KOLKATA: Many rickshaw-pullers on Sudder Street and Chowringhee Lane vividly remember Dominique Lapierre, his novel ‘The City of Joy’ and the film, in which Om Puri played the role of a rickshaw-puller.
Mohammed Eijaz, now in his late 60s, recalled Lapierre interviewing him and the others. “We did not mind as he would tuck a Rs50 note into our pockets after every interview,” he said. Rs 50 was quite a bit of money for the poor rickshaw-wallahs in those days. “He would involve us in mamuli baatein (ordinary conversations). I cannot recollect what we talked about after so many years,” he said.
Sima Bibi, who grew up on the sidewalks of Sudder Street, faintly remembers Lapierre. Her parents always praised the sahib for his extraordinary generosity. “They used to dine at Blue Sky Cafe and get us food,” she said.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.
Start a Conversation
Post comment