Shantaram movie and novel fan site

20th October 2006

Guestbook 57 replies

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57 Guestbook Entries

JLMantle says:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:08 am

Any updates on the status of filming or when you plan to release?
Usha says:
April 16th, 2010 at 6:41 pm

I must say this is one of the best books I have read so far. I hope the characters for the movie will be selected on the basis of individual’s talent. You know I can’t stop picturising Rajpal Yadav in the role of Prabhakar Khare, the guide. He will do a great justice to the role. I am sure my Indian friends who have seen Rajpal Yadav in various roles in the movies will agree. He is a versatile actor though he hasn’t been in the film industry that long.
ingrid says:
February 25th, 2010 at 12:28 pm

Phenomenal book. Extraordinary writer. Very dark/complex interspersed with beauty and lightness. Appalled to hear that Depp was considered as the lead. While he a hugely talented actor, the character needs a deeply sensitive actor, possibly a Brit or more appropriately an Aussie. I wondered how it could be made into a movie as I can’t imagine how it would capture Roberts’ lyricism. ALthough I’m hopeful since Roberts is the screenwriter. I think someone like Ewan McGregor (trainspotting) would be a good fit.
Darryl rowarth says:
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:31 pm

Doc what a wonderfull book im so glad to read some of the storys you used to tell us all the best in life. Lumpy.
Mike Wilde says:
February 13th, 2010 at 9:49 pm

Loved the Book …
Wrote a song that methinks would fit the soundtrack perfectly.
Available as Free Download from LastFM/ Mike Wilde

‘Human’ for Shantaram
vishwa says:
December 7th, 2009 at 6:31 am

hey GDR…thank you so much for this ultimate work.. u have amazing experience in ur life…so the outcome was obvious to b gr8 only.. anyways..all the characterters are fantastically built n portrd.
all i wanna say is…amazing book!!
bahut achha hai…!!!Mr Lin…
but then why so delay in the movie??
i mean, ur story is so strong, story is the hero…throw away whoever is coming in ur way…i mean director or actors like johny depp…just ask them to get lost if they r not giving time to this project…don’tneed any1 for this wonder piece…
can’t u see, people waiting soooo badly….
just make this movie as first priority…it deserves that…delayed project generally fails…remember that…excited fans may go cold if it delays a lot more…
keep the crisp alive in them…
all the best GDR…i m a big fan of urs…i really wish u urself play mr. lin… lets see…
looking forward for a fabulous movie…
hope for the best!!!
tc
vishwa says:
December 7th, 2009 at 6:29 am

hey GDR…thank you so much for this ultimate work.. u have amazing experience in ur life…so the outcome was obvious to b gr8 only.. anyways..all the characterters are fantastically built n portrd.
all i wanna say is…amazing book!!
bahut achha hai…!!!Mr Lin…
but then why so delay in the movie??
i mean, ur story is so strong, story is the hero…throw away whoever is coming in ur way…i mean director or actors like johny depp…just ask them to get lost if they r not giving time to this project…don’tneed any1 for this wonder piece…
can’t u see, people waiting soooo badly….
just make this movie as first priority…it deserves that…delayed project generally fails…remember that…excited fans may go cold if it delays a lot more…
keep the crisp alive in them…

all the best GDR…i m a big fan of urs…i really wish u urself play mr. lin… lets see…
looking forward for a fabulous movie…
hope for the best!!!
tc
Kathleen Shannon says:
November 15th, 2009 at 11:10 pm

What a fabulous book, Shantaram! I read the book in 2 weeks, and I immediately started to re-read it. I”ve written out many quotes from it, just as Karla would have done. I am reading it out loud to my boyfriend who is a successful metaphysical author, Dick Sutphen.

I was recommended to Shantaram by my manager at Borders Books, where I work. We both are voracious readers and we both think it is the best book we have ever read. We both purchased the book even though we can read any book in the store for free. I am telling all my friends and customers about this book. I will be giving copies for Christmas to my family.

