This play was a collaborative effort between the History Association of DAVC, Chandigarh, and myself, under the guidance of Dr. Manpreet Kaur. We were intrigued by this lesser-known tragic love story, which offers a powerful postcolonial perspective. Kipling’s original short story presented gaps that allowed us to explore the psychological and cultural clashes of two vastly different worlds. Additionally, I sought to highlight Kipling’s nuanced connection with Indian culture, giving the protagonist’s story a fresh and thought-provoking twist.
2. Can you share insights into your writing process? Do you follow a routine or have any creative rituals?
When I first translated Kipling’s story into a play, it was a straightforward eight-page script. However, the idea of enriching it with deeper cultural elements led me to expand and refine the narrative over seven months. The play was eventually staged in February 2019. I believe having a clear ending and desired emotional impact is essential in storytelling. To maintain a brisk pace, we ensured that the play progressed seamlessly without unnecessary prolongation.
3. The characters in your book are distinct and memorable. Are they inspired by real people or purely fictional?
Apart from Kipling, all other characters are either directly taken from his short story or are fictional additions. Kipling’s presence in the play serves as a contrast to his own work, reflecting his experiences as a young journalist in colonial Punjab, where his belief in the Empire’s supremacy coexisted with his curiosity about native life.
4. Your book explores profound themes. What motivated you to focus on these, and what message do you hope readers take away?
While this work is undoubtedly a postcolonial reimagination, its central themes revolve around love, tragedy, and identity. It highlights how social norms, tradition, and religion can alienate individuals, particularly women, shaping their fate. Through Lispeth of Kotgarh, I hope readers reflect on inherited societal barriers and seek to bridge the divisions among us.
5. The setting in your novel is immersive and rich. How did you go about world-building?
For staging purposes, we had to confine the action to a single location while referencing multiple places. However, the narrative draws from colonial Kotgarh, spanning from 1820 to 1888 (the year Kipling’s original story was published). Creative liberties were taken to fill interpretative gaps, adding authenticity to the cultural backdrop.
6. As a writer, how do you balance originality with genre expectations?
Authenticity is key to my storytelling. I strive to present my work in ways that feel fresh and logical, even if I have never seen them executed before. Balancing originality with genre conventions is always a challenge, but diligence and sincerity ensure a unique voice in my writing.
7. The pacing of your story keeps readers engaged. What’s your approach to maintaining momentum and tension?
A well-structured progression is crucial. As Edgar Allan Poe discussed in The Philosophy of Composition, crafting a calculated emotional impact ensures a meaningful narrative flow. I applied this principle to maintain tension and keep the story compelling.
8. In today’s rapidly evolving literary landscape, how do you see traditional storytelling adapting, and how do you connect with contemporary audiences?
While I acknowledge shifting literary trends, I don’t strictly adhere to them. Instead, I focus on creating literature and art that engage audiences meaningfully. The transformation of storytelling into a more dynamic and interactive experience excites me, and I look forward to contributing to this evolution in my own way.
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