Guest guest Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 I came to know about Khushwant Singh when I started reading The Illustrated Weekly of India while still at school. In fact, he was the founding editor of this widely-read magazine. Later, he wrote regularly for the Hindustan Times. His column was titled ‘Malice Towards One and All’. I think it was called ‘Malice Towards None’ afterwards. I can never forget a happy-looking Sardar encased in a light bulb, which typified this column. Somebody probably thought Khushwant Singh could light up the reader’s mood with his enjoyable anecdotes.  Khushwant Singh is a different man to different people. He is called the funny Sardar. Some consider him to be a lecher of the highest order. He was often reviled for his political views. Notwithstanding the difference in opinion among his followers, it is impossible to ignore him. He is brutally honest in his expressions.  Until recently, I had read  his ‘The Train to Pakistan’ only. He has written many other books but I did not think he is capable of quality in his works. I was too much influenced by public opinion. So I thought his writings would be just polished ribaldry. I was mistaken.  Over the last two months, I have read five of Khushwant’s books in succession. It is rare for me to devote so much time to a single writer. True to his style, two are nothing but titillating stuff. There are short stories. Then there is a novel. He can be thought-provoking when wants to. The description of his grandmother goes straight to the heart. He maintains a simple style and is forthright on all subjects.  He has written how he is preparing himself for his death. His thoughts are absolutely clear for a man so advanced in age. He is so detached from the finality that hallmarks death. It is almost surreal. Surprisingly, scotch is still a constant feature of his life. He has two drinks every day. Talking about religion and drinking, he says: Bande to bandagi kar ke bhi bande ban te nahin, Aur hum nikal te hain maikhane se khuda ban ke.  Sardar Khushwant Singh is truly a Sardaron ka Sardar. Bharat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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