Book review: 'Never Out Of Print: The Rupa Story; The Journey Of An Independent Indian Publisher

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Rajen Mehra's "Never Out of Print: The Rupa Story" takes readers on an engaging journey through the evolution of Rupa Publications, an influential player in the dynamic world of Indian publishing. At 77, Mehra, the driving force behind Rupa, narrates not only his journey but also the fascinating growth of the publishing giant and its pivotal role in shaping the Indian literary landscape.

The memoir begins with Mehra's early years, a significant train journey across India at the age of 22 that redirected his life towards the world of publishing. His narrative is candid, providing a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of a self-made man. The reader is introduced to the inception of Rupa, where Mehra shares anecdotes about the origins of the name and the fortuitous encounter with the first customer, Humayun Kabir.

The book unfolds as an interesting social history of India, as seen through the lens of a publisher. From Rupa's humble beginnings near the iconic coffee house in Kolkata to its expansion into Delhi, Mehra tells us the stories of notable figures like Satyajit Ray, whose design adorned Rupa's first logo. The memoir also encapsulates the publisher's journey from being a distributor for global giants to establishing itself as a prominent player in the Indian publishing scene.

Rajen Mehra writes in the book ' Daudayal Mehra that my granduncle, belonged to a Punjabi Khatri business family, which migrated in the nineteenth century from Peshawar to Amritsar via Lahore and then moved to Banaras (now Varanasi). From Banaras, the patriarch of the family, Gorakhnath Khatri, respectfully called 'Baba', moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata) along with his two brothers, Durga Prasad Khatri (my grandfather) and Daudayal Mehra. Gorakhnath Khatri worked hard to es¬tablish the family hosiery business (as representatives of Anderson Wright & Co.).

While Gorakhnath Khatri's voice boomed inside our household and he decided the affairs of the family, the middle brother, Durga Prasad, was a mild-mannered individual with few ambitions of his own. He retired early from the family business and lived a content life, detached from the daily cares of the family business. Soaking in the sun, yoga and a massage every day would bring him great satisfaction. He ate one meal a day, gorged on all things sweet and loved his 555 cigarettes-a simple life, albeit lived regally. The young¬est of the three brothers was D.

Mehra, who was fond of my father, N.D. Mehra. My father had just passed his matriculation exam and the lack of zeal that he saw in his own father made him gravitate towards his more enter¬prising uncle, D. Mehra. He aimed to make a mark in life.

Mehra's storytelling takes a riveting turn when he delves into the infamous Salman Rushdie incident involving "Satanic Verses." The stories provide insights into the challenges faced by Rupa and Mehra's pragmatic approach to the situation. The book not only chronicles Rupa's path but also highlights Mehra's knack for identifying and nurturing diverse talents, from politicians like L.K. Advani to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar.
Rupa's metamorphosis into a publishing powerhouse is narrated with humility and awe by Mehra. His anecdotes, accompanied by numerous photographs and illustrations, bring to life the milestones of Rupa's journey. The memoir beautifully captures Mehra's encounters with bestselling authors and celebrities, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities whose stories found a home at Rupa.

He further writes 'Some people love books. Some people love animals. Very few have an equal passion for both. Maneka Gandhi is one such person. I was introduced to her by my friend, the legendary bookseller KD Singh, who was close to Maneka at the time. She was turned out of the PM's residence by her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, when differences flared up between the two after the death of Maneka's husband Sanjay Gandhi. It was KD who accompanied Maneka from the PM's residence to her mother's place, a brave job indeed.'

The tales gain momentum as Mehra details the expansion of Rupa into nonfiction, venturing into unexplored regions like food. The reader is introduced to the challenges faced during this transition and the publisher's commitment to quality literature. Mehra's account of handling the publication of controversial works, such as Rushdie's, showcases the determination that defines Rupa Publications.

The book also sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between Rupa and renowned authors like Ruskin Bond, Gulzar, and Chetan Bhagat. Mehra's ability to recall significant events with vivid immediacy adds a personal touch to the narrative, making it a remarkable read. The unexpected success of Jaswant Singh's "Jinnah: India-Partition-Independence" serves as solid proof of Rupa's commitment to diverse and thought-provoking literature.

The book "Never Out of Print" goes beyond being a personal memoir as author Rajen Mehra's fluid and lucid storytelling style keeps the reader engaged, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape the world of Indian publishing. This book is also a celebration of a publishing firm that has not only weathered the storms of change but has also played a key role in revolutionizing the way books are published, marketed, sold, and read in India. Rajen Mehra's memoir is not just a journey through his life but a historical expedition through the corridors of Rupa Publications.

Book: Never Out Of Print: The Rupa Story: The Journey Of An Independent Indian Publisher by Rajen Mehra
Published by: Rupa
Price: 500