It is indeed not often that one gets the opportunity to understand the creative and dynamic process followed by a fiction writer. Making this interaction all the more remarkable for Bandra Buzz is the fact that our discussion with novelist, Puja Miri Yajnik is about her latest book titled ‘Bandra Tales’, which is a collection of eight short stories set in our beloved neighbourhood. Therefore, it’s a matter of pride to engage with her and get insights into the journey she ensued as she conceptualized and researched for the book.
What inspired you to write these short stories centred around Bandra?
I have travelled extensively and lived in several places, however, few places have impacted me the way Bandra did. I resonated with the place instantly; its vibrancy, unique charm and fascinating cultural background effortlessly seeped into my creative sensory. The stories are an amalgamation of my observations and well as imagination.
Tell us a bit more about the characters, apart from the fact that they all call Bandra their home, is there any other common thread that binds them together?
The only common denominator in all the short stories is Bandra. Apart from that, I have explored various time periods, character arcs and narrative styles. The stories are based on the present point in time as well as take us on a journey to the bygone era. We begin with the mysterious, perplexing relationship between the respected Colonel Gonçalves and Miss Mary D’Souza in the story titled ‘They Talked…’. Following this, ‘Karen’s Decision’ documents the inner turmoil of the lovesick titular character as her trusty best friend Bert attempts to comfort her. ‘What Happened to Henry?’ delves into the supernatural, showing how a simple abandoned house in the neighbourhood can conceal a lot of secrets. A story of lost love and second chances follows in ‘Father Fernandez’s Problem’, with ‘John’s Break’ then proceeding to show us how one good deed can do wonders for your personal prosperity. The penultimate ‘Rose’s Problem’ is sure to make readers laugh, with the rivalry between two families butting up against an inconveniently blossoming romance, amongst other stories.
Do share with us your experience of compiling a collection of short stories.
This idea came to me quite unexpectedly, and also, I felt the urge to manifest my personal experience and connection with Bandra. The individual stories simply appeared to me on their own, quite organically, it simply happened. This collection enabled me to share stories that occur around us each day. The readers are invited into a rich universe wherein they can get to know these characters; who they are, who they wish to be, and who they love.
Your output has been quite eclectic, be it your novels namely ‘Two Friends: Cloudy and Windy’, ‘The Curse of the Winwoods’, ‘My Strange Duke’ and ‘Rose Cottage: Shimla, 1802’, as well as your IGTV series ‘World Story Land’. What is brewing in your mindscape as of now?
I am very excited about my next novel, which is, as is my custom, a historical romance, this time set in the roaring 20s. It blends mystery and romance, and I am extremely excited to tell everyone more about it in due course, which should be within the next couple of months!
Puja’s book undoubtedly provides ample avenues for us to get further acquainted with Bandra’s persona, which is not bound by the perception of time or as a matter of fact by reality. Nonetheless, it speaks volumes about Bandra’s inherent attributes of inspiring the people that communicate with her. The collection of stories, although fictional in nature, effortlessly instils a sense of relativity in the reader owing to the fact that the author has stayed true to her vision of the place and her inspiration.
Bandra Tales book is available for purchase at Amazon and Flipkart. Get yours today!
