New Delhi: “Janpriya lekhak Om Prakash Sharma was a popular novelist. In fact, I would say he was a people’s novelist,” says Virendra Sharma, one of his four sons, to ThePrint.
“While he did write many detective novels, he was deeply influenced by history and society around him. This shows in many of his writings as well. It’s difficult to pick a favourite, but mine is Khoon ki Dus Boondein (Ten Drops of Blood),” Virendra says.
Om Prakash Sharma was a popular Hindi novelist who wrote more than 450 books. Born in Meerut on 25 December 1924, Sharma, who was a freedom fighter, worked at the Delhi Cloth Mill and was deeply inspired by communist and socialist ideals, which led him to take part in many trade union activities. His political leanings were also reflected in his prolific writing.
Sharma was a realistic writer who highlighted issues of untouchability and other social evils, yet still managed to combine these with an element of reverie and mystery in the form of detective novels. He wrote these novels in his own unique style, without copying the West or using any of the common tropes. The hero in his books was the everyman, who was not portrayed as invincible. He readily accepted the weaknesses of human beings and portrayed them in his protagonists.
On his 21st death anniversary, ThePrint examines four of Om Prakash Sharma’s books, which showcase his range as a writer of historical fiction, thriller and social commentary.
Idhar Rahman Udhar Beimaan
An exploration of the people who came to India from modern-day Bangladesh in 1971 because of the dictatorial regime in what was then East Pakistan, the story talks about one particular ruler, Ayub, who was living in the lap of luxury while the people around him were suffering.
Khoon ki Dus Boondein
The book is set during the reign of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah Rangeela. Gulhasan, the head of the intelligence department, discovers that Iranian ruler Nadir Shah is planning an attack on Lahore and informs the emperor. Rangeela calls three of his ministers, who feel humiliated since the summons were issued because of Gulhasan, who they dislike intensely. The rest of the story traces Gulhasan and his disciples as they attempt to halt Nadir Shah’s army.
Toofan Ki Raat
Set in the 1970s, this social satire tells the story of five college girls who take on the dowry system. A boy, Shyam Sundar, comes to meet Radha and they both like each other and agree to get married. However, Shyam’s parents refuse to let him marry Radha because they are not happy with the dowry amount. Shyam, scared of his parents, bows down to their wishes. But when Radha’s friends hear about this, they are outraged and decide that they will ensure this marriage takes place. They trap Shyam and then get him and Radha married in court.
Ek Teer Do Shikaar
Kant and Sudha are a married couple who go on their honeymoon to Darjeeling. While there, another woman staying at the same hotel is murdered and Kant is the prime suspect. With the help of the hotel waiter, Sudha finds Chakramji, a private detective vacationing in Darjeeling with his main aide — his dog Hawabaz, and requests him to investigate the case.
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I need contact details of Mr Sharma sons