In Priya in Incredible Indyaa, Namita Gokhale revisits several beloved characters from her 1984 unconventional hit Paro. In this narrative, Priya Kaushal's parents arrange her marriage to Suresh Kaushal, a lawyer known for his ascetic lifestyle. Now in her fifties, Priya has evolved into a sophisticated homemaker, yet she is not a typical satisfied mother.
Her husband serves as a Minister, which elevates her status to that of a woman of consequence, a role she embraces while residing in her expansive, elegant residence in Lutyens’ Delhi. This lifestyle starkly contrasts with her modest upbringing in bustling Mumbai, where she was surrounded by the city's elite. She is fiercely determined to maintain this new life, even as she consciously overlooks the fact that her husband frequently takes advantage of her.
To further complicate matters, she has named her twins Luv and Kush. In response to her friends' real and imagined infidelities, she chooses to turn a blind eye. However, her silence is not that of a weak, complaining woman; rather, it reflects her commitment to traditional values of loyalty and fidelity.
Remarkably, Priya manages to keep her rivals close, even forming reluctant friendships with a woman she suspects is her husband's mistress. Her anger dissipates quickly when this woman gifts her a charming Dior bag.
Priya is not averse to indulging in her own pleasures. During a trip to Mumbai, she rekindles a romance with her youthful crush, BR, who was both her former boss and first love. The fact that she still harbors feelings for BR—undoubtedly the only man she has ever truly loved—provides her with solace amid her emotional turmoil. She ensures that every visit to Bombay includes a meeting with him for a clandestine encounter.
Amidst the turmoil, readers can immerse themselves in the metaphors reflecting Priya's nurturing bond with her twins, her societal anxieties, and her gentle disposition as she navigates the elite circles of Delhi, all while approaching menopause and searching for suitable partners for her doppelgängers. Concurrently, she grapples with the challenges of being the spouse of a public figure, often confronting the pretenses that accompany such a role.
Suresh’s companion, Lenin, remains a steadfast Marxist, while his wife Geeta wields significant influence within the Indian administration. Their daughter, Paromita, finds herself enamored with Priya’s son, Luv. The narrative also features the boisterous and ruthless Poonam, who exhibits no moral reservations in aligning herself with those in power to ascend the social ladder.
Despite her rise from a middle-class background to the wife of a brief and then to a minister's companion, Priya remains grounded and never forgets her origins. This aspect underscores the true essence of the narrative, offering a candid portrayal of contemporary India, with all its flaws. Priya frequently pens observations on topics such as Special Economic Zones, the Indian Premier League, poverty, Maoist supporters, and more.
The authors’ elegant prose draws readers into the superficial realm of Delhi’s charming lawmakers, arms dealers, vapid socialites, shrewd gold traders, former Bollywood stars, and numerologists, who collectively represent a vibrant yet insatiable segment of India’s power-hungry populace.
Social hierarchies subtly emerge, akin to sudden calluses, with figures such as Shahnawaz Sheikh, the minister; Ved Anand, the artist; and Bhayanika, the fashionable individual, weaving intricate subplots that form the essence of the narrative. Fortunately, the reader is not confined to this toxic atmosphere throughout, as the author frequently draws one back into Priya’s authentic world, particularly her familial relationships. Through her interactions with her children and her personal reflections, we observe her adaptable nature; Priya is a social climber, yet she possesses a vibrant sense of morality.
The narrative unfolds in Priya’s voice, presented in a chronological format that offers a glimpse of contemporary India through her keen observations and sharp intellect. She is empathetic, genuine, and straightforward. Even the minister is brought down to a relatable level when viewed through her perspective, allowing readers to appreciate the political landscape, gossip, and the lively dynamics of Delhi’s society.
This wickedly humorous and occasionally heartwarming book resonates with various moral complexities, as the author revitalizes beloved characters from ‘Paro’ and immerses them into the treacherous depths of Delhi’s power struggles, wealth, and excess. The sharp commentary elicits laughter, fostering a fondness for Priya Kaushal.
This well-crafted novel is likely to resonate with many Indians, particularly those who grew up in the 1970s to the 1990s, which is where the true strength of the narrative lies. It presents India as it is, devoid of the cynicism often associated with prominent figures who tend to trivialize the experience.
The book offers the reader an insightful glimpse into the elite lifestyle of Delhi, revealing the artifice that permeates it, the insincere joy, the shallow friendships, self-serving agreements, and the dual conversations that are both vividly engaging and sharply humorous. It provides a sardonic perspective on the progress of society, highlighting advancements not only in the economy but also in social dynamics.
