This Kagaz Ke Phool is for preserving legacies

PrashantNews

Guru Dutt’s 1959 classic Kagaz Ke Phool is widely regarded as a masterpiece in Indian cinema, often considered an autobiographical reflection of his life told through cinematic drama. Inspired by the film’s themes, a young couple from Delhi has created Kagaz Ke Phool, a venture dedicated to publishing personal biographies and preserving legacies in the form of beautifully crafted books.

Recently, at the Dehradun Literature Festival held at Doon International School (DIS), founders Namit Maheshwari and his wife Prerna showcased their work, along with a selection of past projects, in an exhibit celebrating the art of personal storytelling.

Initially conceptualized with the idea of preserving family stories, Kagaz Ke Phool specialises in creating unique personal biographies and memoirs for families and individuals. Maheshwari explains: “It could be the story of a grandparent, an anniversary gift for a spouse, or a celebration of your family’s legacy. We believe every story deserves to be preserved. Let us transform your life’s journey into a timeless keepsake for generations to come.”

So far, Kagaz Ke Phool has published nearly 70-80 biographies for a diverse range of clients—from business leaders to the founders’ own grandmother, Pushpa Maheshwari. Each biography is primarily written in English, though translations into other languages are available on request.

Beyond books, Kagaz Ke Phool also collaborates with brands to conduct workshops on storytelling, story extraction, and the basics of crafting a biography. These workshops are meant for equipping participants with the skills to capture and preserve their own or others’ stories.

A recent biography, for instance, explores the journey of Surjit Bedi, a fearless leader who crossed borders at a young age. Rising from humble beginnings, Bedi built a remarkable career grounded in honesty, integrity, and patience—a story beautifully preserved through Kagaz Ke Phool.

Recently, the couple published the biography of Kantilal Rathod, who owns a jewelers shop in Mumbai. “Meeting Kantilal ji was a gift and with this book we have tried to capture his passions, favourite things and the unwavering optimism that defines him,” said Maheshwari.