New Delhi: In the bustling corridors of colonial Bihar’s bureaucracy, a young law officer named Mukhtar Samlal schemes his way to the coveted British title of ‘Rai Bahadur‘. This delightful caper told through the humorous and satirical lens of Jayanath Pati in his novel Fool Bahadur, has been resurrected in the first-ever English translation by the renowned poet, author, translator, and diplomat Abhay K. The story, rich with themes of corruption, societal issues, and colourful characters, now stands poised for cinematic adaptation.
Abhay envisions a star-studded Bollywood adaptation of Fool Bahadur. “I see Manoj Bajpayee as Mukhtar Samlal, with his ability to portray nuanced, multifaceted characters. Pankaj Tripathi would be perfect as SDO [Sub Divisional Officer] Maulavi Mojjafer Nawab, bringing depth and authenticity. Sonakshi Sinha as Naseeban would capture the strength and vulnerability of her character, and Rajpal Yadav as Circle Officer Haldhar Singh would add the right touch of humour and complexity.”
When it comes to the director, Abhay has a clear preference. “Vishal Bhardwaj has a unique talent for bringing literary works to life on screen, as seen in his adaptations of Shakespearean plays,” he says. “His ability to blend dark humour with intense drama aligns perfectly with the tone of ‘Fool Bahadur.’ He has a knack for capturing the essence of Indian stories, making him an ideal choice for this project.”
The characters in ‘Fool Bahadur’ are as vivid as they are memorable. Mukhtar Samlal, the master of manipulation, stands out as a protagonist whose cunningness and desperation drive the narrative. “Mukhtar Samlal embodies the desperation and cunningness required to navigate a corrupt system,” says Abhay. Other characters, like SDO Maulavi Mojjafer Nawab, the courtesan Naseeban, and Circle Officer Haldhar Singh, add layers of complexity and intrigue to the story.
Abhay was drawn to Fool Bahadur by its timeless wit and social commentary. “The novel’s relevance to contemporary audiences is striking,” he says, adding, “The issues of corruption and exploitation, though set in colonial times, are still very much relevant today”.
According to Abhay the bureaucratic hustle and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters mirror the challenges prevalent in modern society. “This connection between past and present makes the story both, educational and entertaining,” he avers.
Abhay was captivated by the wit and satire embedded in Pati’s narrative. “The novel is a brilliant portrayal of colonial Bihar, offering a rare glimpse into the prevalent corruption in the public service and the rampant sexual exploitation of women. Its humour and social commentary are timeless, making it a story that resonates even today,” he explains.
Translating Fool Bahadur from Magahi to English was no easy feat. “Maintaining the humour and the original tone was particularly challenging,” Abhay admits. “Magahi has a unique flavour that doesn’t always directly translate into English. However, the effort was rewarding as it brought a forgotten classic to a broader audience.”
Abhay hopes that a cinematic adaptation of ‘Fool Bahadur’ will captivate audiences and highlight the absurdities of a corrupt system. “I hope audiences will appreciate the rich tapestry of historical and cultural contexts while being entertained by the humor and drama,” he says. “The story highlights the absurdities of a corrupt system and the resilience of individuals within it, offering both a critique and a celebration of the human spirit.”
As ‘Fool Bahadur’ continues to create buzz all around, Abhay is also planning a series of discussions and events to promote the novel. “We’re excited to bring this story to new readers and potential filmmakers,” he shares.
In bringing ‘Fool Bahadur’ back to life, Abhay K. has revived a forgotten gem and opened the door for its cinematic adaptation. With its rich characters, engaging plot, and relevant themes, this novel is poised to captivate audiences both on the page and screen. For readers and filmmakers alike, Fool Bahadur offers a treasure trove of storytelling potential, waiting to be explored, he says.
– globalbihari bureau
