7 Breaths to Slimming by Namita Jain (Book Review: 3*/5) !!!

2167th BLOG POST

9th Book of 2026

 

There are phases in life when we make a certain thing our top priority. For the last 2–3 months, I have been trying my best to reduce my weight and eat as little junk food as possible. This effort resulted in a significant weight loss of 7 kgs within two months, which is actually very difficult to achieve considering the amount of easily accessible food we keep consuming without moderation. This phase of my life made me pick up Dr. Namita Jain’s latest book, published by Rupa Publications, titled “7 Breaths to Slimming.”

 

This 232-page book is written in a manner where you do not need to sit with notes in your hand, constantly noting what to eat or avoid, which exercises to perform, or how many times they should be done in a day or week. Instead, it presents a simple methodology based on the concept of breathing before eating. The idea is to disconnect from your current emotions and state of mind, enter a more mindful space, and understand how much you truly need to consume versus how much your anxiety and the fast-paced world are pushing you to eat.

 

The book is divided into five sections: Laying the Foundation, How the 7 Breaths to Slimming Works, The Result-Oriented Path for the Journey to Slimming Success, Sustaining the Transformation, and The Path Forward in the Journey of Slimming. These sections are further broken down into smaller chapters where the author repeatedly discusses the power of the seven-breath technique, which helps connect the mind with food and encourages mindful eating. She also regularly shares testimonials from some of her clients and acquaintances regarding the results and mindset shifts they experienced after following this method.

 

Namita’s intention is very clear from the structure and narration of the book. She does not want to overwhelm readers with countless parameters and complicated methods for weight loss. Instead, she chooses to focus entirely on the transformative impact that a breathing cycle can have in regulating food consumption. Readers are introduced to the ritual of “Pause, Breathe, and Align” every time they sit down for a meal. To ensure people do not feel awkward practising this in public, she also suggests alternative three-breath cycles and explains how they can be done discreetly without drawing attention.

 

The book remains strongly focused on this one methodology. However, having read several books on dieting, health, and body management, I personally felt that the content delivered was relatively limited considering the number of pages used to explain a single concept. The same volume of writing could have included multiple additional techniques and approaches that might have benefited readers even more. At times, I felt that the core idea of the book could have been comfortably covered within a detailed Medium article or a couple of blog posts instead of a full-length book.

 

There are also several scientific aspects related to breathing exercises and the physiological changes they bring about in the body that could have been explained in greater detail. Including these would have made the concept feel more holistic and convincing from both a practical and scientific perspective. Unfortunately, that aspect has largely been left unexplored in the book.

 

Overall, I believe the book addresses a very important topic and introduces a mindful approach towards eating, but it offers comparatively less content for a book priced at an MRP of INR 395. I give this book 3 stars out of 5.

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WRITING BUDDHA

Madira by Parag A. Shastry (Book Review: 4.75*/5) !!!

2166th BLOG POST

8^th Book of 2026

 

Parag A. Shastry’s MADIRA is not merely a book about cocktails, spirits, or mixology. It is an experience steeped in memory, geography, culture, and forgotten traditions. Published by Rupa Publications, this fascinating 344-page work stands at the crossroads of culinary history and modern experimentation, attempting to reclaim India’s indigenous drinking culture from the shadows of colonial hangovers and imported glamour.

 

At first glance, the book appears to be a sophisticated cocktail companion filled with recipes and artistic inspirations. But as one progresses through its pages, it becomes evident that Madira is trying to achieve something far more ambitious. It seeks to restore dignity and storytelling to Indian spirits that have long remained underappreciated. The author doesn’t merely teach readers how to mix drinks; he invites them to understand the soul behind every ingredient, aroma, ritual, and regional influence.

 

One of the strongest aspects of the book lies in its narrative approach. Before the recipes begin, Parag A. Shastry carefully lays a philosophical and cultural foundation for the reader. The opening chapters explore how India once possessed a rich and deeply localized drinking tradition—one that existed long before whisky and imported liquors dominated urban aspirations. The author revisits forgotten beverages, indigenous brewing practices, and region-specific drinking customs with remarkable affection and detail.

