Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday released ‘An Unlikely Chemistry – Autobiography of a Couple’ by documentary film-maker S. Krishnaswamy.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the book was the story of a couple who combined with patriotism their passion for history and film-making.
“In the book, Mr. Krishnaswamy records a conversation with his wife Mohana, where he tried to impress upon her that parents are really trustees of children, and that you can only pretend to be angry with them. Every parent should follow this,” Mr. Purohit added.
N. Ravi, Publisher, The Hindu , who received the first copy of the book, said while going through this book what comes across is that Mr. Krishnaswamy has lived through very interesting times, both in his personal life and professional career.
He said the author’s epic narrative of 5,000 years of Indian history — Indus Valley to Indira Gandhi — which was shot in 100 locations was the first Indian film to be purchased by an American company.
Film industry’s gain
Former judge of the Madras High Court K. Chandru said that Mohana Krishnaswamy had come to film-making because someone demanded a bribe of ₹2000 for a teaching post.
“What was a loss to the teaching profession was a gain for the film industry. What is important is that ₹2,000 has become a few lakh rupees nowadays. Our Governor, who is looking into corruption in the education sector, should know that corruption is five decades old and is very deep rooted. I am sure he will succeed in his efforts,” he said.
Actor Sowcar Janaki listed several of the documentary maker’s firsts, and recalled warmly her association with the family.
She expressed her special admiration for Ms. Krishnaswamy, especially for her contribution towards empowering women.
Writer Sivasankari said that this was the first time she had come across an autobiography of a couple.
She said the book was written like a piece of fiction with lots of anecdotes.
Mr. Krishnaswamy said the book was a conscious effort to contribute to social history.
He said that five years ago he started writing his wife Mohana’s biography explaining how a brilliant scientist had to change her career due to national policies.
However, both the books merged. Rupa Publications Editorial Director Dibakar Ghosh and Thuglak Editor S. Gurumurthy spoke on the occasion.
