Thiruvananthapuram: The conversation between eminent Indian English author hailing from Kerala Anita Nair and journalist Saraswathy Nagarajan on the topic ‘Creating, Preserving and Liberating the Writer’s Identity’ discussed how the writer’s identity is defined and preserved. The programme was conducted as part of the second edition of Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters (MBIFL’19) at Kanakakkunnu here on Saturday.

Though Saraswathy Nagarajan tried to compare Anita Nair with Agatha Christie, the renowned crime writer, she rejected it. Anita Nair said that she is not a fan of Agatha Christie because she chooses a cozy style of crime writing. On the contrary, Anita herself considers crime writing as a tool of social commentary which reflects the darker side of lives and society and the things that bother people.

To a question about her experimenting nature, Anita Nair said that she has no idea of how her story develops though she has all the plot, characters and dialogues in her mind. “I try to reinvent myself in every new book. I don’t want to be boxed in a particular genre. So, I try something new in every new work. Being a full time writer, following the same style in every book will make you predictable and boring,” she said.

Asked about the influence of Kathakali, Anita Nair revealed how she was attracted to the Kerala theatre art form through its song (Kathakali Padam). She said that she spent time in Kalamandalam to know more about Kathakali. The characters in Kathakali have a shade of grey. Those considered as epitome of evil such as Duryodhana and Keechaka have a romantic heart. On the other side, the so-called good natured men like Yudhishtira were not virtuous but vicious in heart. She admitted that she has learned a great deal of the art of stepping into the shoes of the character from Kathakali.

Saraswathy Nagarajan asked if the character Sreelakshmi in ‘Eating Wasps’ has any direct connection with the noted writer Rajalakshmi who committed suicide. Anita said that it was only a speculated piece of writing. Only four elements are included in the character that reminds of late Rajalakshmi such as student of Banaras Hindu University, a Physics lecturer, youngest Sahitya Akademi award winner and the suicide. All other emotions and trauma were regenerated on the writer’s perception, she said.

When asked about the extent of self-criticism she applies in writing, Anita said that she cannot play to the gallery always and she does not believe that everyone can please everybody all the time. ‘I spend many years on a book and the effort cannot be spared for impressing others. What I look for is to do justice to what I have written. This cannot be compromised for anything else,’ she said.

Anita Nair also commented on the attack on women and children when they try to express themselves through the social media. She said that such attacks are misogynistic in nature and should be ignored with utmost contempt. She also advised all to go ahead with expressing what they want to tell the world no matter what criticism they receive from the social media mob.

After the session, Kalamandalam deputy registrar V. Kaladharan handed over mementos to both Saraswathy Nagarajan and Anita Nair. The programme was conducted at the Mathrubhumi Hall at Kanakakkunnu at 10 in the morning. Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters 2019 is conducted in eight venues here from January 31 to February 3.