in public.'

'Why not?

'I might cry. It's too risky.

'Lets take the risk. Lets make a fool of ourselves, let others enjoy at our cost. Really.'

Something in her voice gave me the courage. I sang once (in a voice shaking with fear), and then a dear freind who had come for the launch, asked me to sing again. And the second time, my voice opened and expanded my conscousness in the entire hall.

So at least once in my life, for a few prescous moments, I sang in public, loud and clear!!!

Video clip of the same to be uploaded soon.

Thank you, Nirali.

And those of you in Mumbai, who dont yet know, please do come for the launch tomorrow, am pasting the details from an email by my sister:

I'm happy to invite you to the launch of my sister Manjushree Abhinav's debut novel, A Grasshopper's Pilgrimage, by Chetan Bhagat, the bestselling novelist, Tisca Chopra, renowned for her performance in Taare Zameen Pe, and Purab Kohli, whose popularity has surged with Rock On.

The launch is at 7 pm, on Wednesday, 15th April, at Crossword, Dynamix Mall, Near Chandan, Juhu, Bombay.

I'm looking forward to meeting you. It's an open event, so please do spread the word by forwarding this message to your friends and family

Grasshopper to launch in Mumbai

A Grasshopper's Pilgrimage,

to be launched in Mumbai

on 15th April

7 pm,

at the Juhu Crossword Book Store

by Chetan Bhagat!

All are welcome.

(A special invite to all those who have read the book. It will be fun to talk to you.)

A review in the Telegraph of Calcutta, begins like this:

A Grasshopper’s Pilgrimage (Rupa, Rs 150) by Manjushree Abhinav begins with a tall list of thank-yous that includes family members, the pet dog, the Muse and even the tree that gave its “life to make the pages of this book”. Such piety coexists with whacky humour, chick-lit oomph and beady-eyed dreams throughout the book .

Read the rest of it here.