Anuja Chauhan is a master at blending humour and romance with social commentary. Like many writers, Anuja also comes from an advertising background. The author of popular rom coms such as The Zoya Factor and The Battle for Bittora , Anuja’s latest book, The House That BJ Built, is a sequel to her Those Pricey Thakur Girls . The 45-year-old Anuja, who moved to Bengaluru six months ago, talks of the city, the TV adaptation of Thakur Girls and more. Excerpts.
Can you tell us about the inspiration for The House that BJ Built?
The novel is based on a family dispute. It was supposed to be one big book, a sequel was not planned. I also felt that the family dispute, needed a background which I set with Those Pricey Thakur Girls . In a family, there are certain members who are considered cool and those who aren’t. When these uncool members gain importance, the rest of the family is left with the question of yeh kaise ho gaya? This is the response that Bonu garners.
Without giving away too much about the novel, where do the Thakur sisters stand?
This book is largely Samar’s. The sisters do come in; however, their roles are limited to that of participants. Binodini was one sister who was deemed unimportant by her siblings; this affects Bonu’s perception and she is slightly resentful towards them. The House that BJ Built provides a new perspective to these much loved characters.
What is your take on the TV adaptation of Those Pricey Thakur Girls?
The series ( Dilliwali Thakur Gurls ) is completely different from the novel. The casting is a little off, I expected Dylan to have a five o’clock shadow. I also imagined that he would be a little dark. The characters seem to be different too. I have a mixed response towards the adaptation, I’m sure that it isn’t Those Pricey Thakur Girls .
What do you think distinguishes you from your contemporaries?
I don’t know what distinguishes me from other writers; I write how I want to. I like adding sparkle, humour, romance and all that jazz. I think like a 15 year old. My children seem to be embarrassed by it. I like writing about first love and can discuss a crush for hours. Most of my novels involve the clash between Bharath and India. When these two sides clash, sparks fly.
In one of your Facebook posts, you said that you felt vaguely resentful about Nikhil, Zain and Dylan and very protective about Samar. Why?
I feel protective of any new character that I put out there. After Battle for Bittora , people were saying, Nikhil won the World Cup but Zain was unsuccessful in winning even an election. When it came to Dylan it was a matter of how a journalist, with a pay of Rs. 12,000 would fare with his predecessors. It’s the same with Samar. I feel very maternal towards my characters.
Which of your characters do you identify with the most?
I identify most with Zoya. She had the same insecurities that I did.
What can we expect from The House that BJ Built?
Bonu is the greyest of my female protagonists. She does have morals and principles, but her own set. Debjani is horrified at the things Bonu sometimes does.
You have been in Bangalore for the last six months. What is your opinion about the city?
I love it here; the weather here is very pleasant. People here are sweet too; I think it has something to do with the weather. I throw seeds into the garden and they start growing. The animals in the house also seem to multiply, I see new nests every day.
