April, the month of Poetry, has almost come to a close. Whether you have rekindled, explored, or soaked yourself in verse this month, this eclectic list of 9 poetry books from Readomania will continue to nourish your soul with verse and rhythm long into the year. You can indulge in timeless themes of love, loss and devotion to deep reflections on contemporary landscapes and longings, and much more.
Our poets express themselves through different emotions and perspectives about the human condition. They will connect with you and your experiences, reach out to them and discover their worlds through various channels included in the list.
Go ahead, read, dabble, immerse, and have a dialogue with the poetry, and their poets.
And welcome to the wonderful world of Readomania verse!
(The books are in chronological order, beginning with the latest release.)
Raasleela
Tripti Sharan
Quick Tip: Raasleela is the sequel to the hugely popular collection of poetry, Being Radha, beyond Her Love & His Leela by Tripti Sharan. Tripti’s Radha in Raasleela is a woman of today and in this deeply personal conversation with Her Krishna, she discusses personal issues, work as well as world problems. Every poem is relatable as the matters spoken about are very topical. Mythology and modern-day issues are corelated beautifully. Tripti’s writes in free style and her words evoke strong feelings.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/8LEmyvT
‘I often listen to songs
About you and me
And then I see us
Drawn into paintings
Adorning temples and art galleries
An angelic woman, and A dark boy
Playing the flute
I see them
And I don’t see US at all, Krishna’
Some books happen for a reason. Some books are meant to be.
In this captivating reimagining of the timeless Radha-Krishna legend, Radha takes on multiple roles, navigating the complexities of modern life, conversing with her eternal companion, Krishna.
Sometimes she is a working woman struggling with work-life balance, sometimes she is grappling with health, environment, social and gender issues, sometimes an artist searching for creative inspiration, and sometimes exploring the meaning of love, musing over the past, reflecting over the changing dynamics of life.
The book attempts to capture the allure of Raasleela, entwined in a dance of words, beyond the boundaries of time and space, weaving together ancient wisdom, spirituality and modern sensitivity.
‘We have strict
Laws, these days
Law is pro women
Unlike those
Who guard it
Impose it
Just like in those days.
Some things never change, Krishna’
Dr Tripti Sharan is a gynaecologist by profession. She is presently the Director, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynae at BLK MAX Hospital, New Delhi. With her dual role of a doctor-author and her distinctive style of writing in both prose and poetry, she occupies a significant place in the hearts of literary enthusiasts.
Click here to read more about Tripti.
Watch Tripti recite her poetry
Untamed
Sandhya Mridul
‘Untamed calls out to you. There’s a certain simplicity; it’s imbued with feeling. I couldn’t stop reading. It’s beautiful’.
-Vidya Balan, Actor
‘Although the poems are about love, loss, heartbreak and pathos, Sandhya’s self-esteem though bruised remains unbroken, the conviction of her self-worth and creative expression remains untarnished. She lays herself bare, and allows her deepest vulnerabilities to be exposed and that makes it a compelling read’.
-Bhawana Somaaya, Veteran Journalist, Author
Quick Tip: Untamed is acclaimed actor Sandhya Mridul’s debut collection of poetry. Sandhya’s poetry is straight from the heart, almost visceral in nature. The poetess bares her soul in the 174 poems which will affect every reader. She writes in free style and her words evoke strong feelings.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/1ZZ8gDG
Word from Your Angels
‘In this life of paralysing uncertainty
When you don’t know where you are.
Just keep moving
With the surety
That
You are guided.’
And I pieced it all together, the heart and its stories. There are no lies in this book. Only the ones my head told my heart sometimes. Too many times. As I worked through love, loss, pain, grief and all things hard.
I was always inspired by life. Just wanting to feel it all, feel everything. And to keep it real on this road to redemption and never give up.
Untamed is not poetry; it’s just a palpable journey in words.
Something in the Air
What is it in the air today
That out the flutter back in my heart?
A love I thought had gone with the storm
Did the winds just carry it back?
I smell the droplets from our first rain.
There’s something in the air today
And my ever forgiving heart is grateful.
Sandhya Mridul is a talented Indian actress celebrated for her impactful performances in both Hindi films and television.
