MAHARAJA IN DENIMS MARCHES ITS WAY INTO THE SILVER SCREEN
One man, many hats! And now, a new feather in his cap! But that’s how Khushwant Singh has been in his journey with life. Breaking stereotypes and barriers.
Author and presently State Information Commissioner, Punjab, Khushwant Singh’s novel Maharaja In Denims, has been acquired for a cinematic adaptation by Guneet Monga, the producer of hits like Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox. A historical fiction book, Maharaja In Denims straddles history and the present through its intriguing narrative of a present day teen, who feels he is a reincarnation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as he gets flashes of being the king himself of the past.
The novel explores polarized themes of history, politics on one hand and love, passion, emotions on the other. Having read it, I can personally comment that it weaves the stories of two eras beautifully and very seamlessly. The book traverses across time and space but the common factor is the Punjabi culture. The intermingling world of medievalism and modernism makes for a unique genre and, of course, a fascinating saga! Although there have been several book to screen journeys, but this is certainly a special one for Punjab and Punjabis, for the script has been penned by a Punjabi and life will be infused into it by Guneet Monga whose heart clearly beats for Punjab and its people. In her tweet while announcing the acquistion of the rights of Maharaja in Denims Guneet wrote- I have been fascinated by the epic tales of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was looking to tell the story of the legend! Have acquired the rights of bestselling novel, Maharaja In Denims, written by the renowned author Khushwant Singh “.
“The movie will resonate well with the millennials because of its scintillating plot and rich imagery”, says Khushwant. Having said that, when Khushwant penned this novel and released it in 2014, little did he know that the narrative would catch the fancy of the celluloid world. “I’m honoured, excited and humbled with this development. Guneet is an extremely dynamic producer and I’m certain she will do complete justice to the narrative”, smiles Khushwant.
Guneet Monga, who is known for her exceptional work and award winning films, is the founder of Sikhya Entertainment – an entity having a global footprint – one, that has changed the way Indian cinema is viewed internationally.
Khushwant has several other books to his credit –Sikhs Unlimited, The Turbaned Tornado and the much acclaimed biography of Captain Amarinder Singh, The People’s Maharaja.
Maharaja in Denims is a book, which I have read, re-read, loved and lived many times over. I can vouch for the fact that several others have done the same. While we wish the author and the producer the very best, we cannot contain our excitement and our very own triumphant thrill of a movie being made by Guneet Monga on a book written on Punjab by our very own from Punjab!
Written by: Adarsh Gill Brar
