Write for yourself, tell stories which you really want to share: Namita Gokhale

Author Namita Gokhale's debut novel 'Paro', which was released some 40 years ago, is still a cult classic! Men and women from all sections of society love reading it, or should one say love ‘indulging’ in it!

In the novel, a carefree, confident, and beautiful Paro entices people through and through, and the narrator of her story, Priya, looks at her with a mix of admiration and jealousy. And like all good things come to an end, so did Paro’s story, but not before it entertained many readers and continues to do so. From 1984 to 2024, Paro has been re-printed about five times and is now named as a ‘Penguin Modern Classic’.

We caught up with author Namita Gokhale at a recent event of her book for a candid conversation. Excerpts from the interview -

Q. Paro was first released in 1984, and it is 2024 today. How do you think the book has been able to appeal to generations of readers constantly?
I am surprised and delighted and gratified that my debut novel ‘Paro’ has remained in print for 40 years! Social comedy doesn’t always age well, but I think Paro’s effervescent style and larger-than-life presence made her story utterly compelling.

Q. From the first cover which was bare and audacious to the simple flower that comes in print today, what does this journey feel like to you?

'Paro' has had so many covers over the years - but I loved the early design in the hardcover Chattus and Windus UK edition cover. The hibiscus is an emblematic flower in the 'Paro' storyline and I am captivated by the new cover in the Penguin Modern Classic edition ..

Q. Are there any psychological clues about the characters that people often miss? Something about Paro’s unabashed nature, something different about Priya’s reservations about not being able to become like Paro.

Literary fiction is capable of and open to multiple interpretations. Each reader brings different needs and perspectives to what they read into the narrative and different insights and reactions as takeaways.

Q. In the literary circles today, so many authors look up to you, what advice do you have for them to remain relevant in the changing literary scene?
My advice is to write for yourself, to tell the stories which you really want to share, and which you are uniquely qualified to tell. Do include readers in how you convey your story so that they can enter the magic circle of the literary process.

Q. You wrote your first book, the cult-classic ‘Paro’ at 27. Any tips for young, budding authors who are starting in Literature and feel lost in the journey?

I have faced many ups and downs in my writing life, I have tasted failure and rejection. You have to stay the course, have patience and belief in yourself and your work.