Sandhya gained widespread recognition for her role as Dina in the hit film Saathiya (2002), a performance that showcased her ability to shine in a variety of roles.
When reflecting on her aspirations in Bollywood, Sandhya expressed her desire to step into the legacy left by the legendary Smita Patil, saying, “I would like to step into the shoes that Smita Patil left behind.”
Watch Purab Kohli recite Sandhya’s poem:
Watch Maria Goretti recite Sandhya’s poem:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGDIJv1TrLa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Watch Shabana Azmi review Sandhya’s book:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFFobgvyTmI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Watch Adil Hussain review and render Sandhya’s poem:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFFF6VUTjmu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Aliens in the Metro
Ranajit Das
‘Dear Ranajit, thank you for sending me your poetry collection. I enjoyed the title poem, but the poems I liked best were the erotic poems, particularly Provocation and Wish. Among the poems with a moral emphasis, I admired The Poet’s Wife’.
– J.M. Coetzee, Nobel-winning author,
in an e-mail to the poet
‘Imbued with a distinctly urban sensibility, the poetry of Ranajit Das combines intellectual sophistication with an ironic turn of phrase and deep existential unease. The range of cultural, historical and geographical reference in his poetry is wide and often playful. Das combines gravitas with wit, often making the large point with a lightness of touch’.
– Arundhathi Subramaniam, poet
Quick Tip: Contemporary poems translated into English by the poet from his Bengali collection. Das’s poetry is remarkable for its extraordinary blend of intellect and imagination, stirred by deep human sympathy. There is a daring originality and an element of surprise in all his poems. Ranajit’s poems deal with multiple themes like politics, philosophy, erotica, science as well as death. A wholesome treat for lovers of poetry.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/1UroJFv
History
Sitting on the terrace, I see the night sky. Relentless, unbearable Baisakh. The dried-up potted flower plant stands in a dark corner, like the pickpocket boy at Sealdah station. The whole city waits for rain. Broken white clouds fly at unflagging pace down the dark-blue skyway of the night. As if a gigantic magic-lantern picture. Incessant, this group of clouds has been passing for the last two nights. As if the procession of border-crossing refugees of 1947. That tallish cloud is my grandfather, that swift cloud my father, that straggling tired cloud my mother. Late at night, two elegant, aristocratic clouds floated past side by side—looked like Nehru and Edwina Mountbatten.
This indeed is the key to Ranajit Das’s vast poetic world of thought and feeling, of mystery and meaning, and of abundant love. Although always occupied with large existential issues, yet his poems never lose touch with the basic song and dance of life. The robust vitality of his poetry shows little concern for the modernist notions of alienation, ennui or urban angst. Another factor distinguishing his poetry is the strong presence of eroticism, both as a force and a metaphor of life. Das’s poetry is remarkable for its extraordinary blend of intellect and imagination, stirred by a deep human sympathy.
Ranajit’s poetry depicts the inner quest of a poet in search of an unknown beauty.
Aliens in the Metro is a collection thoughtfully selected and translated by the poet himself from his Bengali masterpieces.
Ranajit Das is an eminent Bengali poet, known for his authentic urban voice and striking originality. He has published twelve books of poems, two collections of literary essays and one novel. His poetry collections include Amader Lajuk Kabita, Ishwarer Chokh, Sandhyar Pagol, Asamapta Alingan etc. He has received the prestigious Rabindra Puraskar in 2013.
Justaju
Supriya Newar
‘Supriya is a sensitive writer with a vast repertoire. Justaju is a fascinating bouquet of poems and ghazals and I am sure every reader will enjoy it as much as I did’.
-Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group
‘Supriya has beautifully illustrated the richness of the genre of ghazals and poems. her work has grown out of the modernist need to provide literary expression to provocative issues, but in sober tones, forcing us out of our comfort zones’.
