Surender Mohan Pathak

Surender Mohan Pathak (born 19 February 1940 at Khemkaran, in Tarn Taran district near Amritsar, in the Majha region of Punjab) is an author of Hindi-language crime fiction with nearly 300 novels to his credit. His writing career, along with his full-time job in Indian Telephone Industries, Delhi, began in the early 1960s with his Hindi translations of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels and the works of James Hadley Chase. He also wrote his own James Bond series.[1]

Surender Mohan Pathak
Born (1940-02-19) 19 February 1940
Khemkaran, Punjab, India
OccupationNovelist, Officer
GenreCrime fiction, murder mystery
Literary movementGolden Age of Detective Fiction
Notable worksThe 65 Lakh Heist, Daylight Robbery, Mawali, Meena Murder Case, Asafal Abhiyaan, Khaali Vaar, Dhamki
Website
smpathak.com

His first short story, 57 saal puraana aadmi (५७ साल पुराना आदमी, The Man 57 from Years Ago), was published in a Hindi magazine Manohar Kahaniyaan (मनोहर कहानीयां) in 1959. His first full-length novel, Purane Gunah Naye Gunahgar (Sunil Series), was published in Neelam Jaasoos (a Hindi crime fiction magazine) in 1963.

His major work began with what is called the "Sunil" series (सुनील-सीरीज़) which consists of at least 122 novels. Sunil, a debonair and upright investigative journalist for the fictional daily newspaper Blast, lives in the fictional city of Rajnagar, a metropolitan city located on the coastline. Sunil has a quixotic nature when it comes to damsels in distress, which happens only too often. He is a man in his 30s, who is willing to go any lengths in pursuit of justice, mostly with help of his best friend Ramakant Malhotra, a dipsomaniac and owner of a club called Youth Club. His attempts to protect the innocent often result in Sunil ending up on the wrong side of the law, bringing him face to face with Inspector Prabhudayal, the exceptionally strict and incorruptible officer in charge of the homicide division of the Rajnagar Police.

The "philosopher" detective Sudhir Kumar Kohli is the protagonist of Pathak's Sudhir Series, all narrated in the first person. Sudhir is the diametric opposite of Sunil, proudly proclaiming himself dilli ka khaas kism ka haraami who frequently enlists the help of Inspector Devender Kumar Yadav, who can easily be persuaded to do something dishonest. A recent novel of this (in)famous series has been translated by Giriraj Sharan (uncredited) and published by Diamond Books under the title The Last Goal.

However the best-known series of novels of Pathak is Vimal (विमल), a.k.a. Sardar Surender Singh Sohal (सरदार सुरेन्द्र सिंह सोहल), a.k.a. another dozen names he uses to camouflage his identity in the Mumbai underworld. Vimal is a Robinhood like character, who is constantly on the run from the law due to circumstances out of his control. He has taken up arms against gangsters like Rajbahadur Bakhia and, after killing him, his next avatar Iqbal Singh and then Vyaas Shankar Gajre. The Sardar has associates like Tukaram and his henchmen, like Wagle and Irfan, etc. Vimal is not a private detective or police inspector but a criminal wanted in seven states.

In addition, Pathak has also authored several novels not belonging to any specific series, which are labelled as 'thriller' novels irrespective of their storyline. Many collections of joke books compiled by Pathak have also been published. Several authors have been known to plagiarise or "borrow" heavily from his works.

