‘Brahmaputra: The Ahom Son Rises’ – Vijayendra Prasad Revives Lachit Borphukan’s Epic Tale in a Novel
Renowned screenwriter, film director, and Rajya Sabha MP Vijayendra Prasad, known for his work on blockbusters like the ‘Baahubali’ series, is set to bring the 17th-century general Lachit Borphukan’s story to life in his latest novel, ‘Brahmaputra: The Ahom Son Rises (Book 1)’. Revived by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Lachit’s saga will unfold in a captivating blend of action and romance. Prasad collaborated with naval officer-turned-espionage fiction writer Kulpreet Yadav for this project, and the novel is scheduled for release by HarperCollins Publishers India on May 30.
The narrative of ‘Brahmaputra: The Ahom Son Rises’ commences with Lachit falling in love with Princess Padmini, the daughter of Swargadeo Jayadhwaj Singha, the ruler of the Ahom kingdom. Learning about their romance, the king banishes Lachit from the capital city of Jorhat. However, destiny takes a dramatic turn when Aurangzeb’s forces attack the Ahom capital, compelling the king to sign a peace treaty that relinquishes part of the kingdom’s control to the Mughals. The treaty’s terms deeply humiliate Lachit and his loyal companion, Prince Chakradhwaj.
Amidst mounting troubles, a prince from a kingdom loyal to the Ahoms deceives minor rulers and launches an assault on Jorhat. As Lachit and Prince Chakradhwaj defend their capital, the outcome of this battle holds the power to shape the future of the Ahom kingdom. The novel delves into their quest to restore the honor of the Ahoms, defeat the rebels, and break free from the Mughal stranglehold. Vijayendra Prasad’s track record of creating captivating stories, including the ‘Baahubali’ films, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ and ‘Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi,’ ensures an enthralling narrative.
Collaborating with Prasad on this project is Kulpreet Yadav, a former naval officer who spent two decades in uniform and commanded three ships during his career. Since retiring from the Indian Coast Guard in 2014, Yadav has authored books across multiple genres, encompassing espionage, military history, and true crime. His latest work, ‘The Battle of Rezang La’ (Penguin, 2021), showcases his prowess as a skilled storyteller. Yadav, residing in Mumbai, brings his unique perspective and expertise to enhance the richness of Lachit Borphukan’s tale.
Vijayendra Prasad’s impressive filmography boasts over twenty-five successful films as a screenwriter, predominantly in Telugu cinema. His works extend to Hindi, Kannada, and Tamil films as well. Notable among his contributions are the immensely popular ‘Baahubali’ series, ‘RRR,’ ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan,’ ‘Manikarnika,’ ‘Magadheera,’ and ‘Mersal.’ In 2011, he also directed the Telugu film ‘Rajanna,’ which received the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film. Prasad’s upcoming projects include highly anticipated films such as ‘1770,’ ‘Sita: The Incarnation,’ ‘Aparaajitha Ayodhya,’ ‘Pawan Putra Bhaijaan,’ and ‘Vikramarkudu 2.’
Adding to Vijayendra Prasad’s achievements, he was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, by President Ram Nath Kovind on July 6, 2022. This recognition further highlights his contribution to the arts and entertainment industry.
The novel ‘Brahmaputra: The Ahom Son Rises’ not only breathes life into the historical figure of Lachit Borphukan but also shines a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage of Assam. Lachit Borphukan, a valiant general of the Ahom kingdom, is renowned for his instrumental role in defending Assam against the Mughal forces during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. By immortalizing his story in a gripping narrative, Vijayendra Prasad aims to educate and entertain readers, promoting a sense of pride and appreciation for India’s historical heroes.
The collaboration between Vijayendra Prasad and Kulpreet Yadav brings together their respective talents and expertise, promising a captivating and well-rounded novel. The fusion of Prasad’s storytelling prowess and Yadav’s experience in espionage and military history adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making ‘Brahmaputra: The Ahom Son Rises’ a must-read for history enthusiasts and fans of gripping tales alike.
As the release date of May 30 approaches, anticipation builds among readers and fans of Vijayendra Prasad’s previous works. ‘Brahmaputra: The Ahom Son Rises (Book 1)’ promises to transport readers to a bygone era, immersing them in a world of romance, bravery, and intrigue. The novel’s success may pave the way for future adaptations, whether on the big screen or in other media, further popularizing the story of Lachit Borphukan and the Ahom kingdom.
With the combined talents of Vijayendra Prasad and Kulpreet Yadav, ‘Brahmaputra: The Ahom Son Rises’ is set to captivate readers with its enthralling narrative and historical significance. As the literary world eagerly awaits the release, it is clear that this novel will play a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the legacy of Lachit Borphukan and shedding light on the heroic tales of India’s past.
