What is Delhi Reading? “Not just Rock n’ Roll” by Ajay Mankotia

Not Just Rock n Roll by Ajay Mankotia

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22nd November 2025. I was at Museo Camera in Gurgaon to witness one of a kind reading of the new launch by “Tax Man” writer Mr. Ajay Mankotia. As a fan of Classic Rock music, this is one book reading i could not miss! The piece has already earned a rating of 4.6 / 5 on Goodreads. Previously, i had attended an interview of the same author for his 2nd book “Bollywood Odyssey”; it was quite an audio-visual treat too.

Not just Rock n Roll : Interview by Beetashok Chatterjee

The author was in conversation with “Master Mariner” and former ship captain Beetashok Chatterjee, who is also a published writer and poet, with keen interest in classic rock music. He happens to be a fan of Jethro Tull, on which the book also has a segment.

“Not Just Rock n’ Roll” is a documentation of backstage meetups and interactions with various bands at their concerts. One would certainly begin to envy Mr. Mankotia

“The raw authentic sound, the instrumental virtuosity, the long solos, the fantastical lyrics – all appealed to me. Pop offers catchy melodies, yes, but rock spoke to me on a different level” is why the author chose to write about Classic Rock history. As Mr. Mankotia puts it: “To fully appreciate today’s music, it would be worthwhile to explore its source, its inspiration, its antecedents. When today’s listeners do that, they will marvel at the richness, the purity, the complexity, the huge allure of the classic bands. It may not be easy listening to begin with, but gradually it will take hold of you and make you a life-long addict”

The audience hummed and sang along enthusiastically to “Another Brick in the Wall” from Pink Floyd’s album “Dark Side of the Moon”.

Another of my favorite bands, Deep Purple, is also featured in the book. “Smoke on the Water” is one of their most iconic songs, which Mr. Ajay Mankotia played at the reading. The “mini concert” also featured “We Will Rock You” by Queen, and you don’t have to be a classic rock aficionado to know this one! 🙂

Not just Rock n Roll : QnA with audiences

I had the pleasure of interacting with prominent members in the audience, and the media persons who were attending the interview. It was quite heartening to see the response around a genre of music i consider timeless and dignified.

The author interacted with the fans of Classic Rock at Museo Camera and asked about progressive rock’s origins. As someone who hates the cheesy-ness of pop and jazz lyrics of the 1960s-80s, i identify myself completely with the need for progressive rock. The book also has a chapter on Iron Maiden. As a heavy metal drummer, i asked the author about his Iron Maiden concert experience, and why did he call himself “converted” towards the end of the concert 🙂 I agree as a compulsive listener, Iron Maiden represents a convergence of literature, history and philosophy in power-backed rhythms that i play and listen to on repeat! Its the band whose music found me.

Well, i’ll go back to my drums practice now… for who knows, much like the author, i may manifest a meeting with Iron Maiden or even get to perform with them on stage as their drummer!