Series Works

Sunil Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)Purane Gunaah Naye GunahgarOct 1963
2)Samudra Me Khoon (Dharti Ka Swarg)May 1964
3)Hotel Me KhoonNov 1965
4)Badsurat ChehreDec 1965
5)Blackmailer Ki Hatya (Ek Teer Do Shikar)Feb 1966
6)Hong Kong Mein Hungama(Desh Drohi)Mar 1966
7)Murti Ki ChoriMar 1966
8)Shaitaan Ki Maut (Benakab Chehra)May 1966
9)Reporter ki hatyaJun 1966
10)Aastin ke saanpAug 1966
11)Hatyare (Rahashya Ke Dhaage)Sep 1966
12)Red circle societyNov 1966
13)Ye aadmi khatarnaak hai (Khatarnaak Apradhi, Karl Plumer Ki Vaapsi)Jan 1967
14)Khatarnaak black mailerJuly 1967
15)Hong Kong ke lootereSept 1967
16)Hatya ki raatNov 1967
17)Bandar ki karamaatDec 1967
18)Kaala motiJan 1968
19)Double roleFeb 1968
20)Safal ApradhiMarch 1968
21)Jhoothi AuratMay 1968
22)Murda Jee UthaJuly 1968
23)Shahi MehmaanAug 1968
24)Flat me LaashFeb 1969
25)Farrar ApradhiApr 1969
26)Operation Double AgentJuly 1969
27)Darpok ApradhiSept 1969
28)Landan Me HungamaOct 1969
29)Dohri ChaalNov 1969
30)Vikshipt HatyaraJan 1970
31)Yorop Me hungamaJan 1970
32)Vinash ke BadalFeb 1970
33)Operation PikingMay 1970
34)Barud aur ChingariJun 1970
35)Khooni NecklesAug 1970
36)Pakistan Ki Hashina(Operation Pakistan)Sept 1970
37)Operation General KNov 1970
38)Akhiri ShikarMarch 1971
39)Call Girl ki HatyaJuly 1971
40)Khoon hi KhoonSept 1971
41)Aman ke DushmanDec 1971
42)HijackJan 1972
43)Doosri HatyaApr 1972
44)Ek Khoon AurJuly 1972
45)Bashra Me HungamaJan 1973
46)AccidentApr 1973
47)Sinha Murder CaseMay 1973
48)Neeli TasveerenJuly 1973
49)Operation DhakaAug 1973
50)BlackmailOct 1973
51)Khiladi Ki HatyaNov 1973
52)Rahashya Ka AndheraDec 1974
53)Maut Ki ChhayaFeb 1975
54)Triple CrossApr 1975
55)Double MissionJuly 1975
56)Spy ChakraSept 1975
57)Single ShotDec 1975
58)Chor SipahiNov 1975
59)Operation SingaporeMarch 1976
60)Kaali HaveliMay 1976
61)Pisach Ka PratishodhJuly 1976
62)Khoon Ka KhelNov 1976
63)Naya Din Nayi LaashFeb 1977
64)Shooting ScriptMay 1977
65)Tashveer ki ShahadatMay 1977
66)Sex scandalSept 1977
67)Jaan Ka KhataraDec 1977
68)Laash Ka KatlMarch 1978
69)Double MurderApr 1978
70)Jasoosh ki HatyaJun 1978
71)Star Night ClubJul 1978
72)Garm LaashNov 1978
73)Band DarwajaJan 1979
74)Andhere Ki CheekhMarch 1979
75)Maut Ki AahatMarch 1979
76)Meena Murder CaseJuly 1979
77)Anokhi ChaalSept 1979
78)Nau July Ki RaatJan 1980
79)Khaali KartooshFeb 1980
80)Office Me LaashMay 1980
81)Vish KanyaSep 1980
82)Park me LaashJan1981
83)Jhoothi GavahiMarch 1981
84)Blow UpApr 1981
85)Top SecretMay 1982
86)Sangeen JurmApr 1982
87)JadugarniApr 1983
88)Khoon se ranga ChakuMay 1983
89)Andheri raatJuly 1983
90)Main Begunaah HunNov 1984
91)Nakaali VarishJan 1985
92)Peela GulaabSep 1985
93)Taza KhabarFeb 1986
94)Kaala KaarnamaMarch 1987
95)Laash GayabOct 1987
96)Front PageDec 1988
97)Diwali ki raatMay 1989
98)Kanoon ka challengeAug 1990
99)Prime suspectMarch 1991
100)Goli aur JaharNov 1993
101)Papi ParivarAug 1994
102)Stop pressApr 1995/99
103)Jheri Hatya KaandOct 1995
104)Ahirwal caseSept 1997
105)Kamara No.303May 1998
106)Gunah ki JanjeerNov 1998
107)Ghar Ka BhediJan 1999
108)Black ListJune 2000
109)DhamkiApr 2001
110)JhansaMay 2002
111)NishaniSept 2003
112)Scandal PointOct 2004
113)Finger PrintNov 2004
114)BhakshakOct 2006
115)Poore chand ki raatJan 2007
116)BichauliaDec 2007
117)JaalOct 2008
118)NakaabAug 2009
119)DhabbaJune 2010
120)Double GameAug 2012
121)Singla Murder CaseApr 2014
122)Conman25 June 2018

