Mumbai: An enthralling exchange of opinions and knowledge-driven insights dominated Book Bond: A Meet & Greet, organized in the run-up to the 2014 edition of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest. The festival to be held between October 30thand November 2nd2014 at NCPA (Nariman Point) and Prithvi Theatre and The Easel, in Juhu will showcase exemplary works and discussions by world-class authors and performers.
Ashwin Sanghi, renowned author of Chanakya’s Chant and The Rozabal Line, along with Festival Director Anil Dharker interacted with a highly passionate audience on the ‘Evolution of the Indian Writer’ at the Meet & Greet, here in the city today.
Encapsulating the evening, Author Ashwin Sanghi said, “Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest is undoubtedly and objectively the best literature festival in the country. The country has become more receptive to literature driven by the fundamental change which is not so much the writer, as it is the reader. It was heartening to witness the crowds at last year’s Tata Literature Live! and I only see this platform growing bigger with time.”
The evening discussion focussed on Indian authors, modern-day writing and the country’s literary scenario. A thought-provoking dialogue ensued on Indian readers taking to exploring mythology because they are now exposed to the commercial re-telling of mythology. According to Ashwin, there is a tantalizing overlap between mythology and history which is emerging now. Anil Dharker added that we are beginning to appreciate the fact that India is a country of stories bursting to be told and story-tellers willing to tell them. The panel addressed audience questions on the challenges of being published in India with Ashwin narrating anecdotes from his personal experiences, especially those surrounding being published for the first time. The session was interspersed with statistical and fun facts on reading, contributed by Ashwin, for instance the existence of 200 versions of The Ramayan. Both panellists together concluded that children are lucky to have a parent that exposes them to books and reading.
Anil Dharker officially announced the shortlists for 3 coveted Book Awards – Tata Literature Live! Book of the Year (Fiction & Non-fiction), Tata Literature Live! First Book Award (Fiction & Non-fiction) and Tata Literature Live! Business Book Award (Annexure 1 – Shortlist Details). The highlight of the evening was the handing-out of autographed copies by Ashwin Sanghi of his book with James Patterson, ‘Private India’.
Festival Director Anil Dharker spoke to the audience about the 5th edition of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest, “Mumbai’s only international literary festival Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest will present a rainbow offering of talks, panel discussions and performances by over 125 writers and artistes from across the country and world. I am happy to acknowledge our valuable partnership with the Tata group who for decades has promoted and patronized cultural activities in the country. We look forward to seeing you at the festival, scheduled from October 30th to November 2nd, 2014.”
Source : Sachin Murdeshwar