Bhima

Bhima the Man in the Shadows – Is a 2015 novel by author and senior journalist Vikas Singh, which retells the events of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers. The book is a first-person narrative where Bhima tells his own life story, aiming to bring his character out from the “shadows” of his more famous brothers, the righteous Yudhishtira and the master archer Arjuna. The narrative explores his character not just as a mighty warrior known for his physical strength and brawn, but as a complex individual with deep emotions, internal conflicts, and an “obsessive love for Draupadi”, the woman who also loves his brother, Arjuna. Bhima describes his feelings of being overlooked, his unwavering loyalty to his family, and his inner rage, particularly following the humiliation of Draupadi in the Kaurava court. The story delves into themes of love, jealousy, honor, and identity, providing his perspective on the epic battles and personal turmoil he endures.