Amish Tripathi calls his series on Lord Rama an interpretation of the Ramayana. He says he is only following the Indian tradition of modernising and localising myths.
What needs to be pondered on is does the original version really matter. “Whatever version one finds the truth in, that is the true version for you. That is the Indian way,” says Amish.
The best-selling author was in town for a reading and discussion on the first book on the series ‘Scion of Ikshvaku’ at the 23rd DC International Book Fair here on Wednesday.
Amish sets much store by learning from mythology. “The purpose is to discover the philosophy within a story. It’s not about getting lost in the story itself.”
He feels we are a lucky culture that has a living mythology, unlike probably that in Greece or Egypt.
Unlike many recent books, Amish’s books have not stirred a hornet’s nest. Ninety-five per cent of the controversies are created by the authors themselves for publicity, he says. “If one doesn’t create controversy, 95 per cent of the controversies won’t happen. I am proof of that. Only in 5 per cent of the cases, do genuine controversies arise.” Amish believes if one writes with respect, it reflects in the books, and controversies won’t happen. He says if he had to sell through controversies, he’d rather not sell. “They are not the right way to sell. You are insulting your book if you create controversies.”
Asked if he felt the pressures of delivering best-sellers, he says he doesn’t care about anyone’s opinion when he is writing, be it reader, critic, or even his publisher.
“I write with purity of heart. But in the marketing phase, I do get a little nervous. I start thinking I need to try my best to make sure my publisher recovers his money. That’s when some pressure comes on.”
Amish is currently working on the second book in the Rama series. “There’s a lot that happens in Kerala in this book,” he says.
On if he ever feels the need to explore other genres, Amish says mythology is what drives him.
“I have enough ideas in the mythology space to keep me busy for the next 20 years. If the books sell, I’ll keep writing or go back to banking. I have other ideas too. But let’s see where life takes me.”