Vimal Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publicationTranslation
1.Maut Ka KhelJan 1971
2.Daulat Aur KhoonMarch 1971
3.Ishtihaari MujrimDec 1976
4.Painsath Laakh ki DacaityMay 1977The 65 Lakh Heist
5.Aaj Katl Hokar RahegaOct 1977
6.Bank Van robberyApr 1978
7.Maut Ka FarmaanNov 1978
8)Din Dahade DacaityJun 1980Daylight Robbery
9)Ashafal AbhiyaanSept 1981
10)Khali WarDec 1981
11)Haar JeetDec 1982
12)Vimal Ka InsaafJan 1984
13)Maut Ka NaachMar 1984
14)Khoon Ke AansoonMay 1984
15)Jeena YahanAug 1986
16)Marna YahanOct 1986
17)Chehre Pe ChehraNov 1987
18)Kismat Ka KhelDec 1987
19)Paap Ki NagriMay 1990
20)Lekh Ki RekhaJuly 1990
21)Jahaj Ka PanchhiApril 1992
22)Khabardaar ShehariJuly 1992
23)Maut Ka RastaOct 1992
24)Daar se BichhudaNov 1994
25)Maut Ke Moonh MeJan 1995
26)UltimatumAug 1996
27)Sau Karod Ki GullakOct 1996
28)Chhah Sir Wala RavanDec 1996
29)Hazar HaathOct 1998 Framed
30)Daman ChakraJuly 1999
31)Chhah Karod Ka MurdaSept 1999
32Johar JwaalaDec 1999
33)Chandaal ChaukadiOct 2001
34)Sher SavariNov 2001
35)Aag Ka DariyaFeb 2002
36)Zamir Ka QaidiDec 2005
37)Karm yodhaMarch 2006
38)PalatwarJun 2006
39)Chambur Ka DataJan 2011
40)Laal NishanMay 2011
41)Sada Nagara Kooch KaAug 2011
42)Jo Lade Deen Ke HetSep 2014
43)QaharApr 2019
44)Jaake Bairi Sanmukh JeeveAug 2019

Sudheer Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication Translation
1)Aakhiri KoshishMarch 1980
2)Malika Ka TaazJun 1980
3)Goli Ki AawajNov 1980
4)NymphomaniacMarch 1982
5)Safed KhoonMarch 1985
6)Late NewsJan 1987
7)Khooni ghatanaMarch 1988
8)Akhiri MaksadDec 1990The Last Goal(2011)
9)Katl ka suraagDec 1993
10)Panchva nishaanMarch 1994
11)Ghatak GoliMarch 1997
12)Gade MurdeDec 1997
13)One way StreetSept 1998
14)Khatare ki ghantiMarch 2000
15)Golden girlNov 2002
16)BaziMarch 2003
17)OverdoseJune 2005
18)GhaatSept 2005
19)PyadaJun 2009
20)Choron ki baaratFeb 2012
21)BahurupiyaSept 2013
22) Insaaf Do Mar 2017

Thrillers
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)Chaar ApradhiApr 1968
2)Car Me LaashOct 1974
3)Katl Ki VaardaatMay 1976
4)World-famous Mystery StoriesMarch 1977
5)GangwaarDec 1977
6)Aage bhi Maut Pichhe Bhi MautNov 1978
7)Eye WitnessJun 1979
8)Anokhi RaatAug 1980
9)Dafa 302Oct 1980
10)Khooni HaveliJan 1981
11)Meri Jaan Ke DushmanMarch 1981
12)IntequamOct 1981
13)Lambe HaathNov 1982
14)Vishvash Ki HatyaFeb 1983
15)Khaali MakanSep 1983
16)Bivi Ka HatyaraAug 1984
17)Vo Kaun ThiMay 1985
18)Ek Karod Ka JootaJun 1985
19)Dial-100July 1985
20)Teen DinJan,1986
21)Maut Ka AatankApr 1986
22)Dus MinuteDec 1986
23)Kaagaj Ki NaavJun 1987
24)Jeene Ki SaajaJuly 1988
25)Beesh Laakh Ka BakraAug 1988
26)teeshara kaunJan 1989
27)Paanch PaapiMay 1989
28)Gunaah ka karzMay 1991
29)Shak ki suiOct 1991
30)Ek hi anjaamApril 1992
31)Tadi PaarApr 1993
32)Ajad paanchiAug 1993
33)Mavali/Kampata shaharJune 1995/2002
34)Maut Aayi Dabe PaanvJun 1997
35)Fifty-FiftyMay 1998
36)SazishJan 2000
37)Dahashat GardiDec 2000
38)Ek hi rastaApr 2003
39)Do Gaj KafanJan 2005
40)Makad JaalMay 2007
41)Grand MasterAug 2007
42)GavahiMarch 2010
43)Secret AgentNov 2012
44)Katil KaunJan 2016

Jeet Singh Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)10 LakhApr 1996
2)30 lakhJune 1998
3)50 lakhSept 2000
4)Khota sikkaFeb 2004
5)JurratMay 2004
6)Midnight ClubAug 2008
7)Colaba ConspiracyFeb 2014
8)Goa GalataFeb 2015
9)Mujhse Bura KaunApr 2016
10)Mujhse Bura Koi NahinMay 2016
11)Heera Pheri29 June 2017

