KNOW YOUR AUTHOR : Sajita Nair

 

Every year we have many authors debuting with their books in India. Most of them resort to imitating the tried and tested formula, while there are some who leave their mark by attempting a new subject or genre. Among such debuting authors in 2010 was Sajita Nair. Sajita is someone who has explored something new in writing. She has come up with India's first 'chicklit' book with an Army background titled 'She's a Jolly Good Fellow'.

She's a Jolly Good Fellow is the story of Second Lieutenants Deepa Shekhar and Anjali Sharma has an important task at hand: convince their male counterparts that they too are assets to the Indian Army rather than merely those with assets. When the 22-year-olds are transferred to a remote army unit, several hilarious situations follow, thanks to the stark novelty of a feminine presence in the traditionally male army. However, with each passing day, the differences in their personalities begin to emerge. Deepa is more of an officer: she insists on being called Sahab and even takes to swearing like the troops. Anjali is more lady: she can t give up her make-up and Mills & Boon romances. Or resist the charms of a certain dashing young officer, despite her friend s warnings to stay away. The girls frequently fall out and get back together, but face the same dilemma: is any man worth more than their uniform?

It was my pleasure to interview such a trendsetter, here are some excerpts from our conversation.

Hi Sajita, So can you please tell us more about yourself and your background?

I was a ‘fauji’ kid since my dad served in the Air Force. Due to his frequent transfers, I had the opportunity to travel to remote corners of the country, study in different schools and meet new people every few years.  The forces way of life did influence me as a child and I went on to join the army, when the intake of women officers had just begun.  Being among the pioneering women officers gave me an entirely different perspective to life and shaped my thinking.

                                                                                                                      

From Army to writing books, how did this transformation happen?

I always enjoyed writing. When posted at remote army units, I wrote long letters to friends apart from maintaining a journal. Writing helped me avert loneliness when alone in far flung locations. Post my tenure in the army, I began serious writing. But it took me a couple of years to get this far.

How was your growing up years? How did your family react to your decision to become a writer?

I have fond memories of growing up as an Air Force kid. Being transferred every three years meant meeting new people, seeing new places and experiencing new things. And then of course, despite the hardships of living in remote locations, there were parties, picnics, games and impromptu trips, all of which helped shape my childhood and add a gypsy streak to my personality. As to my decision to become a writer - after my decision to join the army, any other career choice was most welcome! On a serious note, my family supported me whole heartedly through all my decisions and were happy that after rocking the boat for many years, I was finally settling down as a writer.

So did your experience in Indian Army inspire you to write ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’?

Being among the first few women officers in the early nineties was a unique experience. Every day was a challenge and I learnt that more than external enemies, I had to fight those within, since acceptance level was low. I enjoyed the challenges however and armed with a positive attitude, pushed myself to excel at tasks assigned to me. By the time I completed my tenure, I knew that there was a story in me waiting to be told.

Did you always wanted to be a writer and is it semi-autobiographical?

Unlike youngsters today, I was never sure of what I wanted to be. I drifted along, absorbing whatever exciting came my way, savouring experiences, creating memories and jotting things I found interesting. Writing seriously began as a natural progression and more than anything financial, it gave me immense satisfaction. When I write, I look inwards and tune in with the emotions that make us humans.  The plot of ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ is fictional but some of the experiences that the protagonists go through are based on real life experiences.

                                                             

So which character from your book you identify with; Deepa Shekhar or Anjali Sharma?

Deepa Shekhar, but not entirely.  Deepa, in my book, is far more determined and focused.

While every author in India is going in for stories that reflect today’s world e.g.: Corporate stories, IIM – IIT stories, failed relationships etc... What was your idea behind writing a chicklit with an Army background?

Toni Morrison said, ‘If there is a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.’ And that’s what I did. When I began to write, all I wanted to do was to tell a good story the best way I could. I thought of nothing else, except that I had to tell this story.

This is the first chicklit book with an Army background so did you ever feel concerned about the reader’s acceptance or you were always confident that the book would do well?

I believe that a good story will always find an audience. An honest story told from the heart would certainly reach the hearts of readers. Through my book, I tried to tell a story that I was in love with and thoroughly excited about. All I hoped was that readers could see that in the story and enjoy it as much. 

Tell us more about the writing experience of ‘She’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ and did you find any particular situation in the story that was difficult to write?

Since this was a story that I had been holding close to my heart for a long time, it flowed more or less freely. Life in the field location (desert) was something I found difficult to write. How much of what to write was the difficult part since in such situations even a little privacy is a luxury for women officers.

Most of the critics feel that these days using colloquial language is a trend which doesn’t go with the essence of writing a book in English language. So what’s your take on that?

Every story has its writing voice. And when you are writing a story of the young and for the youth, I think that it should be something they can relate to. In these novels, the story takes precedence over everything else, which I believe is fine as long as it is not overdone.

Who are your favourite authors and which is your favourite book?

RK Narayan, Paulo Coelho, Ernest Hemingway, Rabindranath Tagore. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte still remains my favourite book for its haunting imagery and unforgettable characters.

Do you think India has become a huge market for reading books? If yes, then what has influenced this change?

India certainly has become a huge market for books. I think that the success stories of Indian authors both abroad and in India have contributed to this. Now we have authors who write unselfconsciously about India and Indians that the readers here instantly relate to. 

What is that one thing about you that your fans don’t know about?

That I can be as excitable as a child when it comes to travelling or exploring something new.

What are your future projects and when is your next book expected to release?

I have begun work on my next novel, which is quite different from my first. It is a story of a matrilineal family of Kerala, coming to terms with the changing times. Since it needs a lot of research, I hope that I can at least complete the manuscript by next year.

How is writing as a career? Do you recommend aspiring writers to take up full time writing?

I think one must take up writing only if it gives one creative satisfaction. Financially, it is still not a viable option in India and often upcoming writers must juggle their jobs and writing.     

What is your message to our today’s youngsters?

Continue with the confidence you seem to be born with in the new India. Only add to it ‘perseverance’ and see you going places.

How do you describe yourself in just one word?

Determined

Last not the least a question I like to ask every author I interview, have you read my book ‘Knocked Up’? If no then when do you intend to read itJ? If yes then what are your comments?

I haven’t read ‘Knocked up’ yet. But I did read good reviews about it. Hope to pick up a copy soon.

Interview by Shaiju Mathew
Source: Magic Moments Publications

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