I have known Manav Kaul as a brilliant B’wood actor from his performances in films like Tumhari Sulu, Music Teacher, Albert Pinto ko gussa kyu aata hai, Jai Gangajal, and Nail Polish. Apart from his identity as an actor, he has made a remarkable mark in theatre writing, script work, poetry, and literature. The name ‘Rooh” seems a pretty intriguing title for the book, along with its cover. Upon reading, I loved how Manav Kaul portrays his travel and spiritual journey back in Baramulla, Kashmir, with a quest to re-live lost childhood days, embrace his place of birth, and re-connect to the hinterlands. I love the narrative of blending a peek into the past moments growing up in Baramulla’s Khawaja Bagh, Kashmir, and Hosangabad, Madhya Pradesh while being treated as an outsider for fair skin. Especially, I love how he is a bookworm-ish fellow like me and constantly updates his followers about the BOOKs and writers — — both Heard and Unheard; along with beautiful lyrical wordplay.

Talking about his travelogue Rooh, I must say this is an unexpected, personal, coherent, and well-documented journey. I got to travel to Kashmir’s cold, chilly, and fantastic terrains, soak in the Kashmiri delicacies, imagine testing a salty tea, Khawah (coffee), and break and eat crumbs of Kashmiri bread. The book is an intimate exploration of how Kashmir Valley was in the past and how the scenario is today. Kashmir has undergone a varied metamorphosis as seen in the context of phobia, criticism, and doubt over Muslim followers in America post 9/11 Twin Tower attack. Rather than documenting the ups and downs of lives, social and family engagement, conversations, and more in brief detail, the book is a personal journey of trying to match the images and scenarios engraved in writer Kaul’s mind; to that of the present.

Kashmir has been the hot, burning topic of discontent, public conflict, and ideological-political strife between bitter rivals India and Pakistan. Both countries lay their claims on the land, with restricted access, while wrestling for control and authority over administration in various parts, dividing Kashmir territory into India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Further, pro and anti sentiments for and against both countries are seen in the territory. The book has been written in such excellent, beautiful, and immersive details that you won’t get bored and feel as if you are personally taking a travel journey with Kaul and meeting varied characters like Gul Mohammad, Mushtaq, Sabbir, Basheer, Rooh ( two people with the same name, and impactful role and companionship during the journey), etc. Kaul clarifies how simple Whatsapp (social media) rumours can fuel the fire of hatred and communal disharmony and ruin the unity between the folks in the region. Along with taking a trip down the present day, he shows us how his life was growing far from his birthplace, the pains, and plights of struggling life in a new region, the emotional and physical discontent, and the emotional trauma faced by his father, among others.

I fell head over heels in love and respect the writing style, storytelling, blend of balanced perception and perspective, and warm narrative flow within his writings. The book explains how the scenario, person, personality, attitude, and scenario visualized and archived in our mind and heart can seem drastically different in real time after a certain time has elapsed. As explained by our bookaholic friend Kusum ji, this travelogue tells the beautiful tales of Kashmir from the author’s memory perspective linked to childhood days, Kashmir as seen and experienced by his doting father, and Kashmir as observed with his travel companionship. Unlike pre-planned travel adventures, the book also says that sudden or unplanned adventures can be equally thrilling, mind-opening, and engaging.

In his quest to reach the home and neighbourhood, he takes us on a journey of terrain and gives us a peek into the routine lifestyle and social dynamics of residents living in Kashmir. The book also gives us a peek into militant regime and control in the territory, the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, unity and tribulations between the residents, and deeper bonds and familial ties between Hindus- Muslims — Shikhs. The writer also shows the generational difference in viewpoints, lifestyle, behaviours, and dynamics between the new and the older generation residents. There is also a take on Kaul’s writing process, need for a secluded place (hotel room, cabin, or beautiful boathouse room), note-taking habits, and capability to open his mind to anyone without feeling shy or anxious.

Kaul mentions that he opted to take a trip down memory lane and pay a visit to Kashmir; a few years after the demise of his father. In this way, this book seems to be a tribute to his memories of his father, a ploy to re-live and recall long-forgotten memories of Kashmir, and a personal quest to observe firsthand the changes in life, conditions, and other factors in the region. Kudos to the author for bringing out an awesome book in this genre, with magical wordplay, invigorating and appealing narratives.

Deeply moving, spiritually invigorating, mentally teleporting exploration of beautiful Kashmir. This beautiful travelogue is written from the heart to take the readers on a beautiful journey. I admire the way neighbours look out, care, and help navigate the trivialities and complexity over racial- communal hatred. Despite the negative perception of Kashmir and Kashmiris as a terror-stricken region laced with heavy terrorism and secessionist remarks; this book describes the beautiful camaraderie between the residents and the strong solid, and faithful bond; devoid of selfish wants, etc.

Several words and phrases can beautifully and majestically transport us to Kashmir; within the pages of books. I didn’t feel bored with this book. The pages are also much more suitable, and the explanation doesn’t sound mundane, useless, or repetitive. He talks about his dream of white walls and the blue framed door of his childhood home, the love and care shown by his aunt, and power and relationship dynamics with other characters. A beautiful reading experience indeed.