Ghalib Danger by Neeraj Pandey

"Ghalib Danger" by Neeraj Pandey. This book is published by Blue salt - Penguin in 2013 and has 255 pages.

Everyone knows Neeraj Pandey as maker of films 'A Wednesday' and 'Special 26'. This is his debut novel.

Kamran Khan, a sharp but illiterate youth comes from U.P. to Mumbai to make a fortune. On the day he was going to ask hand of his love to her father and on the day he takes delivery of his brand new taxi, he takes an elderly gentleman as his first customer. This customer is shot in his taxi. Kamran takes him to hospital and saves his life. This customer is none other than underworld don Mirza.

Kamran's fortune changes from that day. He becomes Ghalib Danger, a don himself, working for Mirza. Along with Munna, he becomes number two in the organization.

A plot is hatched again to kill Mirza. Who is behind it? Will Mirza be killed? Is there a traitor? Can Ghalib Danger save him? Or is he behind it? Does he get his true love? Is he betrayed?

Ghalib Danger gets his name because Kamran keeps listening to Ghalib's poetry and is dangerous. Ghalib's couplets are quoted at various instances appropriately. The choice is apt for the situation. The book would have been equally effective without Ghalib. So although the poetry was not the necessicity of the story, it's inclusion does not harm the story either. If anything, it gives an exotic touch.

The background of the story is of underworld, extorsion and violence. But the book also has emotions, love, action, empathy and revenge. Neeraj's fluid writing style does not betray that he is a debut writer.

Neeraj Pandey is a very good story teller. When you read this book you feel like you are watching a movie and enjoy it. I started casting actors to play various roles as I was the book. I think this is the success of the book.

A very good book. If you like the gener, it's a must read.