In the Shadow of Freedom – Three Lives in Hitler`s Germany and Gandhi`s India

Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany and Gandhi's India, this narrative follows Ayii Tendulkar, his love for filmmaker Thea von Harbou, and his journey of activism alongside his wife Indumati.

In the Shadow of Freedom – Three Lives in Hitler's Germany and Gandhi's India tells the compelling story of Ayii Tendulkar, a young journalist from Maharashtra who travels to Germany to pursue a doctorate in statistics. In Berlin, Ayii rises to prominence as a journalist and falls in love with the acclaimed filmmaker Thea von Harbou, known for her work on classic films such as Metropolis and M. Their relationship flourishes against the backdrop of the early 1930s, a tumultuous time in history marked by the rise of the Nazi regime.

The narrative is enriched by the perspective of Laxmi Tendulkar Dhaul, Ayii's daughter with his third wife, Indumati Gunaji. She intricately weaves together the lives of her parents and Thea, exploring their struggles and triumphs amid the political upheaval of Nazi Germany and the fight for independence in India. Thea, significantly older than Ayii, becomes a crucial support in his life, particularly in his efforts to assist young Indian students in Germany. However, the ascent of Hitler brings those aspirations to a halt, prompting Ayii to return to India on Thea's advice.

Upon his return, Ayii becomes an active participant in Gandhi's nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule. His marriage to Indumati, a dedicated Gandhian activist, leads to years of imprisonment as they adhere to Gandhi's principles, which required them to be apart for a time. Through a rich tapestry of letters, documents, and photographs, the book captures the intertwined fates of these three individuals as they navigate the complex intersections of love, activism, and the fight against oppression.