Publisher pulls Gulzar poems’ Marathi translation as readers complain

A prominent Marathi publishing house has withdrawn the Marathi version of a collection of Gulzar’s most memorable compositions, from the market following complaints by readers.

A prominent Marathi publishing house has withdrawn a just-published a Marathi version of a collection of Gulzar’s most memorable compositions, from the market following complaints by readers.

The publishing house also talked to Gulzar before taking the decision. (HT Photo)

The book contains Marathi translation of 100 selected poems written by the eminent Hindi poet and lyricist. It was withdrawn when Marathi readers expressed dissatisfaction over quality of the translation. It is considered as the first case in Marathi literature when a publisher has taken such a step due to feedback from the readers.

It all began when Ranjit Paradkar, a reader, who purchased the book as a gift for his friend, and then found that translation of Gulzar poems was not up to the mark. He sent an e-mail to Mehta Publishing House and also posted it on social media.

He received overwhelming response through social media and considering the sentiments of the readers, publishing company withdrew the book from the market on Wednesday.

Sunil Mehta of Mehta Publishing House said the decision was taken as a commitment to the readers to provide quality books. The publishing house also talked to Gulzar before taking the decision.