 

The chapters titled The Indian Cocktail Renaissance and The Art of Sustainable Mixology are particularly insightful. Instead of blindly glorifying Western bar culture, the author passionately argues for a distinctly Indian identity in modern mixology. He explains how ingredients like kokum, tamarind, jaggery, Gondhoraj lime, mahua, curry leaves, saffron, sandalwood, raw mango, and even spice blends can shape cocktails that are deeply rooted in Indian memory and tradition.

 

What makes this approach refreshing is the emotional intelligence behind it. In Madira, cocktails are not presented as symbols of elite indulgence. Rather, they are portrayed as extensions of festivals, seasons, nostalgia, family gatherings, regional landscapes, and collective celebrations. The author repeatedly emphasizes that Indian drinking traditions historically revolved around community and storytelling rather than solitary sophistication. That cultural sensitivity gives the book a warmth that many glossy cocktail books often lack.

 

Once the book transitions into its celebrated collection of 101 recipes, readers are introduced to a dazzling universe of creativity. The names themselves evoke curiosity and atmosphere—Mahua Martini, Kashmiri Kahwa Whiskey, Mumbai Masala Highball, Pineapple and Curry Leaf Smash, Holi Rang Martini, Jalebi Whiskey Flip, The Maharaja’s Cipher, The Banaras Mule, and finally The Madira Masterpiece. Each cocktail carries a thematic identity, categorized through moods such as “Rooted and Ritualistic,” “Bright and Festive,” “Bold and Rebellious,” or “Warm and Soulful.”

 

This categorization is perhaps one of the book’s most original ideas. It transforms the act of drinking into an emotional and cultural experience rather than a mechanical recipe-following exercise. One does not merely choose a cocktail based on alcohol preference; one chooses based on feeling, season, memory, and atmosphere. That subtle literary touch elevates Madira far beyond conventional bartending manuals.

 

Parag A. Shastry’s writing style deserves appreciation as well. His prose is immersive, poetic, and cinematic without becoming overly decorative. Whether he is describing tribal mahua brews from forest clearings, toddy tapped at sunrise on coastal shores, or spice-infused drinks inspired by royal kitchens, the narration consistently maintains sensory richness. Readers can almost smell the roasted fennel, citrus peels, herbs, and jaggery vapours rising from the pages.

 

Another commendable element is the author’s emphasis on sustainability and mindful consumption. The book repeatedly encourages the use of local ingredients, seasonal produce, leftover peels, homemade syrups, and environmentally conscious practices. In an era where sustainability often becomes a fashionable buzzword, Madira integrates it naturally into India’s traditional kitchen wisdom.

 

Visually too, the book appears elegant and thoughtfully structured. The index itself reflects tremendous effort, with appendices dedicated to bartending techniques, India’s spirit landscape, indigenous ingredients, and a cultural glossary of Madira. These additions make the book accessible not just to experienced mixologists but also to curious readers who may know little about cocktail culture.

 

However, readers expecting a straightforward instructional cocktail guide may initially find the philosophical and historical portions slightly elaborate. The book prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling as much as recipes, and that literary immersion may not appeal equally to everyone. Yet, for those willing to engage with its deeper cultural intent, this richness becomes its greatest strength.

 

In many ways, Madira feels like a cultural reclamation project disguised as a cocktail book. It reminds readers that India’s relationship with spirits did not begin with imported whisky labels or modern urban lounges. There existed an older, more intimate tradition—rooted in land, ritual, herbs, seasons, and shared experiences. Through this book, Parag A. Shastry attempts to resurrect that forgotten voice with both reverence and innovation.

 

Overall, MADIRA is a beautifully crafted work that combines anthropology, gastronomy, history, sustainability, and mixology into one engaging narrative. It is a rare book that can comfortably sit on the shelves of cocktail enthusiasts, cultural historians, food writers, and lovers of Indian traditions alike. More than teaching readers how to prepare drinks, Madira teaches them how to rediscover flavour, memory, and identity—one glass at a time. I will definitely give this book 4.75* out of 5 as author’s research work is evident in each and every word written in around 350 pages. Recommended for drinks/cocktail/mocktail lovers.

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WRITING BUDDHA

SHAH RUKH KHAN : Legend, Icon, Star by Mohar Basu (Book Review: 4.5*/5) !!!