I had a wonderful visit to India with my husband (now ex) 11 years ago, and this book made me see it and smell it again so vividly. I successfully smuggled hash from Afghanistan in the early 70′s and I spent time in prison for the same thing in LA, just after that. I loved Afghanistan but didn’t like Pakistan so much. So I could really relate to this story.

I sure hope the movie will be made. I think Johnny Depp would be better playing Didier, since he does gay so well. I don’t know who should play Lin, except Gregory Roberts himself. I heard GDR is writing the screenplay. Good luck with all. Thanks for the youtube video postings, whoever is doing that. Blessings, Kathleen
Parag says:
September 18th, 2009 at 5:26 am

I really wonder if Johny Depp will be ableto or should even try to fill a Strong Character like Lin.
I would have Imagined for a Better much Intence Character, George Clooney will be Good i suppose
Martin says:
September 11th, 2009 at 5:19 pm

I read this book several years ago and then read Q & A which went on to become slumdog millionaire. Both books give an insight into a world which is very different from the western techno-suburbia we are used to in this country (UK). When I watch slumdog I am constantly flicking to imaginary scenes from the unmade film version of shantaram and I keep wondering if this fil will ever be made. I understood the film rights were bought by Warner with the intention of actually making the film not just sitting on the rights. If they can’t get their act together then they should pass them to somebody else, get hold of Danny Boyle – who obviously has afeel for India and its slums, and then get on and make the movie soon !
Marie says:
August 24th, 2009 at 5:20 am

Hopefully the movie will convey Greg’s wisdom and love.
I think the world needs it,
Vinette Ebrahim (South Africa) says:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:20 am

It’s been awhile since I’ve read something so exciting, intriguing and so honest! Not only is it a great adventure, but an unconventional love story of note.The relationships between Linbaba and Prabaker, Khaderbai and Abdullah were so beautifully described, it was impossible not to become emotional. Thank you Gregory David Roberts for a marvellous experience. A well spent Easter weekend.

With love and respect

Vinette
Pete says:
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Shantaram was such an awesome story. I had this book passed on me to read, and I have continued passing it on after, it’s one of the coolest books I have ever read.

If this ever does become a movie, please do not give the lead role to johnny depp or russel crowe!! it will ruin the movie… Just like slumdog millionaire, i think it would be a huge success, with no name actors. I mean come on.. who wants to see johnny depp play that role.
BP says:
March 1st, 2009 at 4:01 pm

I’ve just finished reading this book. After hearing of Slumdog’s success, I think Shantaram the movie could level, or even beat it’s success. Intriguing and gripping storyline from start to finish. It’s a book that goes through many emotions, and something that people can relate to. I was sad when I had finished the book. I don’t know what to read next, how can anything compare to that! I hope Gregory brings out a sequel book on what happens next! Please please please bring out the movie! I absolutely love this book and am sure I will never tire of it. After reading this book, I’ve started to learn Hindi, and am determined to make my first trip over to India.
Bridget says:
November 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

Shantaram brought to my attention a world beyond my knowledge. An incredible world that the book dragged me into and I couldn’t get out. It really grabbed my attention. I would have to thank Johnny Depp though because if he wasn’t trying to make a movie of it I would have never seen the world Gregory Roberts brought me. When I found out about the possible movie I ran out and bought myself a copy. So thank you Johnny for bringing this book to my attention and thank you Gregory Roberts for writing such a phenomenal piece of literature.
Nkki says:
October 13th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

Wow.. I am super excited for this film. The book is my favourite. Good luck and thankyou.
Pamela Lynch says:
October 11th, 2008 at 8:23 pm

A group of book reading friends met last weekend, and discussed good books we have all read. Without exception all of us said “Shantaram” was the best book ever. This inspired me to see whether the second book is on the way, and how was the movie coming along.

