The importance of being Khushwant Singh

I suppose fate could have worse things in store than having to read (and re-read) Khushwant Singh, even though the thought of another collection of his columns, articles or essays is fatiguing. The Sardar has his legion of fans, and has managed to enchant India with his weekly columns translated even into Urdu, as we learn from editor Sheela Reddy who recounts a visit to her butcher’s shop where the writer is feted with his own account of his long hair unfurling in a London swimming pool. Outside the shop, even Singh wonders, “It’s something, isn’t it, when even the butcher reads you?”

Reddy’s “Introduction” could be the best thing about this book, which though it says nothing new about India’s “dirty old man” — really, what more can be said about him? — is at least a lively account of the idiosyncrasies of one of the country’s most adored writers. She points to his depth of knowledge and his lack of affectation, his austere discipline not only with regard to his evening happy hours but also his profession, and his evident curiosity in all things around him.

I have no quarrels with Reddy’s selection of Khushwant’s writings beyond the obvious that no thread or thought binds them together. Of course, there is a sense of déjà vu at having to read what has appeared too often elsewhere, and the delinquency in leaving out the source and date of each piece is unforgiveable. But like most Khushwant Singh books, Penguin will make enough money to ensure him a handsome royalty.

WHY I SUPPORTED THE EMERGENCY
Author: Khushwant Singh
Editor: Sheela Reddy
Publisher: Penguin Viking
Pages: 320
Price: Rs 450