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Flame - The story of my mother Shahnaz Husain
Nelofar Currimbhoy's debut, that too as a memoirist, is a remarkable one. The ease, with which she actualises her mother — Shahnaz Husain — and takes her readers along on her awe-inspiring journey, is noteworthy. We see India’s premier beauty and wellness icon through the love-filled eyes of her first-born, who has most closely witnessed and felt the magnetism of her mother’s persona from the day she could begin to understand things around her. Flame is intrinsically, first and foremost, a daughter's memoir of her mother; a mother who by her very nature is so effervescent, boisterous and radiant that one cannot ignore her. Then, it is a daughter's tribute to the person who has impressed her most in her life. And finally, it is the story of a woman who has lived life on her terms, a woman who refused to believe that the stars would not realign themselves if she so desired.
A very simply, eloquently and engagingly told tale, Flame reads like a novel, so much so that there are times you have to reorient yourself to the fact that the book documents the life, lived uber kingsize for sure, of the Queen of Ayurveda. As a debut author, Currimbhoy has done an outstanding job, considering that as per own admission she finds her best expression in poetry and shorter pieces. The narrative has a great flow to it and seems to be infused with a certain energy that probably emanates from the author's muse herself. Also, Currimbhoy blends together the personal aspect of her mother's life with her professional side. Currimbhoy makes no bones about being charmed to the hilt by her iconic mother and this is what makes Shahnaz come to life for the reader. Her magnetism, felt so intensely by her daughter, has been captured so well in the biography. This also acts like double-edged sword. Since the author provides insights into Shahnaz Husain like only a daughter can, you cannot help but feel that all you have been shown and made to read and visualise has been from behind the veil or screen of filial ties. The narrative is coloured by a daughter's emotions and this is where the reader, will have to decide whether to digest everything or not.
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How
The story, as it
chronicles the life and times of the Diva who was tested over and over
by fate, brings you closer to the person behind the birth and the
monumental success of Shahnaz Herbals. Born into a conservative,
aristocratic Muslim family, Shahnaz Husain got married at 16 and had a
child soon after. Despite events that could have probably stalled any
other woman’s zeal and zest to realise her dreams, she bulldozed her
way through everything that life threw at her and never settled for
anything less than what she desired. From starting her first clinic in
her verandah to working as a writer to save up money for a beauty
course, from the death of her father to the demise of her husband, she
weathered everything and in the process made herself into an icon that
she is considered to be.