By Aryeman

Journalist and author Murali K Menon’s debut novel The God Who Loved Motorbikes enjoyed a rip-roaring launch.

The book was launched by superstar John Abraham, who took a day off from shooting his upcoming film Pagalpanti.

Abraham and the author have much in common. They are both motorcycle enthusiasts and have roots in Kerala.

Abraham recounted his days as a child making a two-and-a-half day, one way train journey to his hometown in Kerala with his family.

Menon’s book is part road trip and part magic realism. It’s about a local deity, KK Swamy, who takes off on a journey in search of the British classic motorcycle, the elusive Velocette Venom Thruxton HT. The mercurial motorcycle is said to have been tamed by Chowfin Singh, a large half-Sikh, half Chinese rider with nine holes ringing his belly button. The book is also about “passion, obsession and chasing one’s dreams,” said Menon.