Sanjana Thakur recently won the prestigious 2024 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Her story, titled “Aishwarya Rai”, stood out among 7,359 entries worldwide. Let’s delve into her journey and the inspiration behind her award-winning story.
The Unexpected Victory
Sanjana Thakur, a 26-year-old writer from Mumbai, India, has achieved remarkable success. Her story, “Aishwarya Rai,” an adoption tale told in reverse, captivated the judges. Sanjana describes her victory as an overwhelming and unexpected experience. She watched the announcement early in the morning, and soon after, she found herself responding to congratulatory messages from strangers, friends, and family. The journey from being shortlisted in April to winning the prize has been a whirlwind of emotions and gratitude.
The Concept of Reverse Adoption
The idea for “Aishwarya Rai” began with a unique concept: a store where one could buy mothers based on their features, characteristics, and aesthetics. This idea evolved into a shelter where different mothers could be adopted. Sanjana aimed to explore the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and societal expectations. The story questions whether a perfect mother exists and delves into the inherent complexities of these relationships.
The Inspiration Behind the Title
Sanjana chose the title “Aishwarya Rai” for its instant attention-grabbing quality. Aishwarya Rai, a Bollywood icon, represents an ideal of beauty and womanhood in the public imagination. Sanjana, an admirer of the actress, felt that her name perfectly encapsulated the themes of consumerism and societal beauty standards in her story. The title also reflects how these expectations shape mother-daughter relationships.
Influences and Inspirations
Sanjana’s protagonist, Avni, reminded her of Avni Doshi, the author of “Burnt Sugar,” a novel also centered around mothers and daughters. Sanjana cites “Burnt Sugar” as one of her favorite novels, highlighting the beautiful coincidence. Sanjana’s love for short stories began in the tenth grade, inspired by Indian and South Asian literature. Her favorite authors include Arundhati Roy, Jhumpa Lahiri, Carmen Maria Machado, Sabrina Orah Mark, Chaya Bhuvaneswar, K-Ming Chang, Julie Otsuka, Danielle Evans, and Kiran Desai.
The Role of Curiosity and Empathy in Writing
Sanjana emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy for aspiring writers. She believes that taking in as much as possible from the world, through observation, conversation, and reading, is crucial for telling real stories about complex people. Curiosity and empathy enable writers to create interesting characters and do justice to the complexity of human beings. Also see: Strategic Significance: Why PM Modi’s Visit to Russia Matters
Final Thoughts
Sanjana Thakur’s victory in the 2024 Commonwealth Short Story Prize highlights her talent and dedication as a writer. Her story, “Aishwarya Rai,” offers a unique perspective on mother-daughter relationships and societal expectations. Through her journey, Sanjana inspires aspiring writers to embrace curiosity, empathy, and the joy of storytelling. Her success serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the impact of compelling narratives.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/
