Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is known for her deeply moving stories woven around strong female protagonists that inspire lives. Whether it is The Mistress of Spices, The Palace of Illusions, The Forest of Enchantments or Before We Visit The Goddess, all of her stories have had an impact. So much so that many of them have been adapted for the screens with the latest one being The Palace of Illusions that will see Deepika Padukone in the lead. Her latest read Independence, triggered by her last book The Last Queen, is yet another engaging read.
Set in the tumultuous period of 1947 when borders and lives were transformed forever, the book traces the journey of the Ganguly sisters — Priya, Jamini and Deepa — and the twin meanings of independence in their lives. In a fluid chat, the Calcutta-born and US-based author who will be back in Calcutta next month talks about the inspiration behind the novel, her love for Bollywood songs and which actors could essay her latest characters on the big screen. Excerpts:
The one-word title of the novel, Independence, has several connotations in the book. Which ‘independence’ egged you to pen the novel?
Two meanings were both equally important to me. First, India’s freedom and decolonisation, after which she became a self-ruling nation. And two, the personal independence that the women in the novel learn, and how crucial it is if a nation is to move ahead.
If I am not mistaken, this is your first novel set in India’s Independence period that’s full of turmoil. What made you set the period as the background?
This novel arose from two very different sources. One was the stories my mother and grandfather, who lived through this period, told me. They were at once harrowing and inspiring. Two was the fact that I had written about Maharani Jindan in The Last Queen. The 1850s when Punjab is treacherously and violently taken over by the British was a very sad time in our history. I needed to write about a victorious moment when the British are forced to leave India and she is triumphant.
You have always had strong protagonists in your novels and this time we have three — Priya, Deepa and Jamini (there’s Bina as well though). Which character did you sketch first and tell us about her and others.
I love all three sisters, but I was most engaged by Priya from the beginning because I related to her quest to become a woman with a career she loves. However, I was also fascinated by Deepa and Jamini who became, for me, complex characters as the novel went on. Each is strong in her way. Each faces huge difficulties.
As one proceeds in the novel, one finds resemblance to the famous literary work Little Women. What are your views on it?
I am happy to have Independence compared to Little Women, but really, it wasn’t on my mind when I wrote. I was thinking of Bengali folk tales (from Thakumar Jhuli, for instance) which often have three sisters who love each other but are also in competition. I grew up with those archetypal stories and they are deep in me.
How long did it take to write the book, when was it conceptualised and were there any challenges?
This is a book that deals with a serious subject matter. I wanted to do it well and research it responsibly, so there were a lot of challenges, particularly with research. I managed to get hold of facsimiles of newspapers from the times as well as the speeches of leaders like Nehru and Sarojini Naidu. Because I teach at a university (University of Houston), I am fortunate to have many research resources available to me. The whole thing took me almost three years, but the project had been in the back of my mind for a long time.
Your books have been adapted for the screen and stage with the latest one being The Palace of Illusions. If Independence is adapted to the screen, which actors would you like to be cast?
There are so many wonderful actors nowadays! It’s hard for me to choose. Maybe Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja? I would love to hear from your readers as to their choices —they can put them on my Facebook or Twitter page!
Which other novels/short stories will see future adaptation on screen or stage?
Out of my many stories, The Last Queen has also been optioned. I hope to hear updates soon. Fingers crossed!
You started your career as a poet. When can we see a new volume?
Now my poetry has been interwoven with my prose. I think of Independence as poetic in style, with a certain rhythm and many images. I hope readers will agree.
What are you working on next?
I am working on something very different this time — a biography. But you’ll have to wait a while before I can announce more details.
Apart from writing, what is it that keeps you engaged?
I enjoy cooking for family, meditation, reading, long nature walks, movies (especially those I can watch at home with family), word games on which I waste too much time. I have been part of a Gita Study group for about eight years now and love that very much. Readers may be surprised to learn that I also love dancing to Bollywood songs!
When are you coming to Kolkata next?
In January 2023, God willing, to present Independence in my birth-city, at the KLM literature festival. Always excited to visit Calcutta.
Who are the Indian authors that you like reading?
There are so many of them. To name, there’s Tagore first of all. I love teaching his work also. Then there’s Sarat chandra chattopadhyay, Mahasweta Devi, Amitav Ghosh, Rohinton Mistry, Gitanjali Shree, Anita Desai, Aravind Adiga… I could go on and on.
Any US-based author that you have been reading/following lately?
My current favourites are Margaret Atwood (Canada) and Donna Tartt (USA). They both are so innovative and talented.
Interesting facts
1) Mistress of Spices is in the process of being made into an opera
2) Her short story The Word Love, was made into an award-winning short film, Amaar Ma
3) Arranged Marriage has been made into a play and performed in both USA and Canada