Waiting with great anticipation, and best wishes for a movie that does the book justice. Thankyou Gregory Roberts, we all wish you well, and wait for your second book.
Pavan Nithin says:
September 21st, 2008 at 10:40 am

The book has been a source of surprise for a large population of readers and the story will keep up with us….The movie could just make is as good…
aysha says:
September 11th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

I absoloutely loved this book,I cant stress enough how much its words resonated within me.I am thrilled to bits about the film,I really hope mira does it justice as it really does seem a mammoth task.Funnily enough when I finished reading the book,in my mellow ‘shantaram daze’ I started drawing up character lists.Well here goes nothing:

Didier Levvy-Johnny Depp (I think Depp lends himself brilliantly as a funny french dandy in mumbai,although I do look forward to him playing Linbaba)

Vikram Patel-Ritesh Deshmukh(an effervescent and hugely comical character that I think Ritesh could portray well)

I’ll add the rest later…x
Jens from Kiruna says:
July 28th, 2008 at 3:36 am

tip! are you as well as I planning to go to Bombay after this book? check out mumbai on google-earth. got to get there soon.
//Jens
TDN says:
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 pm

Can’t wait!
rachna subir sen says:
April 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm

the movie is never the same as the book but i wish this movies creates its own magic anyway…..i lived the moments with lin in the book….i fell in love with many things about being an indian and loved every momnent knowing that its coming through someone who has a ‘white face’ but an ‘indian heart’…amazing…its not the story…its the storyteller who has made the story special…i read few words from the author about lots of stuff in the book being fiction ….dont know when reality meets fiction…the story holds you…srenches your heart and makes you fall in love with being a human being…making choices ….whoaaaaa…what a book
Gerben DeJong says:
March 9th, 2008 at 1:26 pm

I loved the book! Could not put it down. I kept going to the web doing research on the places, monuments, and buildings, cited in the book. I kept looking up maps of Mumbai and the neighborhoods mentioned in the book. Now I want to come to Mumbai to feel its energy so well conveyed in the book. Only hope the movie is as good.

Gerben DeJong
Gainesville, Florida and Washington, DC.
manjit kaur says:
March 4th, 2008 at 6:06 am

Thank you, thank you thank you!!! What a story, incredible writing! I am an indian female, I live in Amsterdam and strangely enough although instead of prison I started off within a fundemental community my journey in life has taken me along many of the same paths as Linbai. I have lived in the ghetto underground, got pulled into the sad world of poverty, crime and causes, the only differance being that it was the other way around from Eastern to Western culture and a female experiance not male? I hope that the worth of this book is able to make the move in media with all its truths intact and that my own stageplay which is due in theatres in Nov 2008 for our India festival shall relect a small but simliar insight of how karma and kismet are the only faith there is. Shantaram is one of the most beautiful writings I have ever read and I am am sure that the talent involved are more than capable of making that beauty come to life audio visually, am already telling everyone about it.

My humble thanks to Greogory for this wonderful gift.
Sharnam Chopra says:
February 25th, 2008 at 5:57 am

I can hardly believe that this story is actually supposed to be someone’s life. Mumbai and the Indian people have been portrayed only as can be done from personal experience. More importantly, reading Shantaram, particularly the Lin – Kaderbhai discussions has given me so much to think about that I feel as if I’m still engrossed in the story.

Also, congratulations on a great literary masterpiece Mr. Roberts, an extremely talented author. Looking forward to the movie.

Sharnam
Lee says:
January 15th, 2008 at 7:13 am

you have now created the problem of someone who wants (and will)go to visit “your beautiful city” which i have fallen in love with….

That was the best book I have ever read!

Think I’m starting to bug people into reading it!!!!

It was excellent and I thank you for writting it!

Have a strawberry day…
Love Lee
Myra says:
January 10th, 2008 at 6:01 pm

Gosh! It is over three and a half years since I laid hands on this mighty book. At the time I was studying at acting college and thought how it would make a most epic movie…and here we are. So let it be said: A fine Melbourne actress would like a role in this movie. Anyone in production or casting could assist me with this dream…I would be greatly appreciative.

