Vishwajyoti Ghosh's new graphic novel re-imagines one of the most seminal moments in the history of Indian democracy -- the declaration of Emergency in June 1975
Vishwajyoti Ghosh's new graphic novel re-imagines one of the most seminal moments in the history of Indian democracyu00a0-- the declaration of Emergency in June 1975
"I was barely three when the Emergency was declared. But I remember how for years together, people would refer to that phase in hushed tones. I always wondered what was the fuss about; this shroud of secrecy over every aspect of that dark period," says Vishwajyoti Ghosh, author of hard-hitting graphic novel, Delhi Calm.
TEN-YEAR-OLD IDEA
As a student, Vishwajyoti and a bunch of friends (including late filmmaker Sourabh Usha Narang) planned to make a student film on the Emergency. Budget constraints didn't allow the idea to exhale. Yet, he was clear he wanted to explore this political phase in another format. That's where the illustrator and artwork expert emerged, and Delhi Calm was born two years ago. "I knew the visual possibilities were immense, and put pen to paper. My research involved speaking to experts who were around at the time, including my creative mentor JK Dhaundiyal."
Interviews, scouring through texts, pamphlets and documents ensured that every aspect of that turbulent era was covered.
IN GRAPHIC DETAIL
"Idealism was in the air then... I've used characters and aspects typical of that era. From the angry young man to the jhola-sporting activist, the band (there's a Naya Savera Band in the novel) that would go around spreading awareness through songs, and even the humble radio"
Being a Delhiite helped give his story artful shape and form, from details of roads to gullies and bazaars. What the reader cannot overlook is the sepia-tinged feel of this 246-pager. "I wanted to do a full-length graphic novel using water colour. It's a medium closest to my heart, and a big challenge to work with. The time I am referring to is one characterised by black and white. India turned colour only in 1982 with the arrival of colour television. Sepia water colours help recreate the atmosphere of the 70s."
His tongue-in-cheek title is ironic and reflects the tension that pervaded Delhi, of a time when people were forced to believe everything was fine. "Using the playing fields of Delhi's society, I wanted to explore the turbulence brewing underneath the calm."
Spotting the moon
Stylised uniqueness apart, one cannot but miss a series of black and white chapters that crisscross the main storyline. Taking a potshot at the dictatorial leaders (including a late Prime Minister) who enforced the Emergency in the name of democracy, it's a delightful representation that chronicles what Vishwajyoti terms as "waxing and waning" of a personality. That's why the protagonist in this sub-section is christened Moon. "I wanted to use the moon as an analogy for the growth of an individual," says Vishwajyoti.
Delhi Calm, Vishwajyoti Ghosh, Harper Collins India, Rs 499. Available at leading bookstores
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