2165th BLOG POST

7^th Book of 2026

 

I remember getting intimidated by the writings of authors such as Ashwin Sanghi or Amish Tripathi because it became difficult to continuously speak highly about their books in every review without fearing that people might think I am biased. Something similar is now happening with me when it comes to Mohar Basu’s books as well. I had read Salman Khan’s biography written by her in January, just after its launch, and absolutely loved the way she handled the life of such a personality almost like a detailed case study. I immediately picked up her first book, “Shah Rukh Khan: Legend, Icon, Star,” which I read last week and once again found myself in awe of her narration style.

 

The book, published by HarperCollins, spans around 290 pages and is divided into several chapters. Mohar has crafted the chapters in such a manner that you never feel like rushing into the next one immediately after finishing the previous chapter. Instead, you feel like absorbing everything you have read, savouring it for a day, and only then moving ahead. I am generally a reader who likes finishing books in one go, but this book made me helpless in a good way—I could not read more than one chapter a day and would then narrate the entire thing to my spouse just to make her understand this fascinating personality called Shah Rukh Khan.

 

The author beautifully explains the impact of Shah Rukh’s childhood and the deaths of his parents on his personality, helping us understand why he is the way he is today. I never knew about Shah Rukh’s reaction to his mother’s death before reading Mohar’s description in this book. That chapter genuinely makes you feel for a young boy who had only just started building his life and standing on his own feet.

 

Mohar also explores his romantic love story with Gauri Khan, his wife of over three decades, and how their relationship was no less than a Bollywood film in itself. You begin to understand Shah Rukh Khan’s determination and never-give-up attitude through the way he pursued Gauri until her family eventually agreed to their marriage. The author also takes us down memory lane through his interactions with various actresses and explains why they often feel comfortable and secure around him. Shah Rukh Khan is always considered an example of how men should treat women—with dignity and warmth—and Basu ensures this aspect of his personality is highlighted beautifully.

 

Mohar helps us understand how audiences were longing for a new superstar after Mr. Bachchan’s break during the early 1990s. Amitabh Bachchan had given the nation the image of the “Angry Young Man,” whereas Shah Rukh Khan transformed the contemporary idea of superstardom through romance and charm. The author explains very well how Shah Rukh initially gained recognition through television serials like Circus and Fauji. Even after entering Bollywood, romance was not his initial identity, as many of his early characters in films like Baazigar, Darr, and Deewana had darker or grey shades. It was only after DDLJ that SRK became permanently embedded in the hearts and minds of Indians as the ultimate romantic hero—with expressive eyes, a charming smile, and his iconic open-arm pose.

 

The author takes us deep into the making of some of the most important films of SRK’s career such as DDLJ, Chak De! India, Zero, and Ra.One, making readers nostalgic while also revealing lesser-known details. One such revelation for me was learning how his first production house had failed—something I had no idea about. The courage Shah Rukh displayed by launching Red Chillies Entertainment just a year later is what makes such stories genuinely inspiring.

 

Mohar also extensively discusses Mannat and the emotional significance it holds for ordinary people who see it as a symbol of success. For many, Mannat represents the dream of an outsider arriving in Mumbai without backing and building an identity so massive that it can never be erased. The author also openly addresses how SRK has repeatedly faced criticism regarding his Muslim identity and political opinions, while continuing to stand tall through every phase.

 

The book is definitely written keeping Shah Rukh Khan’s die-hard fans in mind, but even someone who has never been a fan would enjoy reading it because it is not just about SRK’s life—it is also about the impact he had on a changing India that was embracing technology, branding, globalization, and new aspirations in the early 1990s. The way multiple generations within a family have continued loving him and his films speaks volumes about his longevity. Mohar also explains how SRK is perceived differently by boys and girls, which turned out to be another interesting observation. The book also contains some memorable dialogues and photographs of Shah Rukh that many readers may never have seen before.

 

Overall, this is a wonderful book to spend your time with. Personally, I still found the Salman Khan biography slightly better written than this one—perhaps because this was Mohar’s earlier work and she naturally evolved further as a writer afterward. I had rated that book 4.75 stars, and for this one, I would give 4.5 stars out of 5. Definitely recommended for all Bollywood lovers.

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WRITING BUDDHA