Myra
+61 3 9613 3210
Andreas Goericke says:
January 5th, 2008 at 11:06 am

An amazing book, the best one I ever read. But who needs the movie? I´m thinking about to travel to Mumbai and visit all these places. Is anybody interested to join me? But would it be easy to just step into the slum?
Roy Prasad says:
December 27th, 2007 at 3:49 pm

I live in Australia now and I also back-packed throughout India 10 years ago.It seemed I was part of the characters.
“Santaram” kept me engrossed with the highs and lows of the experience and the places.
An excellent book and now I always talk about this book to my mates.
Happy to star in the movie !!!

Cheers
Roy
Adrian Churchill says:
December 5th, 2007 at 5:00 pm

Shantaram is definitly one of the best books I have ever read. The story is just captivating and encompassing. Johhny Depp is perfect for the lead role.
I have been to India many times and Shantaram portrays what India can really be.
I look forward to the movie with great anticipation

Adrian
Arun Sood says:
November 23rd, 2007 at 1:12 am

Respected Meera Ji and Lin Baba

Wish you all the luck and i request you to do justice to such a masterpeice. I have not seen Gandhiji or Jesus Christ but Lin Baba seems to me to be a synonym to them. I hope and request that dont compromise whatsoever while making the movie please, especially in teh casting because they would be the ones depicting the life of Lin Bab i.e. Modern Gandhi or Christ, if i can the liberty to say so. You have been assigned to create once in a lifetime kind of a Miracle.

Irfan Khan according to my hardly reliable knowledge deserves to be a part of your mega project, but you obviously know better than most of us.

Wish your movie succeed like Sholay. Shantaram , Sholay of 21st Century.

Arun Sood,
jayne says:
October 14th, 2007 at 4:46 am

im off to bombay,im staying in the harbour view hotel overlooking the bay as im not wealthy,but very close to the gateway to india and the raj hotel(maybe we can seak in and have tea),also near the slums,id love to have the courage to see inside,we,ll play it cool.also i,ll go to coloba bay, marine ave and of course leopolds,ive done lots of homework,can,t wait to see everything for real,i loved the book, the feeling in it talking about people helping each other,the love,i hope im not dissapointed,bit worried if i chat to people they might bring out a chillum im a light weight.are there any other books,id like to read more about how lin was captured and survived up to today.ps seen standing babas on net strange. thx greg.xxxxxxxx
RpeshK says:
September 30th, 2007 at 8:04 am

Gereat read. half way through, can’t put it down and can’t finish.

Meera Nair is making movie. I am sure will be a great watch to see The Big B playing a Muslim role afer a long long time.

Meeraji, suggestion for the role of Prabhu, please consider Javed Jafrrey for his great sense of adopting to any region of India and as a Ghati, he will rock (Ekdum zakaas). If not him, the Sanjay Narvekar.
Scott McArthur says:
September 26th, 2007 at 2:38 am

Great Book… My best birthday presetn this year.
Looking forward to the movie. I’m a firm believer that the movie’s never as good as the book, but I still enjoy the viewing.
The book gripped me. I felt, for the two weeks it took me to read the book, that I was right there in Mumbai. I also learned how to swear to my Indian colleagues and friends… It had them in stitches…
I’m now looking for another book to read, but am weary of bitter disappointment after reading Shantaram..
Thanks Gregory!
Harold Nicol says:
September 18th, 2007 at 9:21 am

Fantastic book! I’ve read it twice and expect to read it again before the debut of the movie. I would strongly recommend Daniel Auteuil as Didier. An experienced and talented character actor in such movies as “The Lost Son”; “Apres Vous”; “Le Placard”; “Peindre ou faire l’amour”.

Namaskar aur shanti
Leanne says:
September 17th, 2007 at 10:24 pm

I loved the book and can’t wait for the film. Could you please cast Aishwarya Rai as the leading female. She would be perfect!

