#indu sundaresan books

[ihearttseliot]

GOOD BOOKS: The Feast of Roses, by Indu Sundaresan

[littlemoondance]

Apparently IG doesn’t share to tumblr or Twitter anymore 🤷🏼‍♀️ so here we go:

I recently read “The Twentieth Wife” and “The Feast of Roses” by Indu Sundaresan. I had read the first book back in high school but had never read the sequel. Both books follow the life of Mehrunissa ( also known as Nur Jahan ), the twentieth and final wife to Jahingar, who was the fourth Mughal Emperor. The first book is just as captivating as I remembered it to be. I absolutely LOVED rereading this historical fiction book. The second book wasn’t as much of a hit for me as the first unfortunately. I was still super into it for the first half but the second half didn’t grab me anymore. I do still want to read the third book though. Which follows Jahingar’s son as emperor after he has finished building the Taj Mahal, where his favorite wife was entombed. And it focuses on his daughters.

Over all I still say you should definitely read the first book. And I’m so glad it stood the test of time for me. And I absolutely loved reading Indian historical fiction written by an Indian Woman. If you all have more book reccs that fall into the category let me know. Thanks ❤️

[sayakel]

Review Corner | The Twentieth Wife

I thought based on the premise, that it would be an interesting novel to read. Harems, court politics and political intrigue have always fascinated me — I have read several light novels (say like The Apothecary Diaries) set in China and Japan to that effect where women take charge of the narrative and spin their destinies to Asian-set fantasies involving strategies and gods (such as Strike The Zither and Daughter of the Moon Goddess).

If you don’t know what I am talking about, the following is the description of the book from Goodreads.

Goodreads Description

An enchanting seventeenth-century epic of grand passion and adventure, this debut novel tells the captivating story of one of India’s most legendary and controversial empresses — a woman whose brilliance and determination trumped myriad obstacles, and whose love shaped the course of the Mughal empire.

She came into the world in the year 1577, to the howling accompaniment of a ferocious winter storm. As the daughter of starving refugees fleeing violent persecution in Persia, her fateful birth in a roadside tent sparked a miraculous reversal of family fortune, culminating in her father’s introduction to the court of Emperor Akbar. She is called Mehrunnisa, the Sun of Women. This is her story.

Growing up on the fringes of Emperor Akbar’s opulent palace grounds, Mehrunnisa blossoms into a sapphire-eyed child blessed with a precocious intelligence, luminous beauty, and a powerful ambition far surpassing the bounds of her family’s station. Mehrunnisa first encounters young Prince Salim on his wedding day. In that instant, even as a royal gala swirls around her in celebration of the future emperor’s first marriage, Mehrunnisa foresees the path of her own destiny. One day, she decides with uncompromising surety, she too will become Salim’s wife. She is all of eight years old — and wholly unaware of the great price she and her family will pay for this dream.

Skillfully blending the textures of historical reality with the rich and sensuous imaginings of a timeless fairy tale, The Twentieth Wife sweeps readers up in the emotional pageant of Salim and Mehrunnisa’s embattled love. First-time novelist Indu Sundaresan charts her heroine’s enthralling journey across the years, from an ill-fated first marriage through motherhood and into a dangerous maze of power struggles and political machinations. Through it all, Mehrunnisa and Salim long with fiery intensity for the true, redemptive love they’ve never known — and their mutual quest ultimately takes them, and the vast empire that hangs in the balance, to places they never dreamed possible.

Shot through with wonder and suspense, The Twentieth Wife is at once a fascinating portrait of one woman’s convention-defying life behind the veil and a transporting saga of the astonishing potency of love.

My Review

But what do I even say…

Two of the worst people you know fall in love based on 3–4 meetings. A son who poison’s his dad, a daughter who eyes the throne first before the man seated in it, their unrivaled obsession with each other without any actual substance like they have a proper conversation for the first time after like 20 years of pining- leading to intentionally or not, many people’s death.

I think history conveniently forgets to teach us that these so called Great Emperors were often terrible people. Maybe I expected more from the Jahangir written in the book — but it was certainly not this — hero material. In here, I am criticizing the characters of the novel — maybe Mehrunnisa didn’t actually love Salim but actually coveted the throne? That may have created a much more impactful story line — because honest to god, their love was not at all convincing.

I have to grudgingly give credit where due as well — the author has indeed relied on historical accounts, decorated with her imagination — but for a novel — I felt I could not understand why Mehrunnisa and Salim loved each other — they barely knew each other and even if we categorize her interest in him to be love (and craving for power in a world where women didn’t have any) he barely looked at her 4 times — and purely out of lust. Literally till the last moment — he just wanted to possess her. It felt as if the author lined out all the historical events we knew — and then tried to fill in gaps — create justifications for actions resulting in a colorful patchwork where I could tell which aspects were derived from history and which were not — breaking the illusion of the novel.

While this could be true — in the sense of history — the characters ended up unlikable. Not much fault can be rested in the author in that sense.

But if I have to read about — ‘breasts heaving’, ‘trimmed waist’, ‘looked as young as the day of marriage’ — even in novels set in serious historical backdrops, I will no doubt harm a book or someone.

