Ananya, Shruti and cup of coffee

Ananya Chatterjee and Shruti Goswami’s new book of poetry ‘Another Soliloquy’ is currently the talk of the town. Recently ‘Spectralhues’ got in touch with the dynamic duo. Here are excerpts from the interview taken by Susmita Bose.

Susmita: Ananya and Shruti!  Welcome to Spectralhues. Could you tell us why you have opted for co-authoring this time? Is there any special reason for choosing to share work with someone?

Ananya: After my first book, The Poet & His Valentine by Shambhabi Publishers made it to the bestseller list, I was overwhelmed, and also at the same time, realized that I must continue to prove myself worthy of the love and appreciation I had received. So, when Shambhabi’s Kiriti Sengupta came forward with the proposition of a jointly co-authored book of verses, I was naturally excited as that would give me another opportunity to share my creations with my readers on a wide scale. The success of my previous collaboration with Shambhabi, also made me feel very positive about this new venture. Moreover, my conviction strengthened after going through some of Shruti’s beautifully composed verses. Our “jugalbandi” , I felt, was bound to shine !

Shruti: Well when my publisher proposed to have a co-author my in my first book, I thought it was a very good proposition. I was how ever a bit apprehensive at who would be the chosen one. When I heard it was Ananya, I naturally jumped at the opportunity because I have read her poems and I find her poems to be strong and powerful, resonating and complimenting my thoughts in my poems. Naturally, there was no looking back after that.

Susmita: Did you know each other for long?  How was the experience working together?

Ananya: No, it was our publisher who got us acquainted to each other. I must congratulate Kiriti Sengupta on his vision, and his ability to detect the similar undercurrents that flow through our compositions, and endeavor to bring them together. Working with Shruti has been effortless and relaxing; our creations have seamlessly merged to create “Another Soliloquy”, a fact that every reader of the book will grasp. Shruti, too, feels the same , I’m sure.

Shruti: Not very long, if you put it literally. But reading her poems gave me a familiar feel and it never seemed that I did not know her before. I am quite vocal about the rights of a human and portray it in my poems. So does she. I think you can come to know a person in various ways, either personally, or through her creativity or similarity of thoughts, or by possessing the same empathy for your fellow human beings.

The journey has just started and it has been wonderful teaming up with each other on this journey. Thanks to Kiriti da for giving me this opportunity to come across a strong voice in a fellow woman.

Susmita: The title is very interesting. Is there any story behind the choice?

Shruti: Yes indeed. I loved the title when it was proposed to me. Though Soliloquy essentially means one’s own thoughts and reflections, both our thoughts and reflections, I feel has come together as one, reflecting the same joy or pain, same loss and grief, in our poems. Both of us have 25 poems each, and the 50 poems have come together effortlessly and become a single voice. Why “Another”? I feel, there are many around us, who feel the need to voice their opinion in different ways. Our opinion is conveyed through our poems, through Another Soliloquy. It is another one, but definitely not just any other. Hence, Another Soliloquy.

Ananya: Let me add another interesting anecdote here. I was asked by my publisher to think of a two-word title for our book, which would have my and Shruti’s initials- A and S to be precise. After coming up with a few unsatisfactory names, suddenly the name Another Soliloquy struck me, and I realized how apt it would be. When I conveyed this to my publishers, they readily agreed.
Also, my first verse in the book bears the same title, but that is again another story!

Susmita: What kind of feedback has the book been receiving?

Ananya: The initial response if very promising and we are confident of a positive response.

Shruti: It is really too early to tell as most of my readers have just ordered their books and are going through it. However, the few that I have had the chance to speak to, were delighted to read both our creations and I hope others too will feel the same. If the readers are satisfied, I think, that’s what would ultimately matter.

Susmita: How was your experience with your publisher?

Ananya: My erstwhile venture with Kiriti Sengupta had been very fruitful and enjoyable, and I can say the same about this one as well. His thorough professionalism and perseverance is truly commendable. I am extremely glad to have Shambhabi as our publisher.

Shruti: It has been wonderful knowing Kiriti da and it was for his persistence that I finally decided to foray into this venture. I can’t thank him enough.

Susmita: How supportive have your near ones been as you pursued writing?

Ananya: It is the rock-solid support of my family – my parents and my husband that has kept me going. I receive constant encouragement from my in-laws. Even my children have patiently borne with me through all my creative sprees. I am very lucky to have such a strong support system, which helps me nurture and sustain my creative facets.

Shruti: Very supportive. In fact, had it not been for the constant encouragement of my friends and near and dear ones, I would have never thought of penning down poems. I was really amazed to find so many avid readers of English poetry when I began writing a few years back and the number has only increased, and so has their appreciation and support for me.

Susmita: Would each of you please mention your favorite poem of the other from this book and what makes you like it?