-Prithvi Haldea, Founder – Chairman, Ibaadat Foundation
Quick Tip: A wholesome collection of poems, ghazals and nazms, written by the super talented Supriya Newar. The poems are written in Devanagri and have been transcribed in English as well for the ease of modern readers. Having already established herself as fine writer and poet in English, this is Supriya’s offering in Hindi.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/agXAcO5
Ghazal
Udhate udhate dhagon mein aaraish nahi rehti
Kuch rishton mein rafoo ki gunjaish nahi rehti
Faasle mitaate mitaate kat gaya raasta itna
Manzil tak pahunche ki ab khwaish nahi rehti
Jhurriyan bayan kar deti hae dhoop ki tapish
Jinke hisse mein chhaon paidaish nahi rehti
Gala sookh jaata hae jinka fariyaad karte karte
Jholi mein akhirkaar koi guzarish nahi rehti
aahein chup chaap bhar liya karte hain jo
Unke jazbaaton mein numaish nahi rehti
"Justaju is my offering to you—a collection of poetry in Hindi and Urdu that is sprinkled with gentle ruminations and reflections, peppered with reminiscences and romance and served to you like an intimate, fireside conversation.
पढ़ के देखिये। शायद मेरी जुस्तजू में आपको अपनी खोज की भी कुछ झलकियां दिखे।"
An alumna of Modern High and St. Xavier’s College with a Masters degree from Jadavpur University, Supriya Newar is a versatile professional who successfully essays roles of a Non-Executive Director, a communications consultant, an author, a poet and a music aficionado. With several acclaimed books and hundreds of articles to her credit, this multifaceted, multilingual, third generation Calcuttan is a mentor and visiting faculty at reputed institutes and keenly involved with noted cultural and social organisations.
Watch Supriya recite a ghazal:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DInbVzQJEJW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Watch Supriya recite a poem:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE-Xm8hCj4I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Listen Radhika
Madhav Kaushik
Quick Tip: The poem Listen Radhika is a humble attempt at giving expression to Shri Krishna’s great vision of society. In this long poem, written in the form of a monologue, Shri Krishna takes a bird’s eye view of the important incidents of life. First published nearly three decades ago, this poem has run into three editions and has received widespread acceptance and whole-hearted appreciation in literary circles by learned critics and readers.The English version of the poem aspires to reach out to the readers globally and spread the profound message of Shri Krishna, that intertwines the all-encompassing force of love, significant life lessons, vital questions regarding the status and identity of women, various facets of spirituality and philosophy that are underlying in the poem, with the relevance of the Mahabharata in contemporary times, in fact all times.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/fuh6Ky2
To say the truth, Radha!
Politics is a strange
double-faced thing
speaking in twin voices
one saying ‘yes’,
and the other, in the same breath
saying no, chops off your nose:
Its one mouth celebrates you
by beating kettle-drums
and the other
spits right on your face
and settles scores that very instant.
Masks upon masks upon masks
How many will you rip off?
No limit to the illusory world
No end to its deceit, its pseudo-ism
It is a morass
an ocean-like quagmire
no one can escape
howsoever one may wish to.
Listen Radhika (Suno Radhika), a conversation between the eternal lovers Lord Krishna and Radha, transcends the traditional perspective and focuses upon modern-day problems and concerns like feminism, women’s issues, the political discourse etc. This long poem by Madhav Kaushik carries the profound message of Shri Krishna, that celebrates the all-encompassing force of love, imparts significant life-lessons, and raises vital questions about the status and identity of women. It compels the reader to ponder over various facets of spirituality and philosophy, bringing home the relevance of the Mahabharata in contemporary times, in fact at all times.
A subject of research and a part of the curriculum at postgraduate level at many universities, this poem has been translated into different Indian languages.
Deeply steeped in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, its history and mythology, Listen Radhika encapsulates the great social vision and original thought of Shri Krishna in its varied nuances.
Madhav Kaushik is an eminent Hindi poet and author. He is presently the President of the National Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, Chairman, Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi, and Member, Press Council of India.
He has to his credit the publication of 42 books, which include 19 collections of Ghazals, 2 Khand Kavyas (Suno Radhika, Laut Aao Paarth), 4 collections of Poems, 2 collections of Navgeets, 3 collections of Short Stories, 2 books of Criticism, 2 books of Children Literature, 2 translations and 3 edited books.
The Far Side and Other Poems
Renu Roy
‘Inspired by themes as diverse as nature, mythology, and politics, the poems in Renu Roy’s The Far Side and Other Poems are written in a gentle voice, encouraging us to reflect on the peace or strife they describe. My best wishes to the author for this fine collection’.
-Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, Writer
‘Plangent but contained, at once direct and mysterious, these are poems whose mood and voice linger with you well after you have encountered them’.
-Amit Chaudhuri, Novelist, Poet, Music Composer/Singer
Quick Tip: This book is a balm for the mind with soulful verses. Renu Roy is a poetess par excellence and she writes on multiple topics. Her poems are deep and her language skills are perfect. Keshav Roy’s sketches elevate the reading experience.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/0nISYx0
Spray
I catch the last spray of the ocean
subsiding in sleep
unspilled tears wade into my eyes
and moisten these dusty poems
that reappear on an unwashed shore
my lyrics surge softly forward
and soar like birds in delirium
across a causeway
where godheads raise their tridents
and I awaken into healing
Renu Roy's poems are as much a journey into herself as a walk through the everyday world outside. Infused with passion and devoted to all that constitutes life and living, her poems are finely layered and nuanced. In her third collection, she returns with themes of love, grief, quest, transience, and the wonder of existence. With deftness, she uses the resources of language and metaphor to delve into the lived spaces she moves through and inhabits. The imagery lingers between the enigmatic and subtle, the powerful and vulnerable.
The reader is propelled forward with the varied spectrum, her gift of empathy and compassion towards the human condition. Brave, evocative and poignant, The Far Side and Other Poems, at once personal and universal, is an exceptional and rewarding read.
A student of English literature, and an eminent personality in the arena of the performing and visual arts, Renu Roy is the founder-Director of Kolkata's long-standing, reputed cultural organisation Spandan. Renu has been closely associated with the stage for over four decades as an accomplished actor, producer and director. Her passion for poetry has culminated in her third volume of verse, The Far Side and Other Poems.
Click here to read more about Renu.
Kolkata Classics
Supriya Newar
‘Supriya Newar’s poems, whimsical and playful, capture the idiosyncrasies that make Kolkata special. For those familiar with the city, it will bring a smile to the face; for those not familiar it’s a voyage of discovery going beyond the cliches. With her ear finely tuned to the sights and sounds of the city, she brings it alive on the page with all its delights and foibles, for better or for verse’.
—Sandip Roy, Author and Journalist
‘I am a true-blue Kolkatan and Supriya’s poems bring out the character and quirks of the City of Joy like no other’.
—Padma Shri Usha Uthup, Singer
Quick Tip: First of its kind collection of poems on Kolkata. It has garnered a lot of appreciation from the literary community. This is a hardcover edition and makes for a good gift as well.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/bOfDhCT
Maach
If you’ve been wondering why
there’s no verse on maach
Nothing perfectly rhymes with it
except the word gaach
There’s another reason
why there’s no ditty on fish
It is because from jonom to date
I’ve stayed niramish
Some of my friends however
have teamed up to conspire
To try and make me have
if not chingri then ilish!
Kolkata lends itself effortlessly to poetry. It resides quietly yet resolutely in all its chaos, its colours, its confusions and its conundrums. From quaint by-lanes to the potters’ quarter, Kumartuli; from the true-blue Bengalis’ love for maach to their obsession with indigestion and ombol; over bhaanrs of cha and mouthfuls of jhalmuri and intellectual addas…In this beautiful treasure of verse, Supriya Newar entices you with her incisive observations and transportive expressions that cajole you into taking a re-look at all that makes Kolkata a classic and a forever muse, a poem.
A student of Arts with a Master’s degree in International Relations, Supriya Newar has clocked more than twenty years of keen professional involvement in the world of Brand and Communications. She has had the privilege of working with significant Indian as well as global brands, leading and training teams and has been writing for noted publications with several hundred articles to her name.
Watch Supriya recite a poem:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdUiGCJgPzj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Being Radha
Tripti Sharan
Quick Tip: A defining look at the dynamics of the relationship that was shared between Radha and Krishna. This is a contemporary understanding of Radha’s story that defied all set parameters of the societal obligations practiced during that period. It is a look at the modern woman that Radha was and how relevant she is as an idol for the woman of today.