Mukesh Mathur Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)Saat Saal BaadDec 1994
2)VarisAug 2002
3)VahashiFeb 2007
4)Crystal LodgeAug 2015

Vivek Agashe Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)Crime ClubJan 1991
2)Koi Gavah nahiMarch 1999
3)Ganda khoonNov 2003
4)DhokhaJan 2009
5)Teesra VaarDec 2009

Vikas Gupta Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)DhokadhadiNov 1981
2)Barah savalDec 1989
3)Aath dinApr 2008

Pramod Series
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)Maut ka safarOct 1966
2)Aadhi Raat Ke baadAug 1967
3)Jaan Ki BaajiOct 1970
4)Ek Raat Ek LaashJuly 1976

Socials
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)AashaOct 1968
2)Ek Mamuli LadkiMar 1974

Children Books
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)Kubadi Budhiya Ki HaveliJuly 1971
2)Betaal Aur ShahjadiJun 1972

Short Stories
S. No.Name
1)Katl Ki Dawat
2)Katl Ki koshish
3)Jaali Note
4)Swimming Pool Mein Lash
5)Bhoot Basera
6)Kitabi Katl
7)Maut Ka Vilaap
8)Saat Khat
9)Taqdeer Ka Tohfa
10)Jurm Ka Iqbaal
11)Sakshi
12)Hum Shakl
13)Irada-E-Katl
14)Maut Ki Ghadi
15)Juye ki Mehfil
16)Vishalgadh Express
17)Ghadi ki Gawahi
18)Aankh ka Tara
19)Chabi Ka Rahasya
20)Meenar Wali Haveli
21)Tipu Sultan ki Diary
22)Rahasyamayi Naukri
23)Rahasyamayi Chori
24)Maut ka Saya
25)Anokha Jasoos
26)Shikari Ka shikar
27)Khuli Khidkee

Joke Book
S. No.Name of The NovelEstimated year of publication
1)Filmi PathakeOct 1968
2)Diwani DuniaDec 1972
3)Satrangi DuniaJan 1977
4)Go Easy On LaughFeb 1978
5)Rangili DuniyaSept 1979
6)Albeli duniaNov 1997
7)sajili duniaMarch 1999
8)Chaabili duniaJan 2000
9)Atharangi duniaNov 2000
10)Cartoon CarnivalAug 2001
11)Navrangi duniaOct 2002
12)Chamkeeli duniaFeb 2003
13)Juicy Joke bookFeb 2003
14)Filmi duniaApr 2004
15)Hathili duniaJune 2005
16)Fun-Fun-Funda-1Aug 2005
17)Fun-Fun-Funda-2Aug 2005
18)Sabrangi DuniyaOct 2005
19)Manchali duniaApr 2007
20)Fun-Fun-Funda-3March 2008
21)Fun-Fun-Funda-4March 2008
22)Bhadkili DuniyaOct 2009
23)Laff Factory - Vol. 1Nov 2010
24)Laff Factory - Vol. 2Nov 2010
25)Laff Factory - Vol. 3Nov 2010
26)Laff Factory - Vol. 4Nov 2010

Influence
  • Pathak was the first writer to coin the term company that has today become common slang for Mumbai underworld gangs like D-Company
  • The Tandoor scandal in Delhi, in which a man had tried to dispose of the corpse of his victim in a furnace, was an idea taken from Pathak's non-serial novel titled Mawali (मवाली).[2]
  • During a recent robbery at UTI Bank, Vikaspuri, a man called Sandeep Bhatnagar looted four million Indian rupees by pretending to be a human bomb. Investigators learned after arresting the culprit that the idea was copied from Zameer ka Qaidi (ज़मीर का क़ैदी), one of the latest Vimal-series novels.[3][4]

Translations

Two books from Pathak's popular Vimal series — 65 Lakh ki Dakaiti and Din Dahade Dakaiti — were translated into English under the titles The 65 Lakh Heist and Daylight Robbery by Sudarshan Purohit, a Bangalore-based software engineer. The 65 Lakh Heist was published in March 2009 and Daylight Robbery in January 2010, both by Blaft, a Chennai-based publisher.[5]

See also

References
  1. The author has written in his memoirs that he is not very happy with borrowing James Bond; at the time he did this he was not aware that what he was doing was ethically wrong. Similarly the second adventure of Vimal was heavily based on situations created by James Hadley Chase, but Pathak was so sorry over what he had done that he had the whole novel Daulat aur Khoon rewritten to expurgate it of Chase-like atmosphere and republished by Diamond Pocket Books
  2. Jab They Write
  3. Vikaspuri bank robbery solved
  4. UTI bank robbery: "Human Bomb" caught
  5. Pulping Hot
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