Ananya: The poem that struck me the most is Alone. In just three lines, Shruti has managed to convey the liberating thrill which solitude ushers in… the inherent difference between loneliness and solitude. In so brief a verse, she has captured an eternal truth, a feat that can be achieved by only a master verse-weaver. This poem stays with one long after one has completed reading it.

Shruti: Well I loved almost all the poems, because as I mentioned earlier, they speak of the little joys, sorrow, loss and pain, of loving and losing, of a yearning for solitude. But if I have to pick one, it would have to be “Wanderlust”. It’s the bohemian soul trapped in a regular body that yearns to be free. It doesn’t shy away from risking and realizing, that the mundane world is not its cup of tea. I feel an untamed soul trapped within me, that frequently leave on the wings of imagination to far away lands,to Bohemia.I find this poem very close to my heart.

Susmita: What does the future hold for poetry, particularly poetry in English, in India in terms of patronage? What can be done to popularize poetry in India?

Ananya: I believe, contemporary poetry needs to reach the masses; poetry needs to be lucid, for the thoughts to resonate with a wide range of readers. The number of Indian English writers is steadily on the rise and this is what gives us hope. Especially, in this age of advanced technology, the world has become smaller and the boundaries are no longer as stringent as they used to be. In this day, the probability of good work receiving worldwide recognition is much higher. This is what makes me optimistic.

Shruti: The future is for us to create, through writing and help others realize their potential in creativity. Although English language is universal, English poetry and comprehending their nuances is still, I feel, not as much visible in India as one would like to see. But publishers like Sambhabi, who have honoured new comers like me by publishing my first book and an author like Ananya who has agreed to be associated with me on my first venture paints a bright picture as far as patronage is concerned. We need more like them to advance the cause of poetry in general, and English poetry in particular.

I think social media like Face Book plays an important role in popularizing lesser known yet talented authors and writers. The global reach of internet makes it possible to bring creativity at your doorstep. To increase its acceptability in India, more competitions and more magazines and anthologies need to be published, for which we need dynamic publishers and patrons. We also need to teach English literature as a compulsory part of curriculum to develop a taste for prose and poetry.

Susmita: What interests you other than writing? Please do tell our readers something about you…

Ananya: After completing my post-graduation in Computer Science, my initial wish was to venture into the world of academics and research. But fate had other plans and I ended up becoming a software professional- a career I relish thoroughly. Writing is my primary passion. I also love reading- reading rejuvenates me after a tiring day, reading helps me overcome small sorrows, and day-to-day turbulences. I also enjoy traveling, a passion I share with my spouse.

Shruti:I like extensive reading, on any topic that interests me.It may be history,literature,fiction or non fiction,sports,thriller,research papers,anything and everything that I can lay my hands on. I also like travelling, it gives a wider perspective of life and helps you become a better person.I love to try various cuisines at different places and am a foodie.I love to sing when I am alone.I also love watching football. I am a social person and like hanging out with friends on weekends.

Susmita: On a lighter note, what you want to bet for a cup of coffee, a poetry book and rain…

Ananya: That would be the perfect combination. I could give up almost anything to be in such a delightful situation!

Shruti: Nothing in fact. I wouldn’t want to trade such a perfect combination for anything.

Susmita:  Have you ever thought of writing novel?

Ananya: Never, to be honest. My thoughts and creative outbursts only take the form of poetry. Then again, who knows what the future has in store?

Shruti: I write short stories, mostly sarcastic in nature in Bengali and they have been published in some magazines. Many well wishers who have read them have requested me to write a full fledged book on some interesting topics and I myself am inclined to it.However,I still do not find the patience to sit through writing an entire novel but that is definitely on my mind. As of now, I am just content with penning down poems. Time is also a constraint and maybe in the near future I might find enough time to actually write one.

Susmita: What are your future literary plans?

Ananya: To continue writing honest, effortless poetry, that my readers can relate to and think about; to create powerful verses that would stay with their readers long after they have been read.

Shruti: To write something worth remembering after I am gone. It might be a collection of poems, it might be a novel. Just that one piece of creativity that might help people in remembering me.

Susmita: Do you have any message for the readers…

Shruti: Its never too late to start, but you can start only when you realize you are free in your mind and that you believe in your own capability. Never limit your imagination but never think you are too good because there’s always someone better than you.

Ananya: I just want to thank my readers for their love and support. It is their faith that sustains the creative spark in me. As for any message, I believe my poetry is already doing that, and anything I add here, would be superfluous.

Susmita: Thank you both for your time. Wish you good luck for your forthcoming projects.

Shruti & Ananya: Thanks a lot Susmita, it was a pleasure chatting with you!

Book Details:

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From	Binding	Price
	Paperback	$8.09
	Paperback	INR 180

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About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!