[yashvitours]

Literary and Film Connections of the Golden Triangle: Exploring its Cultural Tapestry through Books and Movies

In the core of India lies the Golden Triangle, consisting of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, renowned for their grand buildings and profound cultural heritage. This iconic region has long been a wellspring of inspiration for writers in literature and filmmakers alike. Join me on this blog as we delve into how the Golden Triangle has been portrayed in cinema and literature, exploring its historical backdrop, romantic narratives, and majestic splendor that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Attracting literary works and films inspired by the area, the Golden Triangle offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether it's the historical background, love affairs, or the sheer splendor of its monuments, this region has a timeless allure that resonates globally. Discover more about Golden Triangle tour packages from Ahmedabad and immerse yourself in the cultural riches of this captivating destination.

Literary Inspirations:

Many authors were inspired by Delhi and its convoluted streets and ancient buildings. For instance, Khushwant Singh’s book called ‘Delhi: A Novel’ connects this city`s various epochs; it shows both facets of its rich cultural heritage during different periods – both classical periods (royal India) including Islamic (Muslim) Middle Eastern civilization among others (modern Delhi). At the same time, such historical narratives as William Dalrymple’s ‘City of Djinns’ breathe new life into the diverse history that has been shaping this urban area over centuries – starting from its earliest days up until nowadays.

In moving to Agra, many poets and writers have been influenced by the Taj Mahal--a mark of eternal love. At the same time, the poem "The Taj Mahal" by Tagore gives a picturesque idea of this monument's spiritual beauty coupled with deep emotions attached towards it. At the same time, Indu Sundaresan’s “The Twentieth Wife” is a potent illustration of classical ethnographic works that have emerged against the background of the Mughal Empire in Agra—a place filled with diverse historical castes(located or rooted in Agra’s history).

The regal charm of the Pink City and Rajputana heritage has been talked about in various books that have been made available in time passed by men’ presence within the Jaipur city. A vivid picture of this place where you come across crowded markets and grand forts was presented in Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel “Kim”. In addition, Jaipur’s lively arts community and prestigious lineage is stunningly portrayed in novels such as The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan which combines modern fiction with the city's eternal charm.

Cinematic Splendor:

The Golden Triangle has cinematic charm that is just as good.Its well-known places have frequently featured in Bollywood blockbuster movies. Such classics like "Mughal-e-Azam" always portray this eternal love between Prince Salim and Anarkali using the Taj Mahal as their setting.

This city is filled with rich historical references hence influences the essence captured in these films. Additionally, "Jodhaa Akbar" is one of those places where we can see royal elegance (Palace) – this scene was taken right from Jaipur itself wherein grandeur was epitomized by Amer Fort complex along with other magnificent palaces around Rajasthan which denote royalty buildings.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Golden Triangle continues to enchant and inspire through its literary narratives and cinematic representations. From the poetic verses inspired by the Taj Mahal to the cinematic grandeur of Jaipur's forts, this region embodies a cultural tapestry that transcends time. Whether you're drawn to its historical significance, architectural wonders, or romantic allure, exploring the Golden Triangle through its literary and filmic connections promises an enriching journey through India's vibrant past and present. At Yashvi Tours And Travels, we specialize in providing customized tours and travel packages, including international tour packages and domestic tour packages from Ahmedabad, catering to travelers seeking the best travel agency in Ahmedabad. Our services also extend to air ticket booking agents in Gandhinagar. Contact us today to embark on your own unforgettable journey through this iconic region.

Article Source : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/literary-film-connections-golden-triangle-otiof/

[diaryoftruequotes]

But nothing could be held true for the rest of one's life, every coveted thing in the end was maya, illusion, a myth, and this the great sages of India had always understood --- little was real. We were put on this earth transitorily; we deposited our genes in offspring; deluded ourselves that we would be missed when we were gone; pretended that money, wealth, titles, and land were to be desired. But every such thing was ephemeral, prone to change. The only reason to live was love.

Indu Sundaresan

[ginazmemeoir]

top 5 books of all time and why?

hmmm okay this might be a bit tough

who am i kidding this is so tough

okay so i will be giving one from each genre that i read mmkay?

1. Fantasy-fiction

Priory of the Orange Tree. Hands down. like every single fantasy book i have read ever since pales in comparison. It is a single voluminous epic spanning over 800 pages, and is a standalone - for now (the author is writing a stunning prequel). If i had to select series, then the Grishaverse. again, it has altered fantasy fiction.

2. Historical fiction

In indian, i would say the twentieth wife, based on the Mughal empress Noor Jahan, by indu sundaresan. very well researched and very well written. in western, the nightingale by kristin hannah. heartwrenching and a gripping thriller based on the French Resistance in WW2.

3. History

Rebel Sultans by Manu Pillai. the history of the deccan is known to most indians after the Marathas took over, however his book presents us a picture of the deccan only some of us would know. bedazzling really. In women's history, Ira Mukhoty and Ruby Lal are two authors whose books are phenomenal.

