Book Review : ROMANCING THE 80’S – SNAPSHOTS FROM A CHERISHED DECADE By SEEMA SETHI

The early and the early 90’s whenever discussed / debated always bring back nostalgic memories and makes one wonder what it was and what it has become as the years and time literally flew by . The towering presence of the Iron lady of India and arguably the most powerful Prime Minister Indira Gandhi stood tall in the political landscape . India Is Indira, Indira is India  were slogans heard then .

The dominant extra power power yielded by her younger son Sanjay Gandhi etc. That was the high then came the twin tragedies – Sanjay Gandhi died in fatal air crash in 1980 and Indira Gandhi’s Operation Bluestar in Golden Temple Amritsar in 1984 was avenged by her Assassination by her own Sikh bodyguards on 31st October 1984 .

India showed sporting prowess by hosting the 1982 Asian Games In New Delhi that gave the city a new look. 1983 gave the nation the high when Kapil Dev Led Indian cricket cricket team stunned all by lifting the 1983 Prudential World Cup beating the mighty two – time defending Champions Clive Lloyd led West Indies in the final by 43 runs in that dream evening at Lord’s June 25, 1983. India could play one-day and win .

The nation’s secular ethos was tested when Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was brought down on December 6, 1992 and it was soon followed by the 1993 March 12, Mumbai serial blasts at 13 places and the riots which shook the nation. But early 90’s gave hope with Indian economy opening with reforms/ liberalisation under the Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and his finance Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Since then it was looking back. These the moments that are etched in history and in our mindset and remains unforgettable.

But apart from the political and sporting  scenario  there were other  things which  one can recall  with  fond memories .  And Seema Sethi aptly asks at the beginning you ask why the 80’s?  And I ask  what else? The 80’s tug at us as no other time . It’s our conversation, Our dance, our embrace. Of our time the 80’s.

The writer  beautifully brings to the fore the  things which  have gone forever  –  Big Single screen cinema halls,  English films  were screened only in select ones.  The news  was  the only window to the world with Doordarshan. To catch  a glimpse of  film songs –  and the  programme was Chitrahaar and days were fixed Wednesday and Friday 8 pm  It was Black and white the TV but soon colour TV made it to our drawing rooms  thanks to the 1982 Asiad Games.

The Sunday morning saw streets deserted as people / family were  positioned in  front of the TV as  Ramayan ( Sunday 9am- 10 am, 1987- 88) and Mahabharat ( Sunday 9am – 10 am 1988- 90)  came on the air.  Family soaps  like Hum Log, Buniyaad , and comedy like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi were in the lips of the masses .  Each and every characters became household names . There was the iconic  Rajani , showcasing that women were no less then men and could  work with ease and is confident .

A week was  spent in anticipation of the what the next episode will show of these serials. It raised the curiosity .  And in the market too as Colour TV arrived came companies  which gave people the choice/ option  which one to go for – Weston, Oscar, Beltek , Vijay , BPL- TV, Dayanora among others .

Flipping through the pages one is mesmerised by the  stunning visuals and the apt commentary so  candidly  told  that it  keeps the reader engaged right from start to finish . It brought back the childhood memories afresh. From bold fashion and iconic cinema to music and historic milestones, the book perfectly captures the essence of the era .

Hence for all those who wish to go down memory lane and relieve the aura of the 80’s . The coffee table book is a absolute must read and one that needs to be in your rich book collection surely. If not then you have certainly missed something .