Marwar & I
Trend Story
Young Turk
Luxury lifestyle features
Tribute to Titans
MARWAR PRIVÉ
Srushti Deshpande , March 18, 2020
Meandering Down the Heritage Lane
Zahra Motorwala , March 13, 2020
Spanish Comida
Srushti Deshpande , March 9, 2020
The Vibrant Zest of Holi
Srushti Deshpande , February 3, 2020
Confectionery Paradise
Home People Chills, Thrills and Spooks
Chills, Thrills and Spooks
People Q&A
Joseph Rozario , July 3, 2019	 / 976 0
Hindi movie fans may well run into millions, but few can match Dhruv Somani's fascination for Bollywood flicks. It has not just seen the aficionado watch numerous films, but also painstakingly collect memorabilia of hundreds of films since childhood. Somani's enchantment, however, revolves largely around the suspense, horror and thriller genres— unconventional and independent-minded that he is—and this fascination continues to this day. Now a textile baron and father of three, his passion has led him to pen a four-volume anthology of over 300 films that was unveiled recently at The St Regis, in Mumbai. Titled A Touch of Evil and published by Spenta Multimedia Pvt Ltd, the series captures the essence of the suspense, horror and thriller genres over a seven-decade period, celebrating both landmark and little-known films. Enlivened with over 500 colourful images of posters, lobby cards and press books and peppered with interesting trivia, A Touch of Evil provides synopses, casts and credits of numerous films, making it a must-have for movie lovers, researchers, collectors and information seekers.
In a Q&A with MARWAR, Somani talks about his business, his huge fascination for horror and suspense films, his family and more.
You are basically a businessman. What do you do and in what capacity?
I come from a traditional Marwari business family and I currently look after our companies, Navjeevan Synthetics Pvt Ltd and Excel Craft Pvt Ltd, in the capacity of a director. I am responsible for the operations of these businesses and the general working of the organisation. Our company Navjeevan Synthetics is a textile manufacturing and processing house that is engaged in various activities like manufacturing, dyeing, processing, printing, etc, of various fabrics. Excel Craft is into manufacture of capital goods for the wire and cable industry, and here I function more as a managerial decision maker, as the unit is more or less handled by a team of handpicked professionals, who are the best in the industry and have been with us for more than a decade.
How and why did you take to writing?
I've had this huge, huge fascination for films from childhood, especially for the suspense, horror and thriller genres. This fascination grew over the years, until I started to feel the urge to write about them, as nobody had written much about them till then. And then, one fine day, I took an empty book and I started writing. I started writing about the first film, and then the next, and I didn't stop after that. Also, I feel, the ability to write and express yourself is to know and experience the greatest freedom of all. There is no better way to express your imagination and thoughts—to empower yourself and your audience.
What is A Touch of Evil about? What inspired you to write it? Is this your first book?
A Touch of Evil is my first attempt to write and it is my first book. In my wildest dreams, I had never imagined that one day I would end up writing a book. But some things, as they say, remain with you forever.
I have always had this deep connect with movies, especially those of the suspense, horror and thriller genres. Growing up watching these eerie films—especially films made by the Ramsay Brothers—on the sly, or with family and friends was thrilling. It was these films which paved the pathway to begin my journey as a writer. Watching them over and over again made me go back in time and rekindle the past and weave stories for future generations. Cricket and films are two mediums where generations bond together. This book will take people back in time and make them smile with a twinkle in their eyes.
Bollywood churns out hundreds of films every year. What inspired you to leave out the razzledazzle and highlight the suspense, horror, thriller genres instead?
It's not that I don't like razzle-dazzle films, but suspense, horror and thriller films definitely have a stronger connect with me, so much so that even today, I truly look forward to their release.
Member of Parliament, Shatrughan Sinha (centre) launching 'A Touch of Evil' together with author Dhruv Somani (extreme left), Aarti Surendranath (second from left), Poonam Sinha (fourth from left) and Maneck Davar (extreme right)
How many films does the A Touch of Evil series cover and within what time frame? What kind of information does it offer on these films?
In A Touch of Evil, I have covered more than 300 films, in a series of four volumes. It has more than 500 photographs. It took me three years to compile the series. I would call A Touch of Evil an anthology of films of similar genres, made over the last seven decades. The journey begins with the classic Mahal, made in 1949, and ends with films made in late 2018. The books reveal the cast and credits of the films, along with a small synopsis on each film, but without letting the cat out of the bag. Some films also carry trivia, providing information not known by most people.
Of these 300 films, which would you say are your favourites?
It's very difficult to pinpoint from a huge collection of more than 300 titles. Nevertheless, some films which have been my absolute favourites are: Vijay Anand's classic thrillers like Jewel Thief and Teesri Manzil; Raj Khosla's trilogy, Woh Kaun Thi, Mera Saaya and Anita; Raj Kumar Kohli's multi-starrers like Nagin and Jaani Dushman; and films made by the Ramsay Brothers like Darwaza, Purana Mandir and Veerana.
How easy or challenging was it to collect material for your books? How did you go about it?
a very long time, and these have helped a great deal. If you remember, in those days, there used to be a lot of these press books, posters and lobby cards. I used to collect them and still do. But collecting memorabilia is always difficult—you have to contact a lot of people, you have to be in touch with a lot of people and so the process was long-drawn. Also, I have had to watch many of the films over and over again to get the synopsis right, while also taking care to not let the cat out of the bag.
