Footprints across continents: Stories across cultures
By S A H Rizvi
Chief of Bureau, New Delhi
The Times Kuwait
Beyond being a distinguished cultural and social activist, Sundeep Bhutoria is a gifted writer and author whose keen eye for detail and remarkable narrative ability make him an engaging and compelling storyteller. His writings are enriched by an observant mind, a traveller’s curiosity, and a deep appreciation for culture, people, and places.
His acclaimed book on the tigers of Ranthambore brings alive the enchanting wilderness of one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves. Through vivid descriptions, stunning photographs, and evocative storytelling, Bhutoria transports readers into the heart of the forest. Whether describing winding jungle trails or the breathtaking sight of a tiger sprinting across the landscape, his imagery is so vivid that readers can almost feel the thrill of a tiger suddenly appearing before their vehicle.
His writings on the Cannes Film Festival are equally captivating. Through his interactions with some of the world’s finest filmmakers and his participation in cinematic discussions, he offers readers an insider’s view of global cinema. Particularly memorable is his account of how Satyajit Ray’s timeless classics continue to mesmerize audiences and command admiration decades after their creation, reaffirming the enduring power of great art.
Now, Bhutoria’s latest work, My Life, My Travels, has garnered widespread acclaim from some of India’s most respected cultural figures, many of whom are well acquainted with his passion for exploration and discovery.
As renowned music composer Shantanu Moitra aptly observes, “Sundeep is a living version of a Lonely Planet book. Even certain details that the locals don’t know, he does.”
Celebrated poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar writes, “This is a lively and engaging travelogue by a writer whose expanding world of people and places is held at its core by a deep love for India.”
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who has also penned the foreword to the book, remarks,
“The book evokes vivid memories and imagery of distant lands, thanks to Sundeep’s storytelling.”
A widely travelled man, Bhutoria possesses an extraordinary reservoir of experiences and observations. His journeys take him across continents—from Paris to Seoul, from Luxembourg to Moscow, from South Africa to Peru. Yet he is far more than a tourist. He is a perceptive observer who studies the pulse of nations—their people, food, traditions, values, and social character.
What makes My Life, My Travels particularly engaging is Bhutoria’s habit of comparing what he encounters abroad with life in India. These comparisons often yield fascinating insights. He notes, for instance, that while France is celebrated as the fashion capital of the world, corruption and bribery continue to plague parts of its social fabric. In contrast, Seoul, whose population exceeds that of Kolkata, remains remarkably clean, efficient, and punctual, challenging the common argument that overpopulation alone is responsible for urban disorder.
The book is filled with intriguing questions and surprising discoveries. Why are London’s pubs more popular than British tea? What can Indians learn from the Swiss about discipline, cleanliness, and civic responsibility? In which European country does the President cycle home without fanfare or security convoys? And where do people worship a stone strikingly similar to the Shivling? The narrative also captures his often challenging search for vegetarian food during his travels.
From the bustling streets of South Korea to the vast landscapes of South Africa, from Russia’s post-Soviet realities to the vibrant cultures of Latin America, Bhutoria records his experiences with honesty, humour, and sensitivity. He observes the humility of ordinary citizens in some countries, reflects on the challenges faced by others, and encounters Indian communities spread across the globe—many fiercely proud of their heritage, while others have consciously embraced entirely new identities.
One of the most gripping passages recounts his arrival in New York in September 2001. Scheduled to visit the World Trade Center, Bhutoria’s plans were unexpectedly delayed—a twist of fate that saved his life. From his hotel room, he witnessed the horrific events of 9/11 unfold before his eyes, including the second aircraft crashing into the Twin Towers. His account is deeply personal, capturing the fear, disbelief, and helplessness that gripped the world on that tragic day.
Throughout the book, Bhutoria combines the curiosity of an explorer with the sensitivity of a writer. He notices what many travellers overlook: the discipline of a society, the warmth of strangers, the pride of expatriate communities, the flavours of local cuisine, and the subtle cultural nuances that define a nation.
My Life, My Travels is therefore much more than a collection of travel stories. It is a thoughtful reflection on humanity, culture, and civilization, seen through the eyes of a passionate wanderer. Rich in anecdote, observation, and insight, the book invites readers not merely to visit distant lands, but to understand them. It is a rewarding journey across continents and cultures, guided by a storyteller whose greatest gift lies in making the world feel both vast and intimately connected.
