Bigger, better Bangalore lit fest offers something to everyone

It was a journey from the British Raj to old Bengaluru to the present issue of demonetisation for participants in the fifth edition of Bangalore Literature Festival.

The two-day festival was inaugurated at the Royal Orchid Hotel by writers Shashi Deshpande, Sudha Murty and  K V Thirumalesh. Speaking at the inauguration, Thirumalesh said, “I was apprehensive about the idea of such literature festivals because I was not sure how far it would help to further the cause of literature. But after seeing variety in the audience here, I am convinced.”

Sudha Murty was visibly excited to interview popular author Chetan Bhagat. Bhagat talked about writing his recent book ‘One Indian Girl’. “I cut myself off from family and went to Hong Kong to write the book. I was so into the character of Radhika, I used to behave like a woman myself,” he said.

Author Anuja Chauhan engaged her mother-in-law Margaret Alva in a conversation about her autobiography ‘Courage and Commitment’. Alva talked about how she never had any political ambitions and was happy as a homemaker when she was living in Delhi. “My mother-in-law (parliamentarian Violet Alva) used to insist that I practise law. After her unexpected death, my father-in-law and husband encouraged me to carry on the family’s legacy in politics,” Alva recalled.

 “Listening to all these talks made me realise that there is so much for me to read and learn about. I think this urge to learn that the festival has created in me is the best part about attending it,” said Madhabi C, who attended the fest.

Children were entertained with stories about animals, ghosts, dance and Gita among others. They also had an Amar Chitra Katha themed treasure hunt and engaging quizzes.

Srikrishna Ramamoorthy, one of the festival organisers, said ‘This year we have had the highest number of registrations of about 10,000. I think this is because the topics are very diverse, catering to the interests of a wider range of audience.” He estimated that about 5,000 to 6,000 people attended on the first day and expected a similar footfall on Day 2 as well.