New Delhi : “Lavlin is a woman of rare sensitivity… my soulmate.” That’s how Amrita Pritam described Lavlin. Further, she stated – “Lavlin’s writings are not only sensitive but also intense and sometimes remind me of legendary poet Sara Shagufta. Lavlin is a poet of international calibre.”
Also being a Film-maker of repute with over a hundred Films and several International Awards to her credit, Lavlin’s latest Book of poetry ‘My Soul Flower’ was recently released on 22nd July 2018 (Sunday) at the India International Centre (IIC) Main Auditorium in New Delhi. The programme, hosted by the Poetry Society of India and the IIC.
The programme was presided over by a panel of distinguished personalities including media giants like Mr. HK Dua, Mr. Venkat Narayan and Mr. Amit Khanna, as also noted poets like Dr. Sukrita Paul and Dr. Renee Ranchan. Also, present was Mr. Arif Mohammed Khan, Former Union Minister and prolific writer.
The event saw who’s who present and the one of the most peculiar thing was to see when the Author, Lavlin read out her poetry and famous and recognized Indian Kathak Dancer Shovana Narayan danced to amplify the spirit of the poem. Also well known Theatre artiste and former Doordarshan newsreader Sunit Tandon read out select poems in his way, which won hearts of all present at the event. Both Shovana and Sunit left the audience spell bound by their professional presentation.
The Book covers a wide array of themes and genres like love, empathy, irony, tragedy, inspiration, spirituality, patriotism and so on and so forth, captivating the readers with freshness of perspectives. In Lavlin’s words – “Knowledge has little meaning unless you add a dimension to it.” She starts the book with “No one is perfect. Love is.” A unique feature of the book is that it contains Lavlin’s spontaneous dialogue in verse with Amrita Pritam, dating to 1992.
In the words of Mr. IK Gujral former Prime Minister of India – “Lavlin is a scholar of high calibre.” Indeed, her poetry reflects her depth of understanding of human nature, the language being simple and the ideas being effectively communicated to the readers.
“A soul, once soaked, never goes dry.” – Lavlin Soulful poetry indeed!
About the Author:
Dr. Lavlin Thadani – The Poet, The Filmmaker, and International Award Winner
An author of seven books, Lavlin holds a PhD in Russian Literature from the prestigious Moscow State University. Having pursued acting at the reputed FTII and direction from the noted AFFT, Lavlin is an actor, poet and film-maker of repute. She has books of poetry in both Hindi and English to her credit that have won much acclaim, as also fables and stories.
Lavlin has produced and directed over a hundred films- features, documentaries, docudramas on a wide variety of topics with focus on women’s and children’s issues, health awareness, foreign policy and history. Her films have been screened at the United Nations, Magsaysay Awardees’ Conference, the Cannes Film Festival and other eminent festivals across the globe, bagging much acclaim and prestigious awards. She scripts and writes lyrics for her own films.
She has acted in lead roles under Mr. M.S.Sathyu and Mr.Lekh Tandon, besides other eminent directors and continues to perform the much riveted role of Amrita Pritam on stage. Lavlin was a member of the Central Board of Film Certification and National Media Consultant with the WHO.
As a socially conscious citizen, Lavlin actively participates in the meaningful work being done by the NGO’s such as Mamta and Prakashdeep amongst others. She has worked as an interpreter from Russian to English and vice versa for former Indian Prime Ministers and Russian dignitaries.
Lavlin, an ardent student of literature, has also taught at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), headed the Russian service at the External Services Division of All India Radio with a huge fan following. She, a popular face on television had pioneered the breakfast show for Doordarshan, as also presented programs for Moscow Television.
She was the editor of the Children’s Page of the Hindustan Times and has contributed as a journalist and creative photographer to several noted newspapers and magazines.
‘But poetry remains my first love’, she says.
