PVPF 2024

Interview with Parvati Menon, author of DEOLALI DAYS

It is disheartening to see that values such as kindness, brotherhood, and empathy, which were celebrated in Deolali Days, are now either missing or in short supply in our world today.
on Apr 26, 2023

Parvati Menon is a widely travelled filmmaker who graduated from the Film and Television Institute, Pune. As a pioneering female director, she focused on purposeful entertaining cinema for young viewers. She was the Chief Producer of Children’s Film Society India, having also held the post of Chief Executive Officer and International Film Festival Director at various times. She has served as a delegate, resource person and jury member at various international festivals as well as national festivals and was a resource person on the Board of CIFEJ (created under the auspices of UNESCO). Her films have been very well acclaimed and Triyatri, made for young college entrants, is still in demand. It was shot from the deserts of Jaisalmer to Kanyakumari, enabling the young heroes in a journey of self-discovery. As a freelancer, besides making films, she also holds specialized workshops. Deolali Days is her first novel.

Frontlist: What inspired you to write "Deolali Day?"

Parvati: As I reflect on my childhood memories of Deolali Days, I am amazed at how vividly they still linger in my mind. Despite the passage of time, these cherished moments continue to resurface in family conversations, as if they happened just yesterday. Growing up as the youngest in a large family, I had the freedom to explore the world around me, from my father's office complex to the backyard where my mother tended to household chores. As an outdoor enthusiast from an early age, I was fortunate to know everyone in the neighborhood and to have experienced the beauty of the natural world firsthand.

Looking back, some of the sights and sounds of Deolali Days stand out as particularly charming. I remember the lush green fields that stretched out to the horizon, the wide cart track that wound its way through the row houses beyond the wooded curve, the bluebell-bordered lanes, the clear blue skies, and the starry nights. These were the kind of experiences that today's children may never know, but for me, they remain a cherished part of my upbringing.

It wasn't until my husband's serious health problems in 2019 that I found myself reflecting on these memories and considering putting them down on paper. As he lay in and out of the ICU, I found myself spending more time at home and less time outside. That's when he suggested I try writing - he wanted to see me busy and productive, as usual. So I sat down at my laptop and let the memories of Deolali Days flow through me. It was a cathartic experience, one that allowed me to reconnect with the happiest days of my life while balancing the stress and anxiety of my current situation.

As I wrote, I found myself revisiting the real-life characters that populated my childhood memories. Each one of them came back to life on the page, their personalities and quirks fully realized in a way that surprised even me. I soon realized that the twists and turns of the story I was writing had a contemporary relevance that I hadn't anticipated - the issues faced by my family and neighbors in Deolali Days were still relevant today.

My husband saw the manuscript taking shape before he passed away, and his blessing meant the world to me. Writing this book had a therapeutic value that I could never have imagined. It allowed me to relive the happiest moments of my life while grappling with the difficult ones. And now, as I look back on Deolali Days, I'm struck by how much those memories have shaped the person I am today.

Frontlist: The stories in your book cover a wide range of topics, including the remnants of the Raj, partition, and India's journey as a young nation. What was your research process like for these topics?

Parvati: The period of the country's tragic partition was undoubtedly one of the most significant events in our history, one that brought about immense suffering, loss, and destruction. It was a time when human relationships were clouded by a sense of panic and uncertainty. However, amidst all the turmoil, there was a unique spirit of unity and good fellowship in our neighborhood, thanks in large part to my father's natural leadership qualities. As a prominent figure in the community, he attracted everyone's trust and often provided sage advice and guidance to those in need. Witnessing conflicts being resolved through his intervention was a source of vicarious thrill for me, highlighting the importance of leadership in times of crisis.

The departure of the British from their era of power and luxury was a serio-comic situation that unfolded against the backdrop of the partition. The changing scenes of history necessitated that even those who were not directly affected by the partition had to make adjustments and compromises. I vividly remember individuals like Latchmi, a small-time maid, and her son, and the Gurkha, who all faced their share of challenges during this time. Yet, what struck me most was the resilience of those who suffered the most and lost everything. The Sindhi family of Mr. Sahani, who lost everything they had built over generations, stood out as an inspiring example of those who managed to rebuild their lives and stand on their own feet once again.

