Dehradun, with its inspiring scenery and charming climes, has always been a culturally interesting place to be in. Right from the colonial times, many a writer and artist has found their muse in this beautiful valley.
And as this creative character lives on in the city’s social mores, the latest affaire d’art that caught people’s fancy was the scintillating launch of noted lawyer Atul Pundir’s ‘Itni Si Toh Baat Hai’, a collection of poetry and lyrics penned in Hindi and Urdu. Held in the provisional State capital over the weekend, the one distinctive feature that marked the event was its avant-garde originality that broke away from conventional patterns. The event was a delightful concoction of tastefully recited poetry, music, meaningful conversations and lively celebrations that left the guests on a high. The book was released by veteran actor Tom Alter and he struck a heartwarming rapport with the gathering given his deep-rooted connect with Doon and Mussoorie, his hometown. Commenting on the book, Alter, who has also written the foreword for ‘Itni Si Toh Baat Hai’, said he was very impressed with Pundir’s genius of expression, saying the finest poetry is written using contrast, something that Pundir does effortlessly and with great beauty.
“Atul is also gifted with an amazing voice that brings alive the soul of his poetry when he recites them, and poetry can be felt the best when through the medium of voice,” he said. He also compared the thoughts of the debutant author with those of legendary poet Nida Fazli. A highlight of the evening were large-screen exhibitions of cinematically done video renditions of Pundir’s poetry.