Doing the Wrong Thing for the Right Reasons

shantaram...

well, I know that I've written enough about this book, and you are probably sick of reading my drivel about this contemporary masterpiece, but I feel compelled to write one more.

So, while waiting for my flight back home to Chicago, I finished the book. I was so engrossed in the book, that American Airlines actually had to call my name over the PA, at the risk of losing my seat. But, I made my flight, stashed my carry-on bag into the overhead bin, and finish my book before takeoff.

The ending, like the rest of the book, was paradoxically great and drawl out at the same time. After 1000 pages of action and story building, we are presented with the final climax....and the final words of wisdom from Khader Khan. I won't give away the ending, but...you need to read this book all the way to the end.

Some words of wisdom from the great Khan:

"Regardless of the outcome, always do things for the right reasons. Its better to have done the wrong thing for the right reasons, rather than the right thing, for the wrong reasons."

"Determining right and wrong is easy. In the beginning of the universe, everything was simple. As time has passed, the world has moved towards more complexity. Anything, and any action, that impedes this movement towards complexity is inherantly evil."

and of course, he always had a toast ready for his enemies

"May he have 10 daughters, and may each of them marry well" (note for non-Indians...this is dowry issue for Indian fathers)

Now that I'm done with the book, I am nervously anticpating the movie.....so far, my research (a quick trip to IMDB) has revealed the following cast:

Lin - Johnny Depp (who bought the rights to the movie from the author, and is the producer as well)
Khader Khan - Amithab Bhachan....love it

With the perfect casting job for two main characters, I'm nervous about the host of other characters that need to be cast. The director needs to cast a wide net (hardy har har) to find the right folks. This search needs to be global, India, Iran, Australia, Liverpool, and of course, the US. Of all the characters, I'm most nervous about Prabaka. In the book, Prabu serves as Lin's conscience...and his infectious smile helps serve as a reminder of the good within Lin's most evil deeds....

so, two questions left to answer...who plays Prabu, and why haven't you read this book yet?

more about the movie when I learn more.....