4. Mythology/Mythological retellings

I have only read, and have books consisting of only hindu mythology, so idk about greek ones (though i will read them next year after JEE). Palace of Illusions by chitra banerjee divakaruni was a breakthrough in retellings, and unleashed an era of retellings of the hindu epics through the lenses of its female characters. In core mythology, i feel Devdutt Pattanaik's books are a perfect blend of stories and philosophy.

5. Murder Mysteries and Crime

Who can rival the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie? Five Little Pigs, which is a cold case, and Murder on the Orient Express remain my all time favorites.

[thepaperbackexpress]

A tale of favour, jealousy and rivalry

The Feast of Roses, the second novel from Indu Sundaresan’s Taj trilogy, is situated precisely, and very pleasingly, at the nexus point between fact and fantasy.

Set in 1605, it’s a fictional romance - slander, jealously, murder and other fell deeds - and works well as such. But the book is also a provocative meditation of some profound themes. 

Our central character Mehrunissa is the twentieth wife of Emperor Jehangir. Despite the restrictions and absence of women’s voices in the public sphere, our protagonist manoeuvres her position as an indispensable gem in the Emperor’s court. She believes she must be seen and heard. And succeeds, she does. 

The Emperor grants Mehrunissa all her desires. He enables her to function as the chief sway in his court, mints coins with her name (Google it!) and she earns as much as the Emperor himself. The other women in the imperial harem are convinced she's a witch, a sorceress, an evil woman.

The author explores the reasons for the boundless favour that rests upon Mehrunissa’s crown. 

And it’s not just her beauty that has won her admiration. The Emperor values her for her thoughts, he bestows her with his imperial seal and enables her to banish Mahabat Khan, an imperial general, for harbouring slander against her. 

It is natural to empathise with Mehrunissa, yet somewhere through the middle of the book her eagerness to be heard catches up with her greed for power. She hopes to conceive a son and thereby cradle the future of the dynasty. To win the allegiance of the next king would mean a secured future. In the meanwhile, Mehrunissa breaks free from the confines of her zenana and appears seated at the right hand of Jehangir during his cabinet meetings. She speaks from behind her veil, making public announcements when necessary. 

This outright defiance of social norms isn't well-received by all quarters. On one hand, readers experience, rather intimately, Jehangir’s day to day life with his wife and his conferral of the title Nur Jahan (Light of the World) to her. On the other, bitterness, anger and hatred within the imperial harem begin to work against the Empress. In a well-orchestrated accident the harem finds its revenge. On an ill-fated night, Mehrunissa loses balance on a flight of oil laden marble stairs. She loses the child in her womb and is declared barren for the rest of her life. The harem breathes a sigh of relief. The women assume that Nur Jahan’s barrenness, if not anything else, would turn the Emperor’s heart away from her. 

Instead, the Emperor only grows more tender toward his wife. His admiration catapults in the form of more allowances, property and jewels. 

As the story progresses, the two lovers are embroiled in a major fight - one that has the entire kingdom talking. As a repercussion of the major outburst, the Emperor arranges a grand reception for the Empress. The attendees witness the scale of grandeur that sprawls across Anguri Bagh. 

The is one of my favourite parts of the story, despite a lack of historical backing of its occurrence. 

Every inch of Anguri Bagh is lined with only the most perfect royal pink Isapafan musk roses. The Emperor made sure an entire garden of his finest roses decorated the floor and the marble stairs on which Mehrunissa fell that ill-fated night. 

The _Feast of Roses _wasn't an opulent display of affection for the Emperor. He had found a companion in her. And his self-pride and arrogance were no measure to his love for her. 

This event was discussed for weeks within the court and outside. Everyone wanted a Feast of Roses bearing their name. This is where I disagree with the author, who later states that the building of the Taj Mahal would erase Mehrunissa from the pages of history. The Taj Mahal and its glory aside can never compare to The Feast of Roses. The feast was one like no other, one with the sweetest scent, the softest petals and an embrace from the Emperor himself. 

We are presented with so many riveting images within the story that it qualifies as a must-read. It's a woman’s take on history and allows for much deliberation as one sifts for facts from fiction. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful attempt to imagine the past, presenting a breathtaking panoramic view of a piece of human history. 

Sundaresan is a master at the craft of evoking imagery, the author paints the skies of each chapter with burnt orange and turquoise. She describes Mehrunissa’s scent, luscious long hair, diamond-studded cholis and gives a glimpse into more vulnerable parts of her persona. Her relationship with her daughter, Ladli is explored in depth. She leaves no stone unturned in her quest to unravel the mystery of the Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. 

Mehrunissa however powerful, failed to change the role of women within society. 

Her legacy remains in the fact that she was courageous and daring, bold enough to challenge prevalent norms designed to oppress women. She is recognised as one of the most powerful monarchs of India as she served as co-emperor alongside her beloved. Perhaps, if she busied herself with fighting for women’s freedom, the story would be different. 

