Ram Jethmalani: The Authorized Biography

Brilliant, flamboyant and controversial—lawyer–politician Ram Jethmalani is all this and much more. His defence of the smuggler Haji Mastan first earned him the sobriquet ‘smugglers’ lawyer’; his defence of Kehar Singh in the Indira Gandhi assassination case made front page news; his political choices, including his bid for the office of the President, earned him praise as well as derision; and the investigative zeal he exhibited in the Bofors case ensured that the issue stayed alive in public memory.

In this authorized biography, Nalini Gera attempts to capture the essential Jethmalani—the deeply private, philosophical and spiritual man behind the public persona. The book dwells on his idyllic childhood in Shikarpur in undivided Sind, the difficult post-Partition days, his enviable legal career, his relationship with the Gandhis and, yes, the women in his life.

Gera’s narrative is enriched by her personal acquaintance and interviews with Jethmalani, who opens up with a candour that is almost unknown among people in public life. Meticulously researched and illuminated by moments of rare insight, this is a book that explores the mind and career of India’s most famous political maverick and, in the process, throws light on the major political and legal events that shaped post-Independence India.

‘‘ ‘Be it the court room or the hallowed precincts of Parliament, Ram Jethmalani has always courted controversy. For someone who has always spoken his mind where they don’t want or expect him to, life’s been quite a roller-coaster ride. But it’s now also an open book, being read out aloud by a close friend’’
The Indian Express

‘‘Nalini Gera … is clearly an admirer of Ram Jethmalani, but not uncritically so. The narrative sheds light on many of his strengths, while at the same time not glossing over any of his weaknesses.’’
Deccan Herald

‘‘Ram Jethmalani is a politician without a party … He has lived an eventful life with a splendid view of great people and historic events. His vision often has the interrogator’s glint, but that makes the characters and incidents all the more life-like as they are in his authorised biography.’’
India Today

‘‘Pune’s Nalini Gera … has dug deep … The end result: the Jethmalani you didn’t know.’’
The Indian Express