The Immortals

‘And his talent became a problematic responsibility he did not know what to do with; it was as if, having given so much to his gift – hard work, practice – he wanted something in return; and not having got that “something”, whatever it might be, he had decided to punish both himself and everyone around him.’

‘The car horns created an anxious music, discordant but not indifferent.’

‘... a severe woman with a patient but unprevaricating gaze, who turned out to be Indira Gandhi.’

‘... he sang with his eyes squeezed tight, as if he were dropping from a great height.’

‘Gulp by gulp, in the air-conditioned study, he swallowed civilisation.’

‘Motilalji began to hum with a sour expression on his face, as if he was never on holiday from his talent and vocation, and resented the fact ...’