Made in India is Autobiography of Biddu who made a name for himself in Music worldwide. In India he is famously known for "Aap Jaisa koi", "Made in India" and the one album which sold 100,000 copies on its launch day, "Disco Deewane". His contribution to Indian music scene is meager compared to what Biddu has done internationally. He has sung, written and composed many songs in his long career which he begun at an early age.
Biddu was born at the time when World War II had just ended, India was infant, and above all Bangalore was a VILLAGE. In those times India was ridden with socialism and kindness. Biddu's autobiography is alot about how people were kind to him. Be it a Jockey from Calcutta, an unknown man from Mumbai streets, or a Food vendor in Iran. Not to mention "Band -Aid" who met him at Najaf and many more during his pilgrimage in Middle East .
It doesn't mean the unkind didn't exist.The whole world wasn't really so hunky-dory to him. Biddu like any other musician only learned with time about the importance of safeguarding financial interest. He himself confesses be it the wedding at Hyderabad where he played first time outside Bangalore or Trinca in Calcutta, he could have played it for free. He was only glad to receive money.
Liquor or Marijuana is easy to come by in his field but he did not heed to any such addictions. As a reader he earned humongous respect. However, Biddu had one obsession apart from his music his long hair.
The book is an honest account of Biddu's aspiration with tongue in cheek humour. The flow is smooth and there are many delightful revelations about music and second half of 20th century .
The book is highly evocative and my favorite instance is Biddu contemplating to become a conductor in London bus service. A long haired, smart, good looking chap with guitar hung by neck, and wearing Afgan coat who collects tickets would have been quite a sight.
This is the Journey worth reading even in paperback.
Rating- 4.8 out of 5
Disclaimer: This Book was received in a Giveaway and I also know Ritesh Kala of Read Out Loud who are associated with the book. (How I nearly missed receiving this prize is another blog story)
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