Perspective is everything: Neelakantan

Known for his unique approach towards mythology and epic stories like Ramayana and Mahabharata, Anand Neelakantan is back with his new and altogether a different story this time. The book titled 'Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva, and Tara' promises to be the first love triangle in the history of Hindu mythology. Anand, who has previously written bestsellers, talk to Millennium Post about his new book, his inspiration and a lot more.

From where did you get the idea of Vanara: The Legend of Baali, Sugreeva, and Tara?

The idea sprouted as a short story on Tara. It was seen by the chief editor of Penguin, who encouraged me to explore the possibility of making it into a Novel. As I started researching for the work and going through my notes that I had made for my first book 'Asura', my television series, 'Siya Ke Ram' and 'Mahabali Hanuman' etc, I found that the story of Vanaras is a fascinating one. This is arguably the first love triangle ever remembered.

What does this book offers, which is different from all the other books you have written in the past?

While other books were focused on male perspective and has more political and philosophical perspective, this one is mainly from Tara's perspective. It is a close-knit story of three people and their lives in the backdrop of Ramayana. This might be my first romantic thriller. It is only incidental that it is set in Ramayana period. This could be happening now and here.

What has inspired you towards such stories?

I have always been fascinated by our epics, the folk tales and ballads. May be, my growing up in a village in Kerala where the temple arts of Kathakali, Ottan Thullal and many others were a part of life, have influenced me a lot.

Describe what mythology is for you, in one word?

In one word – Proto history

I think the word mythology is misleading. For Indians they are Ithihasa and Purana. These are proto-history. I believe there are some truths in such stories. These are the tales that a civilization has remembered over many thousand years. There could be and there are many exaggerations, lost of propaganda has been added, stories have been twisted for political purposes or glorification of some group of people over others, yet one can't say they are mere stories.

As a writer, what is your approach towards the female characters?

Tougher to write, but I enjoy the challenge. In 'Vanara', it is a female centric perspective. I have kept distance from 'Baali. Unlike Asura' or 'Ajaya' series, where it is through the minds of men, most of the story evolves, in Vanara- Tara is the hero.

What is the important message you want to convey through these books?

That every story has many sides, not just two. Perspective is everything. Never be judgemental.

People in old times were more into mythology as compared to modern times. As a writer of 21st century, what do you do to draw the young generation's interest in such stories?

As a writer, I shifted to English, though I am more comfortable in my mother tongue, because I wanted to reach more people. I try to give a rational approach to all my stories and this is perhaps that has attracted many young readers to my book. Youth is all about non-conformity and rebellion. My books are rebellious in nature and are subaltern. I may claim thus my books are youthful and hence attract the youth more.

What are your expectations from this book?

My expectations are like what I had for all my books. That the book shall be debated, loved, hated, appreciated, criticized and remembered for many generations to come. Writing is a pursuit for immortality.

What is on your mind after this book? Which story are you going to work on?

I am in the final stages of 'Baahubali' series book 2. The book 1 of the series – Rise of Sivagami is becoming a Netflix original series. My first target is to complete that. I have already finished a non-fiction called 'Asura Marga' and a Malayalam Novel, and these are in editing stage. I am working on a couple of TV shows and a major film. The next novel will be a mythological-horror, which will come after the second book of Baahubali series.

Are you going to stick to this genre, or will you explore something new in the coming time?

I have no plans to stick to one genre. The difficulty is in convincing the publishers. Since my books have done well in this genre, every publisher wants me to write only in this genre. It is as difficult to shift genres as it is for a debutante to get published, but I am determined to do so. 'Baahubali 'series was one attempt to shift away from Purana retelling. The horror genre I am writing will be another one. I would follow these with children's books, satirical novels and thrillers.

What have you learned after reading and writing all these mythological books?

I have learned that perspective is everything. There are as many versions of a story as there are people. Never be judgmental and there is nothing called absolute right or wrong. That realisation has set me free and made life joyful.