This book of verses tries to understand her while everywhere else she is simply worshipped.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/cvs2vky
“Sometimes I am
A girl in a daze
With dreams of you ablaze
My tapping feet
Moving to a mystical gaze
Do I have almond eyes?
They miss the light inside
Trailing your lotus feet
Chasing peacock feathers
And rose petals
The smell of rain!
It fills me with longing
And serendipity, Krishna!”
Was being Krishna’s love the only truth of Radha’s existence?
She was the Balsakhi, who played with God. She would sing and dance with him, get torn by jealousy, fight with him and then make up passionately. The love of Radha-Krishna was immortal, yet they parted ways.
Was theirs just another love story or was it about the Devotee and the Divine?
Being Radha, Beyond Her Love and His Leela is a contemporary rendition of the tale of a timeless Radha who is worshipped in temples but seldom understood.
This is her voice, her story.
Dr Tripti Sharan is a gynaecologist by profession. She is presently the Director, Dept of Obstetrics & Gynae at BLK MAX Hospital, New Delhi. With her dual role of a doctor-author and her distinctive style of writing in both prose and poetry, she occupies a significant place in the hearts of literary enthusiasts.
Her poetry work includes ‘Shadows of a Fading Twilight’, ‘Dewdrops, a journey begins’ which won the award for best poetry anthology in English. ‘Water’, a poem based on dialysis patients also won her an award for best poem.
Her tryst with literature continues. Click here to read more about Tripti.
Some Mad Poems Some Sad Poems Some Bad Poems and a Short Story in Verse
Jayant Kripalani
Quick Tip: This slim volume of poems can best be described as anarchy on paper written by a hopeless romantic. You might recognise some and you might even recognise yourselves. Suffice it to say that if you do, there is nothing 'coincidental' about that.
Pick Up the Book: https://amzn.in/d/2H722Xf
A VERSE IN PROSE
A verse in prose?
something you object to and feel
is treading on toes
of all that’s everyday and normal
lacking in grammar and literary decorum.
do you suppose,
you can get on with what you are doing,
and mind your own business?
and not poke your nose in what you do not understand
as meter, rhythm and rhyme go all over the place?
Who the hell knows!
One of the first people who read some of the poems said, "This is hit and run poetry. Jayant has a thought, an insight and without hesitation he puts it down on paper. And then walks away from it."
"That is one of the more charitable descriptions of the stuff in the book," says Jayant.
"If at that moment of writing, I am not feeling friendly towards a political party or a person," he continues, "I write it down. But I do so without malice and I hope, with humour."
So, you will find gentle digs at the BJP or occasionally, at the 'Wrongress' party. AAP and, even his fellow Calcuttans - the now defunct CPM and the ever-present TMC - are at the receiving end of his sometimes sly humour.
But there is no denying his overflowing love for the people he comes across and writes about.
There are two parts to this book. The first part deals with all of the above.
The second part is a Short Story in Verse about young love but if you read between the stanzas, you will find it is more about the on and off love affair Jayant has had with Calcutta - this completely whacko city.
A SELFIE
Aap. Main, Voh. Hum Sab.
Cell phone uthate hain
Idhar phone karte hain
Udhar ess em ess
Aapki tasveer utaarte hain
Apni photo lete hain
Aur Facebook pe post karte hain
Char paanch hazaar milenge aise. Daily.
Kuchh Angrezi mein likhte hain,
‘I took a selfie’.
Aur kuchh Hindi mein likhte hain,
‘Maine khud ki le li’.
Jayant Kripalani is an Indian film, television and stage actor, writer and director. Known for his work in TV series like Khandaan, Mr Ya Mrs and Ji Mantriji, he graduated from Jadavpur University with a degree in English Literature. He has played character roles in movies like Heat and Dust, Rockford, Jaane Tu. . .Ya Jaane Na, 3 Idiots and, most recently, Hawaizaade and The Hunger.
Watch Jayant at a literary festival in a session on poetry:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=458270816032433
That brings us to the end of this endless saga between poetry and poetry lovers. But we aren’t done yet, Readomania is gearing up to bring you lots of more poetry and poets from around the country! Go pick up some poetry books, and drop a comment and tell us about it.
We would love
To hear from—
YOU.
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