Mumbai, Aug. 21 -- We were among the first to report that the publishing world was eagerly awaiting the launch of noted classical music singer Shubha Mudgal's first book, a collection of short stories titled, 'Looking for Miss Sargam: Stories of Music and Misadventure' (Speaking Tiger) a few weeks ago. Well, we are delighted to say that not only have we finished the book, but we read it all in one sitting, cover-to-cover as it were. And the verdict? Not only does it live up to expectation, but surpasses it. With a wicked sense of humour, an impressive power of observation and a natural story-teller's flair, Mudgal, one the country's most renowned exponents of Khayal, Thumri and Dadra, effortlessly lays bare the behind-the-scenes machinations and the under-the-radar foibles and flaws of some of the music world's most famous personalities. From pompous ustads, to wily media executives, to self-serving Sufi singers and unscrupulous DJS, Mudgal impales them all with her pen, affording readers with an inside track on the universe of classical music and its denizens, with often brutal honesty, but also with a warmth and sense of mischief which never comes across as malicious. The only other author-singer to have captured the same subject as brilliantly was the late Sheila Dhar, wife of the late PN Dhar, an advisor to Indira Gandhi, whose offerings Raga'n Josh, Tales of Innocents and Musicians and Bureaucrats offered the same depth of knowledge and light touch. Incidentally, Mudgal's title is a joke on the reader. The mythical Miss Sargam makes many appearances throughout the book, always enigmatic and alluring. But you have to read the seven stories to get to know why!...