Rating: 4/5 

[reportwire]

6 Best Books By Indu Sundaresan

6 Best Books By Indu Sundaresan

Indu Sundaresan is an Indian-American author. Her books are categorized under the genre of historical fiction. Daughter of an Indian force pilot, born and brought up in India, her work has been translated into more than 23 languages across the globe. She has been endowed with the Light of India award for Excellence in literature. She also won the Washington State Book Award for The Twentieth Wife…

[maharanis]

Honestly delighted to see someone else who loves Nur Jahan as much as I do. I have been on a book spree recently and just read Indu Sundaresan's novels on her, and meh. It was like Memoirs of a Geisha set in the Mughal times, except that the main character is largely unlikeable and a Mary Sue. The show is pretty bad too. You could try reading Harold Lamb's Nur Mahal, it is fantastic and does better justice, although the language is quite archaic.

hi there - the delight is likewise! Nur Jahan is such an intriguing figure and she (along with other WOCs of history) deserves more attention!

I actually enjoyed Sundaresan’s first novel (The Twentieth Wife) in terms of it being a good intro for people to start learning more about the Mughal Empire beyond the basis of the Taj Mahal. I read it a few years ago, so I can’t remember having major issues with it off the top of my head - however, I wasn’t a huge fan of the other two novels which make up her Taj Trilogy (especially Shadow Princess - I found the writing style to have gone downhill and the prose less vivid/engaging). 

The show (Siyaasat) was ok, but sort of bland. That said, what I’m actually surprised about is that tumblr didn’t take to it the way it did to Muhteşem Yüzyıl / Magnificent Century. Maybe because it wasn’t compelling or dramatic or westernized enough (even though MC’s melodrama/soap-opera moments did bug me as a viewer)?? 

But thanks for stopping by my askbox & thanks for the book rec too! I’m always looking for more books on the Gunpowder Empires even if it is historical fiction. I’ll see if I can find Lamb’s book on Amazon or something, because I’m a sucker for any content. Like I mentioned in a previous response, I’m really looking forward to this upcoming book by Ruby Lal coming out in July. :)

[ihearttseliot]

GOOD BOOKS: The Twentieth Wife, by Indu Sundaresan

[cockadoodlebumtits]

What's Siyaasat? Is it any good? What or who are you favourite?

Oh my gods, you’re going to regret asking me that. TL;DR version - a show about the 16th century Mughal Empire (centred in Lahore), it is extremely good, and Ruqaiya Sultan Begum is my girl. Longer version…

[Image: Nissa making knowing heart-eyes at Salim, which happens a lot]Siyaasat (Hindi for ‘politics’) is a glorious show I’ve been watching on Netflix, based on Indu Sundaresan’s novel ‘The Twentieth Wife’, which is itself based on the courtship of Prince Salim, later Emperor Jahangir, and one of his wives, Mehrunissa. IRL she was his eighteenth and final wife, but what’s a couple of wives between friends? Anyway, we follow Nissa from her birth (which does not go smoothly), through her precocious child years (I was briefly very worried because I knew it was based around a romance and then voila, a twelve year old) and into her adulthood (which, thank the gods, is when the romance begins).

It’s a bit like Reign, if you’ve seen that, and it has some Game of Thrones-like moments, but it’s completely captivating in a way neither of those shows managed to be for me. For one thing, the cinematography is way more bright and colourful than either of those shows, and that actually really makes a difference to how you feel about, for example, someone deciding to poison a close relative. It’s also like… if Game of Thrones had started years before Robert’s death - all these factions are bubbling away, but there’s still one guy (Emperor Akbar, who is a fantastic character) in charge of it all. He clicks his fingers and the path of history changes; people are married, or prevented from marrying, on his say so, wars are fought, lines of succession change - not just for him, but for his people. So the factions have to be very clever, and very sneaky, which most of them just aren’t.

12-year-old Nissa is brought into this world of intrigue more or less by accident (she just wants to see Prince Salim for herself, which is fair enough since she decided at a very young age that she was going to marry him) and taken under the wing of Ruqaiya Begum, who is the Padshah Begum and therefore rules over the Women’s Quarter. Something about this passionate little upstart - Nissa does and says what she believes to be right, and blow the consequences - appeals to the queen, and she teaches her a great deal, not just about proper manners in the royal court, but about diplomacy and politics.

Meanwhile, Prince Salim is trying to ensure his future at the expense of his two brothers (one of whom is a drunk and one of whom is being maneuvered into position to usurp Salim as heir). There are wars and assassination attempts and all sorts of skulduggery, and that’s before our two main characters even actually meet!

I love Nissa, but I think Ruqaiya (pictured below) is tied for my favourite character. She’s a very nurturing presence in Nissa’s life - and in Salim’s, actually - but she’s also completely ruthless, especially when dealing with the other queens. You cross Padshah Begum at your peril, which Nissa also learns. I’m also fond of Hoshiyar, in a strange way - he’s very much Varys in our GoT parallel, a spy within the court who seems to serve everybody and nobody - but I have to admit he’s got style. (I wasn’t sure about his pronouns until I read the book, because almost no other ‘he’ is allowed in the zenana). But yeah, Nissa is wonderful in a thousand ways, but Ruqaiya is a queen in every sense of the word.

[Image: Padshah Begum, looking vaguely sinister. This also happens a lot.]

