Rajinder Mishra Character Analysis in Akhil Sharma’s ‘Family Life’
Rajinder Mishra: A Complex Character in Akhil Sharma’s ‘Family Life’
Akhil Sharma’s autobiographical novel, Family Life, draws its characters directly from the author’s real-life experiences. While Ajay serves as the central character, the entire Mishra family plays prominent roles in the development of the novel’s plot. Rajinder Mishra, father to Ajay and Birju and the family patriarch, is a particularly significant figure. His decision to emigrate his family from India to America, driven by the hope of a luxurious and comfortable life, is pivotal. Without his ambition, the narrative of settling abroad and the subsequent hardships faced in a foreign land would not have unfolded.
The Contradictory Nature of Rajinder Mishra’s Character
Rajinder Mishra’s character is a fascinating blend of contrasting traits. On one hand, he appears modern, practical, and self-centered; yet, at the same time, he is portrayed as a broken man, full of deep emotions and care for his family. The following are the major facets of his complex personality:
An Ambitious Man
Rajinder Mishra originates from a humble background in the dingy streets of Old Delhi. His father, burdened with many children, could only afford to educate them, leaving no inherited legacy. Rajinder Mishra dreams of a life worth living, deeply impressed by Western philosophy and culture. This ambition fuels his plan to emigrate to America with his family, seeking a promising future for his children.
Aloof and Cold Towards Family
Rajinder Mishra’s demeanor stands in stark contrast to that of his wife, Shuba. While Shuba is social and friendly, Mishra is inherently aloof and cold. Even upon their arrival in America, when Rajinder comes to receive Shuba, Ajay, and Birju, he exhibits little conversation or excitement, despite their long separation. He greets them as if they were mere visitors, a duty to be performed. Once they reach their home in Queens, America, he continues to show little warmth, offering instructions on using the washroom or adapting to the foreign land, but sharing neither a smile nor affection with his wife or children. His attitude towards his family is akin to that of a stranger.
Practical and Ready for New Challenges
His self-initiated move to America demonstrates that he is not an emotional fool, unlike many young men of his age who struggled to leave their parents and native land. Rajinder believes in making money and seizing opportunities for his and his family’s betterment. This practicality is evident in his lack of nostalgia for his homeland; he feels no reminiscence of his past life. He is happy and content with his decision to settle abroad and strives to emulate the American lifestyle. For instance, he encourages Ajay and Birju to read books, promising them 50 cents per book, and takes them to Meadows Park to play tennis, a game he considers suitable for the rich and elite. These traits underscore his practical and modern outlook.
Victim of Fate
The tragic accident involving Birju leaves the entire family stunned, shattering their previous normalcy. Rajinder Mishra endures an intensely stressful period during Birju’s hospitalization. His wife, Shuba, is an overly stressed woman prone to exaggerating problems. In the initial days of Birju’s hospitalization, the couple’s hectic schedule creates significant turbulence in their lives. Consequently, Mishra becomes frustrated and eventually turns to alcoholism. A major challenge he faces is the lack of funds while Birju remains bedridden. While his wife and son maintain social contacts that keep them occupied, Rajinder Mishra has no one with whom to share his grief. Thus, he falls victim to fate, leading a pathetic life.
Irresponsible and Arrogant
The escalating family situation transforms Mr. Mishra, making him arrogant and careless. Initially, he is merely cold and aloof but never shirked his responsibilities. However, as the plot progresses, his frustration mounts, and he begins to neglect his duties. These include assisting Shuba in bathing Birju, bringing rations and medicines for Birju, and changing the cooking gas cylinder at home. These jobs, typically performed by the male head of the family, are instead handled by Shuba or Ajay. Furthermore, he deliberately creates scenes in front of visitors, seemingly to embarrass Shuba. His profound frustration remains evident until the novel’s conclusion.
A Changed Man
Although Mishra’s character may not evoke immediate sympathy among readers, he is undeniably a person punished by destiny through no fault of his own. When he planned his emigration to the USA, he harbored only good aspirations and dreams for himself and his family. Not only do all his dreams shatter, but his life takes a drastic turn after Birju’s accident. At heart, he holds no hatred for anyone, but his circumstances have completely transformed him. Drowning himself in whiskey, he seeks to forget his misery for some time, thus becoming a profoundly changed man from who he was earlier.