Parikshat (Ajay) Sahni’s memoirs launched in Mumbai

Mumbai: Actors Anupam Kher and Deepti Naval here on Sunday launched a new book written by veteran actor and writer Parikshat Sahni, which is a collection of his memoirs.
The book, ‘Strange Encounters’, was released by Simon & Schuster India,
“This book is a hybrid of essays, reminiscences and commentaries… stray incidents that made an impression on me during my travels through life. Written down as they came to me in my contemplative moments, this is an unweaving of memories from my days as a film student in Russia to settling in India and embracing Bollywood and celebrity,” shared Parikshat Sahni during the launch.
“I love the title ‘Strange Encounters’ very much, it’s brought back so many of my own memories… because it’s such a universal occurrence. Everyone, at some point in their life, experiences something remarkable, a story worth telling. I always believe your failures become your best stories. Because of this book we got to meet today and speak with old friends. This is the intoxication of books, to hold a copy in your hand and discuss it with loved ones,” Anupam Kher said.
“There are so many charming stories about Russia, India, Pakistan… ghost stories, film stories, love stories. I wish him all the best for this book, I have waited for this book, these exciting stories, for such a long time. I have always known Parikshat ji is a sensitive writer. I can’t wait for the next book, the next ten books, from his pen,” Deepti Naval added.
Sahni chronicles stories from a life whose pendulum swings wildly from the humorous to the utterly horrifying. He confronts his thanatophobia on film sets and his atheism on an ill-prepared trek to Amarnath; he gives us drinking lessons with screenwriter friends and a profound insight into the state of culture wars in present-day Kashmir. He recalls the thrill of young love in Russia and its attendant treacheries of the heart, as well as a study of Pakistan, a history of India as the land of the many, and a look at the current political discourse through the eyes of a refugee.
Known for playing the lead roles in Gul Gulshan Gulfaam (Door Darshan), Gaatha (Star Plus), and Barrister Vinod, Sahni has also appeared in Rajkumar Hirani’s films Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. He is the son of noted actor Balraj Sahni and nephew of Bhisham Sahni, a celebrated writer. (UNI)