Being an old widow in a highly patriarchal society comes with a different set of challenges. Apart from being isolated, the prejudices attached to widowhood hardly make it easier for any widow to live their life. It’s not always that a widow finds her way back into the real world, but when she does there is a story that longs to be heard. Pankaj Kapur’s “Dopehri” is one such tale.
Dopehri: A Closer Look
Focusing on the life of a widow Amma Bi, “Dopehri” is a captivating book by Indian actor, director and playwright Pankaj Kapur. Originally written in Hindi, it was translated into English by Rahul Soni. It is a beautiful tale of a widow who realises there is still more to life. And how sometimes it’s the small human relationships that one builds with a stranger that actually helps them grow more as a person.
Set in the beautiful city of Lucknow, Amma Bi is introduced as a lonely widow who lives in a haveli all by herself. Her days a pretty monotonous and with each passing day her loneliness grows. But soon her monotonous routine ends with the arrival of Sahiba. Although a stranger at first she later becomes a big part of Amma Bi’s life. Their intricate relationship is aptly captured by Kapur.
Amma Bi is portrayed as a typical traditional and conservative Indian widow. But as the book progresses we see the transition that she goes through. And her breakthrough from the shackles of the society that held her back and her journey to discovering herself is indeed mesmerising. Through Amma Bi, Kapur managed to explore the themes of identity, gender and societal expectations.
The city of Lucknow is very vividly captured. From its people to its customs and traditions everything has been written with great care and detail, keeping in mind the heritage of the city. Kapur has done a terrific job of portraying the socio-cultural backdrop that sets the tone for the book. Apart from widowhood and the loneliness that accompanies it, the book also sheds light upon social issues such as gender discrimination, domestic violence, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society.
Afterword
A short and beautiful tale “Dopehri” is an easy read that is bound to make one feel warm at heart. Kapur’s writing style is simple yet evocative and laden with emotions. His vivid descriptions and use of imagery create a sensory experience for the reader. It swiftly transports them to the haveli and the lanes of Lucknow. A must-read for anyone looking for a quick and heart-warming read.
