Back in 2011, when Bhakti Mathur couldn’t find a book to explain the concept of Holi to her youngest kid, her husband happened to suggest that she write one herself. Four years later, Bhakti now writes for children’s illustrated mythological books. “I was also a child when I fell in love with mythology. My caretaker, who was conveniently named ‘bhagwaan’ used to narrate to me the tales of Mahabharata , Ramayana after school, as I absorbed excitedly,” says the author, who recently held a reading of her new book Amma, Tell me How Hanuman crossed the Ocean! , the second part in the Hanuman series , at Starmark.
Hong Kong-based Bhakti has written books on topics such as Holi, Diwali, Krishna’s adventures, tales of Ganesha and now Hanuman. “The latest series is my favourite so far,” she confesses. Ask her about the process of reading aloud and she says, “Writing is a solitary profession, so when I read out my stories to the young tots who seem so engaged and curious to know what happens next, I feel the happiest!” Bhakti is also quick to compliment schools who bring young kids for such readings. “It is the responsibility of the schools and the parents to ensure that kids inculcate a culture of reading in their early years itself. Children learn from their parents, so if you have a book in your hand so will your child.” She admits she has to finish one more book in the Hanuman trilogy before she sets out to explore the worlds of Durga, Shiva and Lakshmi.
Bhakti lists Devdutt Pattanaik, Ashok Banker and Sanjay Patel as her favourite mythology writers. “Their story-telling makes the world of myth sound so real,” she says. Apart from writing books, Bhakti also dabbles in long distance running. How does it feel to be in Chennai? “It’s always lovely to come back here,” she gushes.
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