I’d recommend this show, with a few warnings. Firstly, a marriage occurs to the bride’s very clear reluctance, and there’s a lot of implied non-consent off-screen. There are a lot of marriages, there’s a child taken from his mother at birth, and there’s a lot of family backstabbings. Also, there are 42 episodes, according to Wikipedia, and so far Netflix only has 26. THIS IS PAINFUL. But we endure. I plan to go looking for the rest at some point!

It’s on Netflix in the original Hindi with English subtitles. And it’s become my chief obsession. My copy of ‘The Twentieth Wife’ arrived from Amazon today, and so far it’s really good, too!

[douxbebearchives]

Author Profile: IWrite4Olitz

Stories on FFN; tumblr: @iwrite4olitz​

Your name/nickname/alias: 

Lynn, iwrite4olitz

How long have you been writing? 

Is “forever” too vague? Since I could properly grip a pencil...

How long have you been writing Olitz?

Since July 10th, 2015.

What drew you to Olivia & Fitz? 

Their combustible chemistry. Is there any other reason?

Outside of Olitz, where do you get inspiration to write? 

Everywhere. Anywhere. But my favorite inspiration comes from music. If I get stuck, I read a book. ;)

How do you describe your style of writing? 

::hyperventilates:: I...don’t have one compact sentence to describe it. I suppose it’s because I choose words and sentence structure to suit whatever tone I’m trying to convey, while also considering the “voice” of the character whose point of view I’m writing. So, for example, if I’m writing something romantic, I use more flowing sentences, but choose words that I think the character whose head we’re in would actually use. If I’m trying to convey something tense or urgent, I’ll use more concise, clipped language and structure. If I need to drive an emotion home, or incite a reaction of some kind, I choose visceral language. Ugh, this sounds so clinical! But I promise it’s not. It just happens naturally. I’ve been called “poetic” and “evocative” by readers. I’ve also taken this super fun quiz:

https://iwl.me/

...the results of which told me I write like Stephen King, which contradicts the poetic thing. Haha. Love Stephen though. Do you guys follow him on twitter? Follow him. He’s one of my best friends in my head. And he’s woke.

Do you write (journal, pen/paper) or type first? Depends. If I have it clear in my mind how a scene should go, I type until my brain is empty. Then I edit until it’s as close to my mental picture as possible. If it’s not clear in my mind, my brain automatically goes on high alert, snatching inspiration from anywhere, at any time. That’s when I scribble things in notebooks or type notes into a document to piece together later. Dialogue, action, events, settings...

Do you have a special notebook or writing utensil? 

I have several notebooks, Evernote, and Baby (my touch screen computer). But I plan on replacing her with a Mac soon, because she’s prone to viruses and my tech medical bills have been piling up!

Do you incorporate visuals, music, and/or poetry to help you get into the writing mood? 

Yes! Music is the most powerful inspiration for me. I can get several scenes, or a chapter, or an idea for an entire story from one song. I love creating inspiration boards to visualize big scenes more vividly (and sharing them is fun). I don’t read much poetry, sadly. I have a book of famous love letters and poetry collecting dust on my bookshelf if anyone’s interested. It’s red, vintage-looking, really pretty...

Do you use mood boards/aesthetics/Pinterest? 

Yes! Here’s the one for Pas De Deux: https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorLynnTurner/pas-de-deux/

Favorite kind of music or podcasts to listen to before/while you write? 

I don’t listen to podcasts as part of my process. I find them too distracting. My taste in music is all over the place. I have the same affinity for jazz or soul that I have for pop or indie. That’s not very helpful, I suppose, but it just boils down to whatever moves or inspires me. Would you believe that Pia Mia’s “Do It Again” inspired the one-shot that became No Regrets? She was a 19 year old youtube sensation at the time, and it was her summer smash hit (possibly her only hit) about a one night stand. Hey, I’m not proud. “Locked Away” featuring Maroon 5 inspired the gala scene at the end of that story. “Garden” by Emeli Sande played as I wrote the garden love scene in Pas De Deux, and “Dreamland” by Emilia Ali was playing when I wrote the scene that opens PDD Chapter 10. :-)

Where do you like to write (Home, coffee shop, etc.)? 

I prefer to write in isolation. I love cafes, but I tend to spend my time there doing research, or outlining, or creating inspiration boards. At home, I tend to write very early in the morning or late at night when everyone’s asleep...or during “me time” when certain tiny humans aren’t around to tug at my proverbial coat tails. If I have my headphones, I can pretty much write anywhere.

How long does it take you to write a chapter? 

Oh gosh...Okay, in a vacuum, with a chapter fully formed in my mind, tons of coffee and wine coolers, I can crank one out in a single day. Outside of that vacuum, it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. There are so many variables: mood, inspiration, time. I’m trying to be better at forming good writing habits. John Grisham says if you aren’t writing at least a page per day, you’re not writing a book. Stephen King writes 600 words a day. Stephen King is not human.

A favorite line or paragraph you’ve written. 

