Madira by Parag A. Shastry (Book Review: 4.75*/5) !!!

  

8^th Book of 2026

 

Parag A. Shastry’s MADIRA is not merely a book about cocktails, spirits, or mixology. It is an experience steeped in memory, geography, culture, and forgotten traditions. Published by Rupa Publications, this fascinating 344-page work stands at the crossroads of culinary history and modern experimentation, attempting to reclaim India’s indigenous drinking culture from the shadows of colonial hangovers and imported glamour.

 

At first glance, the book appears to be a sophisticated cocktail companion filled with recipes and artistic inspirations. But as one progresses through its pages, it becomes evident that Madira is trying to achieve something far more ambitious. It seeks to restore dignity and storytelling to Indian spirits that have long remained underappreciated. The author doesn’t merely teach readers how to mix drinks; he invites them to understand the soul behind every ingredient, aroma, ritual, and regional influence.

 

One of the strongest aspects of the book lies in its narrative approach. Before the recipes begin, Parag A. Shastry carefully lays a philosophical and cultural foundation for the reader. The opening chapters explore how India once possessed a rich and deeply localized drinking tradition—one that existed long before whisky and imported liquors dominated urban aspirations. The author revisits forgotten beverages, indigenous brewing practices, and region-specific drinking customs with remarkable affection and detail.

 

The chapters titled The Indian Cocktail Renaissance and The Art of Sustainable Mixology are particularly insightful. Instead of blindly glorifying Western bar culture, the author passionately argues for a distinctly Indian identity in modern mixology. He explains how ingredients like kokum, tamarind, jaggery, Gondhoraj lime, mahua, curry leaves, saffron, sandalwood, raw mango, and even spice blends can shape cocktails that are deeply rooted in Indian memory and tradition.

 

What makes this approach refreshing is the emotional intelligence behind it. In Madira, cocktails are not presented as symbols of elite indulgence. Rather, they are portrayed as extensions of festivals, seasons, nostalgia, family gatherings, regional landscapes, and collective celebrations. The author repeatedly emphasizes that Indian drinking traditions historically revolved around community and storytelling rather than solitary sophistication. That cultural sensitivity gives the book a warmth that many glossy cocktail books often lack.

 

Once the book transitions into its celebrated collection of 101 recipes, readers are introduced to a dazzling universe of creativity. The names themselves evoke curiosity and atmosphere—Mahua Martini, Kashmiri Kahwa Whiskey, Mumbai Masala Highball, Pineapple and Curry Leaf Smash, Holi Rang Martini, Jalebi Whiskey Flip, The Maharaja’s Cipher, The Banaras Mule, and finally The Madira Masterpiece. Each cocktail carries a thematic identity, categorized through moods such as “Rooted and Ritualistic,” “Bright and Festive,” “Bold and Rebellious,” or “Warm and Soulful.”

 

This categorization is perhaps one of the book’s most original ideas. It transforms the act of drinking into an emotional and cultural experience rather than a mechanical recipe-following exercise. One does not merely choose a cocktail based on alcohol preference; one chooses based on feeling, season, memory, and atmosphere. That subtle literary touch elevates Madira far beyond conventional bartending manuals.

 

Parag A. Shastry’s writing style deserves appreciation as well. His prose is immersive, poetic, and cinematic without becoming overly decorative. Whether he is describing tribal mahua brews from forest clearings, toddy tapped at sunrise on coastal shores, or spice-infused drinks inspired by royal kitchens, the narration consistently maintains sensory richness. Readers can almost smell the roasted fennel, citrus peels, herbs, and jaggery vapours rising from the pages.

 

Another commendable element is the author’s emphasis on sustainability and mindful consumption. The book repeatedly encourages the use of local ingredients, seasonal produce, leftover peels, homemade syrups, and environmentally conscious practices. In an era where sustainability often becomes a fashionable buzzword, Madira integrates it naturally into India’s traditional kitchen wisdom.

 

Visually too, the book appears elegant and thoughtfully structured. The index itself reflects tremendous effort, with appendices dedicated to bartending techniques, India’s spirit landscape, indigenous ingredients, and a cultural glossary of Madira. These additions make the book accessible not just to experienced mixologists but also to curious readers who may know little about cocktail culture.

 

However, readers expecting a straightforward instructional cocktail guide may initially find the philosophical and historical portions slightly elaborate. The book prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling as much as recipes, and that literary immersion may not appeal equally to everyone. Yet, for those willing to engage with its deeper cultural intent, this richness becomes its greatest strength.

