When the Mountain Man Spoke

Recently, on my flight back to Hyderabad from Kolkata, I happened to have popular model turned actor, Kelly Dorji as my co-passenger. My cherished desire for an afternoon siesta, even if mid-air, was seized albeit pleasantly, by the charming and unbelievably engaging presence of Mr. Dorji. And, then we began our two and a half hours of lively conversation on art, literature, love and life while munching toasted cashew nuts, washed down by succulent oranges, I picked up at the Lindsay Street, Kolkata, early that morning.

Dorji was one of the most sought after models in the early nineties; later he chose acting and now lives a creatively fulfilling life in Bhutan as a painter and writer. On learning that I was a poet and academic, he quickly reached for his bag and took out with child like excitement in his chiselled eyes, his latest book, The Hidden Rainbow, Penguin Books, 2019. It is a gorgeously designed, spiritual colouring book for adults. It is sprinkled with Dorji's thoughts and illustrations based on Buddhist philosophy and iconography. The book has taken more than two and a half years of 'gruelling research," and is inspired by his love for Guru Padmasambhava. The book highlights Colour Therapy as a method of healing in an age when people are driven by individualism and stress. The Hidden Rainbow introduces Dorji not only as an artist but also as a 'versatile individual.'

Dorji is a gentle speaker and is gifted with a subtle sense of humour. On knowing that I was a Bengali, he nostalgically confessed, "I love Kolkata. It is the city of my birth. Whenever, I find time, I walk through the streets, meet up with old friends and definitely grab a Roll from the Nizam's at Park Street.' Dorji prefers to call himself a 'country boy,' who now owns the Terton Art Gallery and the 'Terton Travel Bhutan' company. He is also one of the Directors of the esteemed 'Mountain Echoes Literary Festival,' of Bhutan. In future, he aims to make the festival a gateway for global artists to learn about Bhutanese culture but in a more involved and inclusive manner.

Dorji's approach is well reflected in the book: his 'thoughts' aim at "transforming human delusions to original qualities," p. XV. The book has several micro sections that urge readers to channelise their energy inwards. Some of them include: 'Free your mind,' 'The Rainbow Body of Light,' 'The Six Symbols of Longevity,' and other emotions such as 'Love,' 'Intent,' and 'Tranquillity.' The book is dedicated to Her majesty Gyalyum Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, Queen Mother of Bhutan and begins with a Message on cultural bonding by Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, King of Bhutan.

The book is Dorji's attempt to make Buddhist philosophy more accessible and interactive through simple folktales and self-colouring tools. Readers have sent him images of the coloured illustrations which Dorji very happily shares on his Instagram page. In the section, 'Primordial,' on p.106, Dorji explains the significance of Dragons in Bhutan which is also known as 'Druk-yul,' (Land of the Dragon).

He writes, 'Dragons in Eastern cultures are different from what Western cultures consider them to be. The Dragon, in Buddhism is a protector and one of the four super natural animals in four directions." Similarly, on p. 126, in the section 'Peace,' Dorji etches the sacred 'Garuda,' an important cultural symbol of Bhutan, a mythological creature that protects the temples. It would have been helpful, if the book provided a detailed list of Dorji's readings and research materials; also, a peek into the everyday details of the author who is otherwise a popular Telugu actor, would make the book more appealing. Kelly Dorji has spent many years in Hyderabad and says-my heart is in Telugu cinema. "In Hyderabad, I feel at home, because here people eat rice, like we do in Bhutan." Back home, Kelly spends his time painting, hiking, biking and cooking the delicious ema datshi. In future, he wishes to pursue a degree in Art at the Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal.

I believe Kelly Dorji's next book will unveil a new facet of his creative aspiration. 'The Hidden Rainbow' is a testimony to the transformation of his scars into blossoms. Kelly Dorji and I signed off our conversation over a smooth touchdown, a chatty walk to the Terminal and parted with an assuring handshake at the Arrival. I realised that the 'rainbow' was no more 'hidden'; its arms had arched from the cloudy locks of Bhutan to embrace the high blue skies of Hyderabad.