This changes all the time, and I have different ones for each work, haha. By the time anyone reads this, it likely will have changed again. (There are some things I’ve written for the next Pas De Deux update that might upstage this, I dunno)...but I think this paragraph from Olivia’s point of view in Chapter 9 is my current favorite, It shows their dynamic so well, I think, and is quintessentially the Olitz I recognize no matter the writer, or whether the story is AU or canon:

She shivered, unnerved to be in his head, to see for herself the irrefutable evidence that he knew her. He knew her and she hadn’t told him a single thing.

Describe yourself in 5 words/phrases: 

You could give me 24 hours and the fate of the universe on my shoulders and I still couldn’t do this, hahaha. In a perfect world, my self is constantly evolving, so how about, in keeping with the theme of fifths, I choose something in iambic pentameter?

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” -Dr. Suess

Favorite TV shows/movies: 

This question is a rabbit hole. You’d need a “read more” button, and once clicked, readers would be subjected to pages and pages...so I’ll just list the ones I’d grab in case of a fire, or the apocalypse.

TV: Gilmore Girls, House, Girlfriends, A Different World, Living Single, the travelogue adventures of Samantha Brown and Anthony Bourdain, Sense8, Queen Sugar, Greenleaf, Underground, House Hunters, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black

Movies I can watch repeatedly and not get bored: Pride and Prejudice, The Devil Wears Prada, Focus, Pretty Woman, Love Jones, Ever After, The Wedding Date, Trainwreck

Movies with romantic elements: The Proposal, Trainwreck, Maid in Manhattan, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Something New, Serendipity, While You Were Sleeping, Maid in Manhattan, The Proposal, Miss Congeniality, The Cutting Edge, A Walk in the Clouds, Return to Me, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Under the Tuscan Sun, Love Story, Beyond the Lights, Circle of Friends, Belle, Closer, Stompin at the Savoy, Memoirs of a Geisha, Dangerous Beauty, Cinderella (the one where Whitney Houston plays the fairy godmother), Coming to America, Juno, You Me & Dupri, Parent Trap, Overboard, Braveheart, The Preacher’s Wife, Palm Trees in the Snow

Favorite vacation spot: 

Hawaii

Favorite books: 

You’d think that, since my movie list is a rabbit hole, my book list would be a labyrinth, but even with all of the books I’ve read, I’m selective about what makes my favorites list:

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid, Literally every book by Penny Reid, Hadassah: One Night With the King by Tommy Teney, The Twentieth Wife & The Feast of Roses by Indu Sundaresan, The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer, Wildseed & Lilith’s Brood by Octavia Butler, The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer (YES, okay? It’s not literary genius but it’s very entertaining, if you skip book two), Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind, Master of the Game by Sidney, Sheldon, Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh

*With the advent of fanfiction, I’m much pickier about published books, which I’m sure you all understand. ;)

Favorite authors:  

I have a to-read list half a mile long, so I’m sure this will change, but these are authors whom I find consistently write entertaining stories, even if they don’t make my favorites list:

Penny Reid, Alyssa Cole, Alisha Rai, Nalini Singh, Philippa Gregory, Farrah Rochon, Stephen King, John Grisham, Octavia Butler

What do you like better? AU or Canon?

I enjoy both, so long as they’re written well. Writing-wise, I’m more comfortable writing AU. With canon, I’m constantly aware that these aren’t my characters, so I’m sort of hyper aware of the constraints. And I have control issues. Lol.

Favorite trope/scenario to read? 

Enemies to lovers, love at first sight

Favorite Olitz TV moment/conversation? 

Seriously??? Only one? How about top three? Top five? Okay, fine, since you’re twisting my arm, I’ll give you my top ten in no particular order. (You drive a hard bargain):

1. VERMONT

2. “You almost died.” “Yes.” “Don’t do it again.” (she went in there to get him to comply, but then she actually LISTENS to him, like, really listens...and he changes her mind. They show a united front in this scene that was gorgeous to watch)

3. “I hate you.” “I know.” ...which morphed into…”You are everything and I am nothing.” ::ugly, mucous-dripping crying::

4. “Sit with me and watch me earn you.” (and obviously the AMAZING sex that came after)

5. Can the entire episode of The Trail be one?

a.  “I got a guy.” “You got a guy? Another guy? Hell’s angel? Mobster? A kind hearted felon who owes you a favor?” “Technically, he’s on probation.”

b. Camp David. Allll the Camp David. They were so in love, cute and care-free.

c. Love scene from The Trail (It’s their best, IMO. Organic. Combustible. Raw.)

d.  One minute on the couch

6. Pre-State Dinner shenanigans, Post-State Dinner Navy t shirt

7. Literally every Olitz phone call

8. 503 Oval Office Kiss ::swoon::

9. Truman Balcony kiss, because he was so vulnerable

10. Fitz saying “I still want you” in the AU episode, because it was so real, and I *believe they’re destined to be together in every universe.

*Honorable mentions: Rose Garden, Deskgate, Constitution (These were gripping, but I have personal, nitpicking reasons why they’re not in my top ten), allll the Season 6 bedtime snuggles, and every hug.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Ava DuVernay is my other BFF in my head.