Thanks

Leanne
Priya says:
August 10th, 2007 at 1:15 pm

I loved the book.
I, like many other fans, have written down quotes, and have tried to make them vivid pieces of life.
I was interested in knowing if Karla would still be played by Helena Bonham Carter.. due to her pregnancy?
Thanks,
Priya
Patricia Shier says:
August 10th, 2007 at 7:32 am

Without a doubt the best novel I’ve ever read. Beautiful and captivating through all 933 pages! Gregor David Roberts has a very rare and unique gift. Upon finishing it I was at a loss as to what to read next; what could possibly compare?? So I picked up Shantaram and read it over again; and enjoyed the second read every bit as much as the first! How many books can you say THAT about??

I look forward to seeing Amitabh Bachchan and Johnny Depp share screentime together; a must-see!!
Tom Lambrick says:
August 8th, 2007 at 11:23 pm

When I read Shantaram, I knew I was reading the most important novel of our times. I’ve been a literature buff for over 60 years and seen some powerful writing. Ken Follet’s Pillars of the Earth, Herman Wouk’s early stuff, Wilbur Smith’s many books on Africa. But Gregory Roberts novel is a masterpiece. I read books on to tape for the blind and others who cannot manage to read on their own. I immediately requested permission from the non-profit organization to read Shantaram. Talk about a labour of love! Took about 8 months at 4 hours a week. I gave one voice an accent…naturally, it was Prabu. We had a ball, Prabu and I! Then I waited and watched for this incredible novel to take off into the rarified atmosphere of the NY Times best seller list… nothing! I was so diappointed. But it was about to be released in paperback…OK! Another chance at the brass ring in America. Again…disappointment. I took to rearranging the local big box bookseller’s shelves, putting Shantaram front and center. No luck. So…the news that the movie is to be made this year is great news. Maybe this will rekindle the excitement that should have occurred when the book was written. Anyway..my hat is off to you, Mr. Roberts…amazing accomplishment! Well done!
Louise Binion says:
August 6th, 2007 at 6:47 pm

Approximately 3 years ago I listened to Shantaram. I got it off Audible.com. Forty hours was listed as the novels length and that was a great incentive. I think that at the end of the first sentence I was blown away. Putting this book down was very difficult. About a month ago I gave this story another listen. Wow it was like a new book. So much I did not remember and so happy that I relistened to Shantaram. Truly a work of art.
Louise
Shreelekha says:
August 6th, 2007 at 3:26 am

Shantaram is the most intriguing book I have read so far .It gave us an insight into a Mumbai we never knew.As for the role of Prabhaker in Shantaram the movie, Sanjay Narvekar from the the marathi movies and theatre can do justice to this role .he can be compelling as an actor in tragic and comic roles.Vikram Patel should be played by Saif Ali khan he is the only one who will be convincing in that part I hope Ms Mira Nair reads this and uses this suggestion.
Saleha says:
August 4th, 2007 at 11:55 pm

Johnny Depp is an international favourite and so is Amitabh Bachhan , there is a pride in having Hollywood combine with Bollywood . This one is for keeps !
Sheryl says:
July 30th, 2007 at 10:52 pm

I think this is a work of art.I call it my book, I recomend it to Indians and Americans alike. I hope this book can be properly translated film. I would love to be a PA, or custom help in some way in the making of this film. Just to make sure the true Lin and all were keeping true to the story Greg wrote. Great job and keep up the GREAT WORK. Looking forward to seeing Johnny and The B bring the two “woods” together. It is long over due. just sign Shahrukh khan now and Demi M as carla and watch out.
This could be the biggest thing ever if done right.
Again Thanks for sharing your story with the world. You sold me
a true fan Sheryl
shane sweeney says:
July 30th, 2007 at 4:49 am

Im a 58 years old artist living here in Bali.I have read Shantaram and handed it on to many people.
I lived in India as a sadu/freak for many years also in Bombay.
So many of the characters in the book I know them.
Will there be a casting for this film,I would love to be involved somehow
if anyone can give me information about this I would be very grateful

Regards to all
Joe says:
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:03 pm

am looking forward to finishing the book, so far am really enjoying, and look forward to the movie, as members of my family are not readers but can be exposed to this story through the movie …. good luck
Umtra says:
July 20th, 2007 at 3:32 am