 

In many ways, Madira feels like a cultural reclamation project disguised as a cocktail book. It reminds readers that India’s relationship with spirits did not begin with imported whisky labels or modern urban lounges. There existed an older, more intimate tradition—rooted in land, ritual, herbs, seasons, and shared experiences. Through this book, Parag A. Shastry attempts to resurrect that forgotten voice with both reverence and innovation.

 

Overall, MADIRA is a beautifully crafted work that combines anthropology, gastronomy, history, sustainability, and mixology into one engaging narrative. It is a rare book that can comfortably sit on the shelves of cocktail enthusiasts, cultural historians, food writers, and lovers of Indian traditions alike. More than teaching readers how to prepare drinks, Madira teaches them how to rediscover flavour, memory, and identity—one glass at a time. I will definitely give this book 4.75* out of 5 as author’s research work is evident in each and every word written in around 350 pages. Recommended for drinks/cocktail/mocktail lovers.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE

Thanks!

 

WRITING BUDDHA

SHAH RUKH KHAN : Legend, Icon, Star by Mohar Basu (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

  

7^th Book of 2026

 

I remember getting intimidated by the writings of authors such as Ashwin Sanghi or Amish Tripathi because it became difficult to continuously speak highly about their books in every review without fearing that people might think I am biased. Something similar is now happening with me when it comes to Mohar Basu’s books as well. I had read Salman Khan’s biography written by her in January, just after its launch, and absolutely loved the way she handled the life of such a personality almost like a detailed case study. I immediately picked up her first book, “Shah Rukh Khan: Legend, Icon, Star,” which I read last week and once again found myself in awe of her narration style.

 

The book, published by HarperCollins, spans around 290 pages and is divided into several chapters. Mohar has crafted the chapters in such a manner that you never feel like rushing into the next one immediately after finishing the previous chapter. Instead, you feel like absorbing everything you have read, savouring it for a day, and only then moving ahead. I am generally a reader who likes finishing books in one go, but this book made me helpless in a good way—I could not read more than one chapter a day and would then narrate the entire thing to my spouse just to make her understand this fascinating personality called Shah Rukh Khan.

 

The author beautifully explains the impact of Shah Rukh’s childhood and the deaths of his parents on his personality, helping us understand why he is the way he is today. I never knew about Shah Rukh’s reaction to his mother’s death before reading Mohar’s description in this book. That chapter genuinely makes you feel for a young boy who had only just started building his life and standing on his own feet.

 

Mohar also explores his romantic love story with Gauri Khan, his wife of over three decades, and how their relationship was no less than a Bollywood film in itself. You begin to understand Shah Rukh Khan’s determination and never-give-up attitude through the way he pursued Gauri until her family eventually agreed to their marriage. The author also takes us down memory lane through his interactions with various actresses and explains why they often feel comfortable and secure around him. Shah Rukh Khan is always considered an example of how men should treat women—with dignity and warmth—and Basu ensures this aspect of his personality is highlighted beautifully.

 

Mohar helps us understand how audiences were longing for a new superstar after Mr. Bachchan’s break during the early 1990s. Amitabh Bachchan had given the nation the image of the “Angry Young Man,” whereas Shah Rukh Khan transformed the contemporary idea of superstardom through romance and charm. The author explains very well how Shah Rukh initially gained recognition through television serials like Circus and Fauji. Even after entering Bollywood, romance was not his initial identity, as many of his early characters in films like Baazigar, Darr, and Deewana had darker or grey shades. It was only after DDLJ that SRK became permanently embedded in the hearts and minds of Indians as the ultimate romantic hero—with expressive eyes, a charming smile, and his iconic open-arm pose.

 

The author takes us deep into the making of some of the most important films of SRK’s career such as DDLJ, Chak De! India, Zero, and Ra.One, making readers nostalgic while also revealing lesser-known details. One such revelation for me was learning how his first production house had failed—something I had no idea about. The courage Shah Rukh displayed by launching Red Chillies Entertainment just a year later is what makes such stories genuinely inspiring.

 

Mohar also extensively discusses Mannat and the emotional significance it holds for ordinary people who see it as a symbol of success. For many, Mannat represents the dream of an outsider arriving in Mumbai without backing and building an identity so massive that it can never be erased. The author also openly addresses how SRK has repeatedly faced criticism regarding his Muslim identity and political opinions, while continuing to stand tall through every phase.

 

The book is definitely written keeping Shah Rukh Khan’s die-hard fans in mind, but even someone who has never been a fan would enjoy reading it because it is not just about SRK’s life—it is also about the impact he had on a changing India that was embracing technology, branding, globalization, and new aspirations in the early 1990s. The way multiple generations within a family have continued loving him and his films speaks volumes about his longevity. Mohar also explains how SRK is perceived differently by boys and girls, which turned out to be another interesting observation. The book also contains some memorable dialogues and photographs of Shah Rukh that many readers may never have seen before.

