Ishq Tilism (इश्क तिलिस्म) by Puja Upadhyay, published in February 2023, is a beautifully written story that revolves around the protagonist, Itaraan. The book takes readers on an emotional journey filled with love, longing, and alternate realities, creating a magical world where love exceeds time, space, and even life itself. Puja Upadhyay captures the essence of deep emotional connections and paints a poetic world around you where the characters breathe, love, and live in different worlds.
Plot Overview of Ishq Tilism
The story discloses in Tilismpur, a fictional place, where Itaraan lives. She is a captivating character with letters flowing through her body, a symbol of the deep emotional ties she carries with the people around her. Itaraan’s life is surrounded by intriguing cities, mesmerizing people, and boundless love that defies time and dimensions.
Itaraan says, ‘Love is like a Jackson Pollock painting. Modern art and Abstract. Everyone sees different things in it. Some do not understand it at all and think there is nothing more overpriced and overhyped in the world.’ It is a beautiful metaphor comparing love to abstract art, highlighting how subjective and varied people’s perceptions can be. What do you think about this comparison?
For Itaraan, love (Ishq) is a crucial point where the completeness of one’s life story is determined. She describes love as an abstract painting, a modern art form that different people interpret in various ways—some may understand its depths, while others may dismiss it as overrated. Her world is filled with interesting personalities, each of whom adds depth and meaning to her story, particularly Rudra and Moksha.
The Characters and Their Depth
One of the key aspects of the novel Ishq Tilism is its beautifully created characters:
Itaraan: A free-spirited woman, her life is filled with the weight of love and letters, both of which guide her journey through alternate realities and cities of desires. She is a complex figure, embodying both strength and vulnerability, making her relatable and intriguing.
Rudra: A friend, philosopher, and guide, Rudra is Itaraan’s anchor. He calls her ‘Sarkar’ with affection and acts as her bridge to the divine and the abstract. Rudra teaches her life’s mischiefs, supports her, and stands by her through love and pain.
Moksha: A character with dreamy eyes, Moksha is a poignant presence in Itaraan’s life. His poetic soul, love for cooking, and his unique way of leaving scarred kisses on her life make him unforgettable. Moksha’s departure leaves Itaraan to build a world of unfulfilled desires, an alternate universe where love seems timeless and eternal.
The Magic of Love in Ishq Tilism
Puja Upadhyay intricately weaves the theme of love throughout the novel Ishq Tilism. Itaraan believes that love is not just a transient emotion but an eternal tilism (magic). It deepens with time, just like the fragrance of perfume, intensifying with every passing moment. Even if the lovers are physically apart, love continues to thrive, grow, and pulse with each breath.
This portrayal of love is not ordinary; it’s a connection that surpasses life and time, a love that stays rooted in memories, emotions, and the spiritual aura. The novel explores love in all its forms, from passionate romance to deep spiritual connections, making the reader reflect on the nature of relationships and emotional bonds.
Language and Writing Style
Puja Upadhyay’s writing is poetic, almost lyrical in its rhythm. Every sentence flow like a piece of art, drawing the reader into the emotions and depth of the characters’ lives. The novel invites you to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the magical world Upadhyay has created.
Her ability to connect characters with cities, emotions, and abstract concepts gives the story a dreamlike quality. The language is simple yet profound, allowing readers to engage with the narrative without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of emotions presented. The novel is a slow burn, encouraging readers to feel every moment.
Themes of Ishq Tilism
Alternate Realities: The novel plays with the idea of multiple dimensions and alternate worlds, where love and life continue in parallel. Itaraan’s reality is both grounded and magical, filled with cities of longing and characters who rise above the physical world.
Eternal Love: The fundamental theme of the book is eternal love, which does not fade with time or separation. Itaraan’s belief that love is a magical force that outlives everything is the driving force of the narrative.
Freedom and Feminine Spirit: Itaraan is a representation of feminine freedom, an independent soul who loves deeply but on her own terms. She is fearless, adventurous, and unafraid to explore the emotional and spiritual depths of life.
About the Author: Puja Upadhyay
Puja Upadhyay was born in 1983 in Patna, Bihar, and spent her childhood in Deoghar, Jharkhand. She later pursued higher education in Mass Communication from Patna Women’s College and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi.
Puja’s first book, Teen Roz Ishq – Gum Hoti Kahaniyan, published by Penguin in 2015, became a bestseller in 2017. The book was widely appreciated and even became a bestseller in 2017, as per the Dainik Jagran Nielsen rankings.
Alongside her literary career, she has worked in various communication fields such as advertising, event management, and corporate communications. Puja co-founded a tech company, gaining valuable experience in artificial intelligence.
An avid traveler, Puja loves exploring cities like Delhi and New York. She enjoys photography and shooting with both cameras and air rifles, adding to her unique personality. Currently, she resides in Bangalore with her family.
Her latest work, Ishq Tilism, published by Hind Yugm on 19th February 2023, spans 236 pages and has been highly praised for its enchanting narrative and emotional depth.
Reader’s Experience from Reading Ishq Tilism
As a reader, Ishq Tilism feels like a journey through a magical, emotional world. It invites readers to experience love in all its forms painful, beautiful, and transcendent. The characters linger in your mind long after the book is finished, and the city of Tilismpur becomes a place you wish to visit again and again.
Itaraan is a character that many will aspire to be free-spirited, full of life, and unbound by societal norms. Her story resonates with anyone who has ever experienced deep love, loss, or longing.
Why You Should Read Ishq Tilism
Exploration of Love and Relationships: Ishq Tilism takes readers on a journey through the complexities of love, showcasing how relationships can transcend time and space. It beautifully illustrates the shades of emotional connections and the power of love.
Captivating Narrative Style: Puja Upadhyay’s lyrical writing style draws readers into a vibrant world filled with vivid imagery and relatable characters. The engaging prose makes it a delightful read.
Cultural Insights: The book provides a glimpse into Indian culture and societal norms, offering readers a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and backgrounds.
Relatable Characters: The protagonist, Itaraan, embodies traits that resonate with many readers, allowing them to reflect on their own lives and experiences.
A Magical Realism Experience: With its enchanting setting of Tilismpur, the novel invites readers to indulge in a world of magical realism, making it a unique literary experience.
Inspiration and Reflection: The themes of hope, resilience, and the quest for love encourage readers to ponder their own relationships and the meaning of love in their lives.
Reading Ishq Tilism not only provides entertainment but also invites introspection and appreciation of the deeper aspects of love and existence.
Final Thoughts
Ishq Tilism is not just a love story, it is an exploration of emotions, relationships, and alternate realities. Puja Upadhyay has created a tale that resonates with the soul, and her lyrical prose adds layers of meaning to the narrative. The book is a must-read for those who believe in the magic of love and the beauty of deep emotional connections.
If you have ever loved someone beyond the boundaries of time and space, this book will speak to you. And if you haven’t, this story might just make you believe in the power of eternal love.
It is a novel for those who seek more from love than just fleeting romance, it is for those who believe in its magic, its endurance, and its ability to transcend time and place. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy profound, emotionally charged literature.