Amidst the cross-over situations brought about by the partition, there was an unmissable confusion among individuals of mixed parentage like the Anglo-Indians and Scot-Indians. My heroes, Louis and Lawrence, were among them, wanting to escape the whirlpool they found themselves in, yet diligently accepting the reality and choices before them. Their journey and eventual success in making it big despite being broke and cash-strapped were full of twists and turns that unspooled in a breezy way, a testament to the human spirit's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

As someone who witnessed the historic churn with a ringside view, I didn't have to rely on research to understand the profound impact of these events. The changes were all there right in front of me, a constant reminder of the importance of perseverance, resilience, and leadership in the face of challenging times.

Frontlist: Humor plays a significant role in the book. How do you think humor helps convey serious issues, and why was it necessary to incorporate humor in your storytelling?

Parvati: Humor is a wonderful thing that can bring people together and help us see the brighter side of life. For some, it's an acquired taste, and for others, it's as natural as breathing. Personally, I've always had a fondness for comedy in all its forms, be it in books or movies. Growing up, P. G. Wodehouse was my go-to remedy when things weren't looking up.

In my writing, I try to incorporate humor as an integral part of the narration. I don't force it or interject it deliberately, but rather let it flow naturally. I believe that humor is a natural salve that can restore normalcy in a magical way, especially when things are getting heated or overwhelming.

I don't believe in labored comic situations or adding humor just for the sake of relief. Instead, I see the breezy side of life that can bring a smile or a chuckle, and I incorporate it into my work accordingly. Humor is a natural part of life, and it shouldn't feel forced or out of place.

I'm proud to say that my work in the entertainment industry has been recognized for its humor and lightheartedness. My feature film, Nanimaa, won the Best Comedy Award and the Best Actress Award for Leela Misra at the Moscow International Festival. Additionally, my articles in a lighter vein, mainly about films, during my college days, helped me get into FTII to become the first lady student specializing in direction.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to bring a smile or a chuckle to people's faces, from the lowest to the highest.

Frontlist: Your characters are colorful and charming, but not all of them are painted in a swathe of white. How did you approach creating complex, nuanced characters?

Parvati: The assortment of characters in my book, "Deolali Days," each has a unique evolution that reflects their entry and placement in the narrative. My goal was to avoid stagnant characters and instead allow them to grow and evolve, becoming more relatable and identifiable to readers. These are ordinary characters, people you might meet on a daily basis in my own neighborhood. The only exception is the bombastic and wealthy Dowlat Khan, whose stubbornness and lack of perspective became a humorous aspect of the story.

As each character grows and evolves, their responses to the situations they encounter are reflected in the pleasant hues of their personalities. For example, the abandoned wife gains gradual confidence with the help of a sprightly Parsi young lady confectioner, highlighting the strong presence of the Parsi community in Deolali. Even the heroes, Louis and Lawrence, handsome but broke, are willing to humble themselves and seek guidance from the Poppat walla and his prophetic parrot.

This natural process of character evolution adds depth and nuance to the story, making it more engaging and enjoyable for readers. By allowing each character to respond authentically to their surroundings, I created a world that readers can easily step into and become a part of.

Frontlist: The book has been recommended to both children and adults. Do you believe children might engage with the book differently than adults?

Parvati: I am glad that DEOLALI DAYS has been able to work on multiple levels. With its childlike narrative and surface-level themes, it makes for a friendly and approachable read for children. At the same time, the book's subtle subtext and historical capsules make it a thought-provoking and insightful read for adults, encouraging them to analyze and reflect on the messages presented in the book.

