Ask the Author: Kusum Choppra
Answered Questions (10)
Kusum Choppra
Cowering under the bed, she watched the door open and two feet enter.
Two lifeless eyes did not see the feet leaving, soles painted blood red.
Two lifeless eyes did not see the feet leaving, soles painted blood red.
Kusum Choppra
Nila, it is true that a lot more truth remains buried. And it certainly was very frustrating, despite being at it for more than two decades. But perhaps the reason why I never thought of giving up was not one but two mentors, constantly urging me in lengthy long-distance conversations, to start writing the book; arguing I had started @age 35 and was nearing 60; could mean changes in perspective. so the priority was to write while things were still fresh in the mind , without the inevitable loss of ageing. Those two mentors were an old school teacher, Mr. Mahableshwarwalla in Bangalore and Mr. Ehsaan Awara, a retired post master in Banda who had spent his life seeking Mastani. These two persons ensured that the commitment to my Mastani never flagged.
but there is one question that still troubles me...... How did she actually die and where? All I found was circumstantial evidence and logical reasoning. but some written proof perhaps awaits some future researcher in the archives of so many of Peshwa Bajirao I's Sardars.
but there is one question that still troubles me...... How did she actually die and where? All I found was circumstantial evidence and logical reasoning. but some written proof perhaps awaits some future researcher in the archives of so many of Peshwa Bajirao I's Sardars.
Kusum Choppra
I'd like to travel to the South Pacific, visit Tahiti from Franginpani and the remote island from Morris West's The Navigator.
Evolving cultures is a fascination with me.
Evolving cultures is a fascination with me.
Kusum Choppra
How I came to be author of a book like Silver Dreams that deals with second innings for elderly couples. But that will be for another day. my list of to-do books is already quite chockfull, and i have yet to get out of the Silver Dreams syndrome to clear my brain for the next.
Kusum Choppra
The sight of the countryside wheeling past from a train or a vehicle is very dear to me. That, for me, is the Real India that keeps people like us in our comfort zones. Descriptions of all manner, emotions, moods, seasons, homes and their reflection on their residents, the countryside, whatever. The sheer beauty of the variegated shades of green and brown never fails to move me.
I am always amazed by the incredible variety of India, her people, their clothes, their food, their customs, everything, so different and yet so similar; moving together for centuries since the beginning of time. An awesome thought; almost an emotional experience!
A major inspiration of stories is the “What IF” factor. I read a story, see a film or a serial episode and wonder: What if the character had not done what was depicted, but something else? How would the story then turn and twist? A new story is created. What, after all, is a story? An experience, personal, witnessed, heard about, read off – Just a single grain of sand, a kernel around which the author does verbal embroidery, leaving the reader guessing over what is fact and what fiction.
I am always amazed by the incredible variety of India, her people, their clothes, their food, their customs, everything, so different and yet so similar; moving together for centuries since the beginning of time. An awesome thought; almost an emotional experience!
A major inspiration of stories is the “What IF” factor. I read a story, see a film or a serial episode and wonder: What if the character had not done what was depicted, but something else? How would the story then turn and twist? A new story is created. What, after all, is a story? An experience, personal, witnessed, heard about, read off – Just a single grain of sand, a kernel around which the author does verbal embroidery, leaving the reader guessing over what is fact and what fiction.
Kusum Choppra
Right now, my favorite fictional couple is, obviously Kinnary and Rana , from my new novel, Silver Dreams.
They make for an unusual couple, she from Mumbai with an ex-Communist Dad and he from an aristocratic background. Perhaps it is shared woes of the first marriages; or their being able to come to terms about failing in those that gives them the sensitivity to be able to tackle all that faces them in the Second Innings; despite the stresses and pulls of hurtling from one crisis to the next, dealing with respective offspring issues and health problems; or perhaps that shared loved for music?
OR perhaps a combination of all three but an old world wisdom born of practice that makes them so lovable.
They make for an unusual couple, she from Mumbai with an ex-Communist Dad and he from an aristocratic background. Perhaps it is shared woes of the first marriages; or their being able to come to terms about failing in those that gives them the sensitivity to be able to tackle all that faces them in the Second Innings; despite the stresses and pulls of hurtling from one crisis to the next, dealing with respective offspring issues and health problems; or perhaps that shared loved for music?
OR perhaps a combination of all three but an old world wisdom born of practice that makes them so lovable.
Kusum Choppra
Read as much as possible till it passes. Sometimes, I believe, the brain just wants rest from creation and needs time for rejuvenation, like the seasons do.
Kusum Choppra
Being able to see alternate scenarios of life and meet other people in other lives.
Kusum Choppra
A short story about another second innings couple, a sequel to Silver Dreams with the focus shifting to their grown up children's lives and a collaborative romantic thriller with nine other writers.
Kusum Choppra
It actually started as a book about the problems faced by newly wed couples, as soon as they come back from honeymoon and set about creating a new life... about BEYOND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER. Somewhere along the line, the focus shifted to a Second innings couple and the problems they would face in creating a new life with all that old baggage.
And Silver Dreams came true
And Silver Dreams came true
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