Someday, when I’m confident enough in my knowledge of the era I choose (which will take years and years of research and development), I will write a historical fiction with a WOC heroine...possibly with elements of science fiction.

[keensoulmoon]

Book Evaluate: The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresan

[ginazmemeoir]

Feminist book reccs?

any and all books by Kavita Kane. They are feminist retellings of popular Hindu epics through the viewpoints of various female characters

Ruby Lal’s Empress-The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan is a work on Nur Jahan, the only Mughal empress, through a feminist lens. Indu Sundaresan has written a historical fiction series on the same, by the name of The Twentieth Wife. Ira Mukhoty’s Daughters of the Sun is a book detailing all the women of Mughal history and their achievements and life. Another book of hers, Heroine, looks at the various strong women in Indian epics and history. Manu Pillai’s The Ivory Throne is a book detailing the matriarchal dynasty of Travancore.

[minacomm]

Kathak’s Rhythmic Journey of Emotion By Mina Rios March 2020 Issue, PUBLISHED BY IN DANCE https://online.flippingbook.com/view/855745/

Women of influence from around the world have made significant achievements over the centuries; yet, the stories of their triumphs are often overlooked. Fortunately, proponents of some lesser told historic events dedicate themselves to bringing these stories to light through their art. In honor of International Women’s Day this March Kathak artist Farah Yasmeen Shaikh, founder of Noorani Dance, will present The Forgotten Empress, the story of seventeenth century Empress Noor Jahan, the most influential Indian woman of her time. The forthcoming production conceived, choreographed, and danced by Shaikh, will be performed on two Bay Area stages in late February and early March with exuberant theatrics, live music, and multimedia. The Forgotten Empress first premiered in Lahore, Pakistan in 2017, in the very city where Empress Noor Jahan is laid to rest.

The Forgotten Empress is the fascinating true story of Empress Jahan, a rare, brilliant, and gifted empress of many talents. Empress Jahan attained unprecedented equal power and authority to her emperor husband for a time, essentially becoming the de facto ruler of the Mughal Empire while her husband presumably dealt with alcoholism and opium addiction.

Discerningly well versed in the complex gestural language of Kathak, after performing with Chitresh Das Dance Company for many years, Shaikh found her own artistic vision through stories of history, politics, and social relevance. She says, “I believe I’m drawn to these topics because they move me personally due to my family history and being a Muslim woman dancing this form, and especially now that I work so frequently in Pakistan. However, I also feel a sense of responsibility in using my privilege as an American to shed light on these topics through the medium that has been gifted to me. I’m also a proponent of learning from our past to inform our present and change our future – for the better.”

The Forgotten Empress, as told in playwright Matthew Spangler’s stage adaptation, is a departure from what is considered traditional Kathak storytelling. The origin of Kathak dance dates back to the sixteenth century in Hindu scriptures, when epic tales and spiritual stories of devotion were performed in Hindu temples. Over time, Kathak evolved into a form of entertainment before the royal court.

By tradition, a Kathak artist is a soloist virtuoso with the supreme ability to portray all character roles (both male and female), enact every character emotion using facial expressions, dance, and elements of mime, demonstrating a capacity to transport audiences.

Kathak, derived from the Sanskrit word “Katha” – meaning “story,” is native to Northern India and asserts three main schools of Kathak – based on the regions from which they originate; Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras. Before long, stories began to integrate elements of both Hindu and Muslim culture.

Shaikh’s introduction to dance began at age five with the study of ballet and jazz, along with baton twirling, offered at the same dance school; all three of which she continued her training in until she was eighteen. In Shaikh’s experience, she found baton twirling to be an invaluable medium for developing technique. And while training in ballet and jazz, Shaikh developed a solid foundation in movement and choreography, team building and competition, body awareness and teaching, and an avid appreciation for her mentors.

In 1996, midway through her freshman year at San Francisco State University (SFSU), Shaikh discovered Kathak dance through the Classical Indian dance master, the late Pandit Chitresh Das, who happened to be teaching the first university accredited Kathak course in the country. Shaikh’s decision to pursue a dance form she knew little about was a choice based on her desire to feel closer to her culture and help overcome certain cultural insecurities. To her advantage, Shaikh’s previous dance training and familiarity with the music of India at home helped dispel any lingering doubt about this newfound pursuit. One day a week the lesson included a 50-minute lecture, followed by two separate days of 50-minute dance classes.

While Shaikh continued her educational pursuit toward a degree in Women’s Studies from SFSU, she embraced the lifelong commitment to learning the Kathak tradition through her instructor Das. Shaikh recalls, “I was so challenged by so many aspects of the form and completely taken by the teaching style of my GuruJi (also referred to as Pandit or Das). Pandit was faithful to its classical foundation – Kathak as a way of life, a service to society, and a path to self-knowledge.”

Shaikh’s teacher Das was a child prodigy schooled in two of the Kathak traditions, Lucknow and Jaipur, both of which he taught his student disciples. His performance career in India led to international acclaim, eventually bringing him to the United States in 1970 through a Whitney Fellowship with a commission to teach Kathak at the University of Maryland; thus, serving as an integral part in bringing Kathak to America. By 1980, Das established his own school, the Chhandam School of Kathak and the Chitresh Das Dance Company.