 

Overall, this is a wonderful book to spend your time with. Personally, I still found the Salman Khan biography slightly better written than this one—perhaps because this was Mohar’s earlier work and she naturally evolved further as a writer afterward. I had rated that book 4.75 stars, and for this one, I would give 4.5 stars out of 5. Definitely recommended for all Bollywood lovers.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE

Thanks!

WRITING BUDDHA

BHAGAVAD GITA’S GUIDE TO CORPORATE DHARMA by Ashok Kumar Bhatia (Book Review: 3.25*/5) !!!

  

6th Book of 2026

In an era where corporate life often feels like a relentless race driven by targets, competition, and constant uncertainty, Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma attempts something both ambitious and refreshing—it bridges the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with the complexities of modern corporate ecosystems. Ashok Kumar Bhatia doesn’t merely interpret scripture; he translates it into a language that managers, leaders, and professionals can actually apply in boardrooms, meetings, and everyday workplace dilemmas. The book is published by Rupa publications in around 280 pages and will take some time for you to finish it - definitely not something that you can finish in a single sitting.

At its core, the book is not about religion—it is about decision-making, mindset, and inner clarity. Much like the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the corporate world is portrayed as a space filled with ethical conflicts, pressure, ego clashes, and constant choices between right and easy. Bhatia cleverly positions corporate professionals as modern-day Arjunas—capable yet conflicted—seeking direction amidst chaos.

The structure of the book is one of its strongest aspects. With over 50 concise yet thought-provoking chapters, it doesn’t overwhelm the reader but instead offers bite-sized reflections that can be consumed and contemplated individually. From topics like “The Risk of Sweating over the Small Stuff” and “Values: The Real Soul of Organizations” to “Ego: A Serpent or a Saviour?” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, the book maintains a fine balance between philosophy and practicality. Each chapter feels like a standalone lesson, yet collectively, they build a cohesive framework for what the author calls “corporate dharma.”

One of the most compelling takeaways is the emphasis on detachment. In corporate settings, detachment is often misunderstood as disinterest or lack of ownership. However, Bhatia redefines it through the lens of the Gita—encouraging professionals to focus on effort rather than outcomes. This subtle shift can be transformative. When one stops obsessing over results and instead commits to excellence in action, both performance and mental peace improve.

Another notable theme is the exploration of ego. In leadership and management, ego can both drive ambition and derail relationships. The book doesn’t demonize ego but rather encourages awareness—highlighting when it serves as a motivator and when it becomes destructive. This nuanced perspective makes the content relatable, especially for those navigating hierarchical and politically charged work environments.

The chapters dealing with stress, resilience, and inner connection are particularly relevant today. Corporate burnout is no longer an exception but almost a norm. Bhatia’s insights, rooted in spiritual philosophy, offer a calming counterbalance. Instead of prescribing quick fixes, he encourages a deeper introspection—urging readers to align their inner values with their external actions.

What sets this book apart from typical management literature is its humanistic approach. It doesn’t glorify hustle culture or aggressive competition. Instead, it promotes compassion, ethical conduct, and long-term thinking. Concepts like forgiveness, humility, and self-awareness are not presented as abstract virtues but as practical tools for better leadership and teamwork.

The inclusion of chapters on modern themes like Industrial Revolution 4.0 and corporate communication further strengthens the book’s relevance. It shows that ancient wisdom is not outdated; rather, it is timeless and adaptable. The author successfully demonstrates that the teachings of the Gita can coexist with—and even enhance—modern business strategies.

That said, the book may not appeal equally to everyone. Readers looking for hardcore business frameworks, data-driven strategies, or case studies might find it more reflective than analytical. The writing leans towards philosophical interpretation rather than structured corporate models. However, for those open to introspection and personal growth, this becomes its biggest strength.

The language is simple, accessible, and conversational, making it suitable for a wide audience—from young professionals to seasoned leaders. You don’t need prior knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita to understand or appreciate the insights. The author ensures that the essence of each concept is clearly conveyed without becoming overly technical or preachy.

In conclusion, Bhagavad Gita’s Guide to Corporate Dharma is not just a book—it is a guide to navigating the inner and outer challenges of professional life. It reminds us that success is not merely about climbing the corporate ladder but about doing so with integrity, balance, and awareness. In a world obsessed with outcomes, this book gently nudges us back towards purpose.

If you are someone seeking clarity amidst corporate chaos, or simply looking to bring more meaning into your professional journey, this book is definitely worth your time. I will give this book 3.25* out of 5. A perfect gift in corporate on Secret Santa parties.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE

Thanks

WRITING BUDDHA