OF HEARTFELT WRITING ABOUT HUMAN EMOTIONS

Chirdeep Malhotra . Updated: 11/26/2019 1:40:06 PM Books and Authors

Author Interview: Sanchita Bhattacharya

Sanchita Bhattacharya is a Political Analyst by profession. Born in pristine Arunachal Pradesh, she has spent most of her years in Delhi. She resides in Delhi-NCR. She works in the field of Political Islam in South Asia, and has extensively written on various socio-political facets of Pakistan. She has a Ph.D. degree from JNU. Besides writing, she is a travel enthusiast, movie buff and reader. She has recently come out with the book “The Lady in White”. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, she talks about her latest book, her writing journey, and her favourite books and authors.


Please tell us more about Sanchita Bhattacharya as a person.

Well. There is nothing much to say actually. One can hardly explain their own self. I am a nonconformist and free-thinking individual who detests the monotony of life. Spiritually intrigues me the most, I am yet to receive the faith. By profession I am a political researcher.


Has writing always been a part of your life? Or did you chance upon it later on and then instantly fell in love with it?

Since many years, I have been writing for various journals, web pages, newspapers, and have edited books as part of my professional obligation.
I never fell in love with writing per se. While writing stories I vent out my innermost thoughts, feeling and perspectives. In many ways my characters are fictional extensions of me reacting to various situations and stimuli. I have never followed a set pattern while writing. The inspiration comes from various random events, persons and emotions that occur to me at a specific moment in time.


Can you tell us more about your book “The Lady in White”?

The book is a collection of eight short stories, basically dealing with various human emotions and intricate relationships. The characters in the stories are inherently complex and multi-dimensional. It is mostly a work of fiction. Though the title story, “The Lady in White” is based on my maternal grandmother- nani, who died under miserable circumstances in 2008. Somehow, I could never reconcile with her death! Eventually, this story was written based on my observation of her over my growing up years. I wanted to tell her story and finally could muster the courage to do so. She will always be my Lady in White. The rest are stories about humour of life, dream, trust, sisterhood, despair, friendship, devotion, etc.


How has the response of readers been to your book?

The response has been amazing. I have been told many times that the stories are unique and written in a lucid style. The readers have also appreciated the content of each story and have been so far very encouraging.


How did the idea of writing this short story collection emerge?

Me and a friend Priyanka, started a page called “The Blank Page” on Facebook two years back to write about various things that inspire or intrigue us. In the process of occasional writing for The Blank Page, these stories gradually started emerging, and the response of readers, friends, and family was also incredible. Actually, a lot of friends pushed me to write a book. And as mentioned earlier, I wanted to tell the story of my grandmother.


What are your favourite books? Can you share with our esteemed readers about the genres that you like and your favourite authors?

My favourite books are ‘The Bastard of Istanbul’ by Elif Shafaq, ‘The Calcutta Chromosome’ by Amitav Ghosh, ‘The Enchantress of Florence’ by Salman Rushdie, ‘Sisters’ by Danielle Steel and ‘The God of Small Things’ by Arundhati Roy. I don’t have a definite liking for any specific genre. I read what I feel like reading at a particular point. It can be sci-fi, thriller, historical fiction, crime, mystery. I like the writings of Nikita Gill.


What do you think is the literary scenario in contemporary Indian English short story writing?

I won’t be able to comment on that, because I have hardly read any short stories in my life, apart from the essentials of O. Henry or Guy de Maupassant, as all of us have done.


What are your other interests apart from writing?

I like to watch movies, documentaries, television series and web series. I am also keen on music and travelling.


There are many new writers and poets who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them?

I can only say that don’t follow any writer or pattern for inspiration. Write stories that are part of you. Stories that fascinate and motivate you. Also, keep in mind a fact which no one told me: writing, publishing and selling of books are completely different from each other, and especially for a first-time author, each step is a challenge.


Can you share with our readers a motivational quote that keeps you going?

Nothing in particular, but yes, I like a quote from The God of Small Things – “That's what careless words do. They make people love you a little less.”


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