As a student, Shaikh says, “My GuruJi gave limitlessly to his students, and for the most part that was the case for me most of the time. The way GuruJi trained my peers and I was to maintain a standard and style that he developed, but he also kindled our individual styles and strengths simultaneously.”

She continues, “GuruJi had this uncanny ability to be what he referred to as a ‘modern Guru in training.’ He was a traditionalist in so many ways – old school, hard core, often steeped in tough love. His lessons existed on and off the dance floor. But then he could be this super laid back person to hang out with, laugh with. He was able to identify the potential in each of his students, and this is something I try to do with my students as well. He knew how to push and protect just enough and held up the proverbial mirror for us (his students) to recognize and see our own strengths and weaknesses – finding parallels to how we approach our dance to that of how we live our lives. He kindled a deep sense of self awareness in me and that, in addition to training my students with integrity and a compassionate sense of nurturing, is something I try to utilize in my own teaching.”

Shaikh distinctly recalls the time when Das revealed her readiness to perform her first Kathak solo. She shares, “I had been training with my GuruJi for over 10 years at this point, and I had been a member of his company for just shy of that. I had done some smaller solo performances that had also lent to my experience and preparedness. Ultimately what deemed me ready was the indication from my GuruJi through not only his blessing and/or permission, but that he felt I was ready to take on the process and the commitment. And that he felt I was able to engage with the musicians without him always being present to direct them or me.”

To perform as a Kathak soloist, four elements must be mastered; all of which are equally important: ‘Tayaari’ (technical readiness), ‘Laykaari’ (rhythmic virtuosity), ‘Khoobsurti’ (beauty and grace), and ‘Nazaakat’ (delicacy/refinement).

In the years that followed, a shift occurred in Shaikh and her GuruJi’s relationship. Shaikh explains, “In 2014, I decided to attempt to navigate this path on my own. I needed to take risks, learn from them, not feel controlled by others, and keep moving forward. GuruJi and I did not part on good terms, and generally speaking, stepping away from the Guru is most often frowned upon in traditions such as Kathak, but carrying the dance forward on my own felt like the best way to continue to honor his teachings, and enable me to discover my own artistic voice.”

As an independent artist, Shaikh has adapted many poems into Kathak dance pieces. In 2015, Shaikh premiered Indu Sundaresan’s The Twentieth Wife at Z Space in San Francisco, her first full length production in which she choreographed, performed, and helped adapt for the stage; phase one of Shaikh’s tribute works dedicated to the Empress Noor Jahan. That same year, Das passed away suddenly at the age of 70. Though there was no reconciliation between the two Shaikh feels a deep commitment to share his gifts.

Shaikh began training the next generation of Kathak artists in 2015, when she established Noorani Dance in Menlo Park. A traditional Kathak dance school for students age five and up, training includes the foundational aspects of movement technique, the theoretical aspects of the music, as well as the history and philosophy.

Currently, Shaikh is working with a children’s book author in Pakistan to adapt her story for a new dance drama. Further expanding her production repertoire, Shaikh says, “My next production for approximately 50 of my students is based on the time during the Mughal period known as the Golden Age when Emperor Akbar was ruler. He was known for creating an environment in which the arts flourished and people of various faiths coexisted and embraced one another’s traditions and cultures. The show titled Sunehra Noor – A Golden Light also has a legend that emphasizes the arts as a natural force, has the power to set fire, but also bring rain to put out the fire.”

Shaikh has busied herself with another project: “I am working on the next iteration of The Partition Project in which dance will be at the forefront of examining stories and messages related to the 1947 India-Pakistan Partition (independence from the British Empire), bringing us to the present day, where the tension between the two countries is still ever present,” says Shaikh.

And starting February 11, 2020, Shaikh will host a new podcast, The Heartistry, on DASH Radio’s Rukus Avenue Radio; available on various podcast platforms. Invited guests will include professionals from a variety of industries around the globe, with a deep commitment to their work.

Believe it or not, in between teaching, choreographing, networking, hosting a podcast, developing stories for the stage, and preparing for the upcoming production of The Forgotten Empress, remarkably Shaikh made time to host a local TED Talk in recent weeks. Really. By no stretch of the imagination, Shaikh’s ambition has no limits. Evidently when you’re a woman of influence, or at least this woman of influence, ideas never cease.

The Forgotten Empress, Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose, Feb 28 and 29 at 7:30 pm and Z Space, SF, March 5 and 6 at 7:30 pm nooranidance.com

This article appeared in the March 2020 issue of In Dance.

Originally from San Francisco, Mina Rios is a freelance journalist and voice for the global arts community through stimulating, under-reported journalism. Driven by her background in music, dance, drama, and a passion for the arts, Rios writes for a variety of California based publications including: In Dance, Sonoma Magazine, North Bay Bohemian, Pacific Sun, and The San Diego Reader. Rios also offers writing services in ad copy, press releases, business proposals, and grant acquisitions through her consulting business Mina Communications. https://dancersgroup.org/2020/02/kathaks-rhythmic-journey-of-emotion/