Saru Bhakta is a prolific writer, dramatist, poet, and also Chancellor of Nepal Music and Drama Academy. He believes in those writings which stand relevant in the present so that the members of the society may learn something from it.
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Amidst the drama fairs and busy schedules, he sat down with Sachi Mulmi to talk about the importance of reading. Excerpts:
Every month of Magh, my friends and I looked forward to the Swasthani story. At that time, everyone from the community used to come together to listen to it. But then, it was not for the sake of listening to the story or reflecting upon the importance of the tale. We were more interested in the 'prasad' than listening to the story. However, I still remember those days when the Swasthani stories were read out. By listening to those stories, I guess I gradually started seeking books and formed a reading habit.
What kinds of books did you use to read?
Swasthani is the first book I remember seeing with awe and listening intently to. After that, the next book that came my way was the Mahabharat. I had run away with a few friends during school to listen to the Mahabharat narrated by a Swami. I think that is one of the best written texts available to us. Eventually, I stumbled on the various beautiful works by our famous Nepali authors, and even War and Peace by Tolstoy and One Hundred Years of Solitude. Besides that, I indulged myself in dramas.
You've written in many genres of literature. Which do you enjoy writing more?
I like writing in all forms of literature. But for me, it's more about which genre brings the readers to me.
Is there any book that has left a deep impact on you? Why?
It is the Mahabharat. Even while writing, the impact it has on me can be felt, and I'm sure there are many writers who think along the same lines. I think it's the ultimate text to understand society and human beings, as the characters and the plots it presents are timeless and teaches the readers about living life.
They say that you shouldn't judge a book by its appearance. How much do you agree with this statement?
What I know is that the first time I saw the big and bulky appearance of Mahabharat, with elaborate illustrations filling pages after pages, I was awestruck. So, definitely, don't judge a book by its cover, but a pleasant or unforgettable appearance definitely heightens the impression it has on you.
Books like Mahabharat and War and Peace have numerous characters. Are there any characters you thought deserved more recognition?
I think Sikhandini is one of the most misunderstood and underestimated characters in there. Her character comes with a history of female social constrains, and how society makes things difficult for a woman to live. Sikhandini lived with the aim of avenging the one who left her in a difficult situation, who is Bhishma. Although Bhisma is one of the important and machismo characters, who is shown to have sacrificed his legacy and the state for the sake of his father, this decision led to a series of events that ended up in the war of Mahabharat. Sikhandini, however, is someone who is dutiful and responsible. If we look closely at her character, we'll find instances of courage and determination, a part that's hidden when it comes to portraying a woman. So I think that her character should be respected and brought to justice in our discussion of male characters in the text.
Does it mean that historical texts and records should be reanalyzed?
It's more like everything that comes down to us should be scrutinized. Even the Buddha asked his pupils to not believe everything he said with blind eyes, and we already know history is tainted with the blame of excluding many details. So, in this case, what we should be aware of is that we need to start questioning things at their weak points.
Does it not add more responsibility to you as a writer?
I think the more interpretations a book or a piece of writing has, the better it is for the writer and the readers. A writer's job is to make sure that s/he can expose a reader's mind to as many possibilities as possible. That's only possible if they understand what's being said. And you know what's said now is that the script doesn't belong to the author once the text is out.
Who do you credit for the bloom in the Nepali readership?
Fierce advertisement, book fairs, and the Internet. It brings readers to the market, but it also becomes misleading sometimes.
