In a book where gods and demons are less exalted, the amalgamation of words and illustrations are the key to transporting the reader to a world not so unfamiliar, yet unknown. Anita Nair recently launched her long awaiting book, ‘The Puffin Book of Magical Indian Myths’, the illustrations for which was conceived by Atanu Roy.
Mythology, says Anita, is an area that has been touched upon several times with various authors re-telling the stories. “This book, on the other hand, will present the lesser known or completely unknown world of Indian mythology. 

Drawing inspirations from the Puranic tellings, the book has strong influences of the Kathakali version,” she says, adding, “Contrary to how gods and demons have been perceived in mythology, this book  presents them in a more human light. Gods are not entirely god-like and demons not entirely demonic.”

The illustrations too, have been worked around this idea. “Atanu has avoided the stereotypical renditions and ethereal-like effect of mythology. There is a lot of European influences in terms of the density of illustrations. Atanu’s idea to use water colours that appear like oil paintings, only magnifies the effect,” shares Anita.
The genesis of the book, says Anita, is partly because of Deccan Herald.

“A few years ago, they got in touch with me to put together a few world myths for the children’s supplement — Open Sesame. I did begin the work but it somehow didn’t take off.

Later, Puffin asked if I could revive the idea and offered me to work on a companion volume of Indian myths. The volume was commissioned and after going through five different editors and three publishers, the book has finally seen the light of day (smiles).”

It has taken over seven years for the book to come out in the market. “I probably took the longest time with my share of the work — about four, four-and-a-half years to be precise. But it was well worth the time and an immense pleasure to work with an author such as Anita who can bring alive words,” says Atanu, who was also present at the launch in the City. 

The launch saw a novel way of introducing the work to the gathering. Instead of the usual book reading session, Anita decided to combine the stories with dance giving it a more visual appeal. Preeti Sunderajan’s Bharatanatyam rendition to the two stories from the book was commendable and the fusion of words, illustrations, music and dance was an evening to remember.

IN THE PIPELINE

Anita is currently working on a collection of essays spanning various subjects across 10 years of being a published writer. “It is a cohesive narrative of topics ranging from book launches and festivals, to be a woman, a mother, on censorship, on publishers, the Booker Prize, among others things. It is an irreverent take on literature that includes footnotes.”

Slotted for a mid-year release, the book is titled Goodnight and god bless — On life, literature and a few other things with footnotes, quotes and other such literary diversions.