Big B as Khader. Cant wait for Shantaram
leona rodrigues says:
July 6th, 2007 at 2:18 am

Shantaram opened my eyes to so many things about Bombay that I never really knew inspite of having lived here all my life.It’s a deep,philosophical and very moving experience to have read it and I hope the sequel comes out quick because I’d really like to know what happpened to him afterwards.Oh ,and I just can’t wait to see the movie I’m sure Johnny’ll do a really good job of it ,he’s never disappointed me in any movie!
Dibyo says:
June 14th, 2007 at 7:10 am

The book is a good read. I’m sure most of it’s fiction though. Eagerly waiting for the movie. Really wonder where the scenes from Afghanistan are going to be shot.
tina depp says:
May 16th, 2007 at 3:33 pm

I definitly wanna see this movie, because Johnny is on it and I love him very much! ♥ He’s an awesome actor! I’m following all his projects. Luv himm.. Release it please
kathharratt says:
May 16th, 2007 at 6:47 am

Wonderful Book, can’t wait for the next one. Please update website, was looking forward to book signing but dates and location were never updated. Looking forward to movie, can’t be half as good as book tho!
Zla'od says:
May 13th, 2007 at 6:02 pm

I liked volume 1 very much, and look forward to volumes 2 through 4! (Or perhaps Roberts’ plans have changed now that he has tasted Hollywood…)

Anyway, good luck with the movie. Circumstances do seem favorable…
HG says:
May 4th, 2007 at 3:42 am

What I dont get is if everyone knows who shantaram is, he is operating freely in Mumbai, has admitted to committing crimes in india, is an illegal alien in Inda, why has he not been arrested and deported to australia, where he is a wanted man.

I have read thebook and it is quite well written. but me thinks, this gergory dude has used a bit of poetic licnese here.
Shawn Reilly says:
March 25th, 2007 at 11:41 pm

I am very excited to see this movie. I read the book before moving to India in early 2007 after a friends recomendation (I thank him often for that). It has opened my eyes in so many ways both from a multicultural perspective as well as a deeper look at who I am and more importantly who I want to be. I think the 2 listed cast members are perfect fits for their roles. The intellectual/Philosophical conversations I loved in the book between Khan and Lin are going to be simply brilliant. I am awaiting the assinment of Carla’s role. Personally I think Jessica Beil is the perfect fit between the bueaty and required green eyes. I am also willing to go out on a lim and say that with the global cast and global story this will be the biggest grossing movie of 2007. GOOD LUCK!
janis says:
February 14th, 2007 at 9:35 pm

looking forward to movie
Michele says:
February 8th, 2007 at 1:32 pm

My story parellels Gregory’s in many ways, and I too use my past as my greatest assest today. We are the people who have been prepared in some way to receive enogh grace to have not only survived, but have turned to love and god out of first necessity, then desire. It’s a blessed path, but a difficult one…regardless, my one regret is that it is not possible to go back and relive or reexperience from my level of perspective today. My deepest wish….5 life times-
avanindra saklani says:
January 18th, 2007 at 4:56 am

its a great book to read..
you just cant put the book down until its over
me being an indian could really relate to the story
Teresa Heist says:
December 26th, 2006 at 9:00 am

Gregory David Roberts has inspired me to write my own story. Although only halfway through reading “Shantaram,” I feel moved to travel to India and perhaps, one day, meet Mr. Roberts.

He has been gifted with a voice that speaks to my soul and I greatly desire more people to read this novel. He often says so well the thoughts in my mind. One idea he introduced, which really struck a chord with me, and which I also found in Dr. Wayne W. Dyer’s “10 Secrets for Sucess and Inner Peace” card is the following: “Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing.”
I’ve actually considered excerpting quotes from “Shantaram” for my own personal use, like wisdom cards.

I am so excited to see that a movie will be made. It will be a lot easier for me to get someone to see the movie than ‘discover’ your book, as much as I do wish for everyone to read it.

Thank you Gregory for sharing your story.
With Love,
Teresa

Please write what you thought of Shantaram