When was A Touch of Evil launched and where? Tell us a little about the launch ceremony.
It was launched on February 6, 2019, at The St Regis Mumbai, by Bollywood film star and politician Shatrughan Sinha and his wife Poonam Sinha, along with film star and socialite Aarti Surendranath—who, incidentally, has acted in three of the Ramsay Brothers' films—and Maneck Davar, who is the chairman and managing director of Spenta Multimedia Pvt Ltd. The launch was attended by about 250 guests and was just perfect. It was like a dream come true for me.
Dhruv Somani and son Akshay (centre) with godfather Prashant Somani (extreme left), daughter Avantika (second from left), mother Padma Somani (third from left), father Ramnarayan Somani (third from right), daughter Ishika (second from right) and wife Shruti Somani (extreme right) Above: The four volumes of 'A Touch of Evil' series
How have the books been received so far by readers?
They have been received well by readers so far. There were those from the audience, who came up and congratulated me and said it was a huge achievement. Prominent people from the film industry, especially the Ramsays, too have had lovely things to say, which I think is a certificate for me and for my work.
Tell us a little about your family. How supportive have they been about your book?
I come from a family of businessmen where creativity is often misunderstood. When I began writing this book, a lot of people thought it to be a passing phase which would end soon. My godfather, Prashant, who also is my friend, mentor and guide, honestly thought I was out of my senses. But my mother—my inspiration and strength—always backed me. As for my wife Shruti, who has always been my best friend, she was super supportive, understanding my dedication and excitement, which often became an obsession. My lovely daughters, Avantika and Ishika would often read my drafts, correct my grammar and laugh, while my son Akshay would see the film posters and show immense curiosity about them.
I haven't made up my mind yet, but it certainly is going to be on films. It will probably be a filmography of a particular actor or actress. I have 2-3 names in my mind, but I don't want to divulge them right now, because I don't know what would excite me at that point of time when I start writing.
The Accidental Entrepreneur
Stirring Up Luxury
Joseph Rozario
Sign up for Marwar
Get exclusive news, updates and
offers from Marwar.
Meet the Next Generation of the KHETAWAT CLAN
admin , December 4, 2020
Blancpain Ocean Commitment Partnerships
Editorial Team , November 5, 2020
The Sky's Not the Limit
Carving A Niche
Joseph Rozario , March 24, 2020
Aiming For The Top
Marwar India magazine
The Khetawats have come a long way since they first left Dhankoli, their ancestral village in Nagaur, Rajasthan. Seeking a better life, the family set up an office in Burrabazar, a former yarn and textile market that flourished under the British Raj to become a commercial and one of Asia's largest wholesale markets. Standing in his family's office in Kolkata during a rare quiet moment in the day, young entrepreneur Vedang Khetawat reflects on his ancestors who paved the path that brought him where he is today. The office is nestled in the midst of what quickly became a bustling hub of commerce and trade in the mid-twentieth century.
#business #Marwar #hub #Kolkata #Khetawats #VedangKhetawat #textile ... See MoreSee Less
In our March- April 2020 e-issue, we draw focus towards the work done on various issues from mental health to methods of water conservation through endeavors like Neerja Birla's Mpower- The Foundation and Dr.Rajendra Singh of @TarunBharatSangh who have achieved note worthy success in giving back to the society.
We also bring you the story of #kishanjain of #goldmedalelectricals and #richaagarwal of the #EmamiGroup, who manages Kolkata Centre for Creativity.
With all this and more, we bring you yet another interesting issue of MARWAR.
Get it now at: www.magzter.com/IN/Spenta-Multimedia/MARWAR-India/Business/
#marwar #marwarmag #marwarindia #cover #marwarcover #magazine #business #icons #global #international #SuccessStories #journey #india #entrepreneurs #heroes #EmamiGroup #March #April #aprilissue #newissue #mpower ... See MoreSee Less
Opting for the pedestrian route and bidding adieu to the wheels will take you from feeling like a tourist to a local resident instantly, allowing you to see the unseen. Learn more about heritage walks here!
Read more at: www.marwar.com/meandering-down-the-heritage-lane/
Vedic Walks Heritage Water Walks
#rajasthan #travel #rajasthantravelling #heritagewalks #heritage #legacy #wanderlust #rajasthantourism #walks ... See MoreSee Less
www.marwar.com
As part of the team behind Responsive Industries Ltd extraordinary growth during his early years in the business, Rishabh Agarwal has all the experience that it takes to lead the company from the front, as he is now doing.
See more at: www.marwar.com/13304-2/
#business #repsonsiveindustries #rishabhagarwal #marwar #marwarindia ... See MoreSee Less
Spain may not be a large country, but its recipes date back hundreds of years, reflecting an integral part of the traditional Spanish way of life. We spoke to some Spanish gourmets to know more about the food of Spain that now is much-loved in India as well.
See more at: www.marwar.com/spanish-comida/
Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy One La Loca Maria The Claridges Hotels & Resorts
#spanishfood #spanish #spanishcuisine #spain #theclaridges #lalocamaria #fourseasons ... See MoreSee Less
Tweets by Marwarmagindia
Spenta Multimedia
Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compound,
N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai – 400 013.
Tel: +91 22 2481 1010 | Fax: +91 22 2481 1021
© Copyright 2019 Marwar India Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Site by Spenta Digital
Register new acount