One example of this is the character of Latchmi, the maidservant, who talks about organizing collective mourning for a fee and how crowds can be controlled to display certain emotions. While this may seem amusing on the surface, the potential dangers and misuses of such paid crowds are not lost on readers, making them think about how easily people can be manipulated for personal gain.

It's unfortunate that the readership of books is on the decline, with many young people spending their time on violent and war-mongering games on their tech devices. This trend is undoubtedly harmful and could lead to negative consequences. However, the book, with its engaging storyline and captivating characters, can be a source of inspiration for young people to return to the habit of reading.

In one of my sessions with young students, I raised the topic of AI and how it may affect education in the future. Interestingly, none of the students were willing to give up their individual brain power to AI, indicating that there is still hope for the younger generation. It's essential to provide them with choices and encourage them to explore different avenues.

Frontlist: Your book is a mix of personal anecdotes and broader historical and social commentary. How do you balance the two in your writing?

Parvati: Our experiences, both personal and societal, shape us into the people we are today. This is a fundamental truth that cannot be ignored. For me, this fact is exemplified by the life of my protagonist, Rani Chettiar. She embodies the spirit of seizing the moment, an attitude that is deeply rooted in her personal history.

Rani's character is a product of her time and place. As a successful woman entrepreneur in a society dominated by men, Rani is a force to be reckoned with. Her confidence and commanding presence leave a lasting impression on the British men she encounters. They are befuddled by her regal demeanor, having never met anyone quite like her before.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Rani's character is her background. Her rise to success is rooted in a real-life incident that I witnessed as a child. Rani's dark complexioned husband, Gautham Chettiar, was rejected by a young bride-to-be. The girl, brought up on western ideas and aspirations, was disconnected from her own identity. This opened up an opportunity for Rani, who seized it without hesitation. She married Gautham in an instant wedding and went on to build a successful business empire.

Rani's success is not just due to her sharp business acumen, but also her ability to collect the right talents in her team. She is a visionary entrepreneur who can see the opportunities that await a newly freed country. She is not intimidated by the colonial masters or their minions; instead, she absorbs them to become an effective partner. Rani becomes the pivotal force that drives the narrative forward, and her evolution as a character is truly remarkable.

In the colonial times, most people were brought up on western ideas and aspirations, forgetting their own, and ended up being neither fish nor fowl. I have met a wide assortment of such synthetic jokers in my life. It's hilarious when we try to be something or someone we're not. Rani, on the other hand, is true to herself and her heritage, which sets her apart from the rest.

Throughout the book, we encounter a wide variety of characters, each with their own unique aspirations. Even someone like Pugazhendi, the young man working for the two old missionary ladies, has his own set of dreams and ambitions. It's always fascinating to see how such small yet enormously funny characters can walk through the corridors of our lives.

Frontlist: The book celebrates human values like kindness, brotherhood, and empathy. How do you think these values are relevant in today's world, and what message do you hope readers take away from the book?

Parvati: It is disheartening to see that values such as kindness, brotherhood, and empathy, which were celebrated in Deolali Days, are now either missing or in short supply in our world today. It raises the question of whether we have changed for the worse. The meaningless terrorism, wars, and blatant provocation that call forth retaliation have undoubtedly hardened our world. Looking around, it is sadly true that these values have become scarce.

It is imperative that we pause and reflect on this observation, and consider having a course correction. The ramifications of this issue are wide-reaching, and we must ensure that these basic human values do not vanish and lead us into an abyss of misery and devastating consequences.

Today, the world is more global than ever before, and it is astounding that it has taken only a few centuries to make marvelous strides while simultaneously destroying basic human brotherhood values. We read about utter cruelty and bloodshed even in this era of instant information, where partly false propaganda and frenzied disinformation by vested interests are at play. It begs the question, for what purpose?

If my book has succeeded in getting readers to realize the absence of the spirit of hail fellow well-met, then you have kept the flame alive by holding my palms around it. You have redeemed the values you inherited, and it is crucial that the power of illumination not be extinguished from that flame.

Nature has a way of reaping what you sow, and we must consider this in our actions.