Tirupathi Khemka’s “Dented and Painted” – Review by Sankha Ghosh

Since the time when the sensationalisation of social issues gained its hues – the commercialization of it has gained popularity. Media has taken a major role in it. Be it the Pink revolution or the Tahrir Square call – media and social networking sites were the backbones. Though they are accused of partial-favoritism or spreading halo effect or overt sensationalization – the importance is undoubted. And, in India, when the citizens are rallying with candles to protest against the insecurity of women – the book “Dented and Painted” holds an importance. Though the offences against women are the fruits of male chauvinism or the sudden emergence of animal instinct or a combination of both is a debatable issue – we cannot avoid being sensible. And, in his book, Mr. Khemka did an honest attempt to bring on that sensibility among the readers.

Through 23 short stories, the book has portrayed the issues revolving women. It addresses the whole gamut of problem our society is facing. Starting from a closed-door life lived and also died without identity to the victim of a terrible incest – the book covers it all with equal sensibility. It covers women of all colors. Of all realms. They seem real. They are real. And, the author deeply but subtly delved into the women psyche with utter care. And, it touched our hearts. It never became morally overburdening – but the open-ended questions or realizations at the end of each stories tickles mind for long.

The author has a smooth style of his own. He wrote the stories with heart. Each of his stories was moist with tears. Racked with pain. The pain showed in his choice of words and expressions. But the stories sometime became too hasty. Though, it never compromised with the overall feeling – it would have been better to have some more character introduction, a bit more detailing. Though it pinches you to think – it never bleeds you from within.

Dented and painted. Though the author never touched upon any political intervention in the whole of the book – the pejorative phrase in the title silently says a lot.

“Manhood established his world with set of rules; womanhood strikes back, unfortunately playing same set of rules” – perhaps this is where the difference with this book lies. Though it has stories of oppressed, abused, used women – it never became feminist or sexist. It carefully handled the thin line of sensibility and sexism.

The author deserves kudos for his noble attempt. He attempts to relate to the reader’s heart – makes it cry – feel the pain it hides at the furthest of the nook – and change as a human being. On a larger perspective – it is an attempt to change the society. Pen is always the biggest arm for bringing change. Hope it gets true to mark a promising start.

Book Details:

Publisher: Notion Press
Publication Year: 2013
MRP: Rs. 450
ISBN: 13 9789382447443
Binding: Hardcover

The book is available in all major online and offline bookstores in India.

• About the Author

About Sankha Ghosh

Sankha Ghosh was never born in that 'City of Joy', never was a banker, never watched a Godard, never loved Kafka, never fell for that Solitary Reaper, never danced on a friend’s wedding, never fought for human rights, never had a crush at college and never ever aspired to work on a novel! Never was he as simple as this! #He wishes