Maverick film maker and actor Padmasree Balachandra Menon is in the lime light again, this time for a book instead of his onscreen family satires.
His 10th book, ‘ Balachandramenonte 12 cherukathakal ’(The 12 short stories of Balachandra Menon), was released by Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi, in a simple function conducted at Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram.
Balachandra Menon, with his headband, well-modulated voice and a sarcasm-laced smile, always found a distinguished place in the minds of people. Like his movies, the book release function also stood apart, its screen play scripted well and tight by Mr. Menon himself.
It was amidst the joys of his friends and family, Mr. Menon had decided to celebrate the release of the book. The function also saw the reunion of the 1969-'71 pre-degree batch of Fathima Matha National College, Kollam, where Balachandra Menon had completed his pre-degree.
The occasion had Menon serving the audience a pie of surprise by arranging a lucky dip for his classmates to decide who should receive the first copy from Vayalar Ravi. Joseph Gansis, one of his pre-degree classmate and a celebrated last-bencher, received the copy.
Story reading
Before all this, writer Padmaja Radhakrishnan read out the first story of the book. It was written during Mr. Menon’s first PDC year and is about a dream wherein he had become a famous director. She emphasised on the ‘Menon touch’, that filled the story throughout.
Like his movies, Mr. Menon’s short stories too carry amusing and catchy titles. They were introduced by K.R. Nair and Rajeev Gopalakrishnan.
Vayalar Ravi appreciated the simple and unique style Mr. Menon has followed in writing. The ace director has used his writing to expose the philosophical thoughts that everyday life bears.
The book is published by Konark Publishers and distributed by Mathrubhoomi Books.
