Conversation

Cough Syrup Surrealism

Published

11 years ago

June 20, 2013

When fellow Loyolite and friend, Tharun James Jimani, offered me an advance copy of his first novel, ‘Cough Syrup Surrealism’, I was more than a little intrigued. Having kept in touch and hung out together on more than a few occasions over the years since school, I had been waiting for the book to be launched for a while. I hadn’t expected, however, to read an explosive coming-of-age tale of a Malayalee boy set in Chennai, narrated without artificial sweeteners and with no holds barred. The story is a heady mix of teenage pop cultural trappings, immigrant Malayalee over-compensation and everything rock n roll. With recommendations by Dr. Shashi Tharoor and Nitin Malik (lead singer of Parikrama), thoroughly entertaining writing at all times and a retro-chic, pop art-inspired cover, the novel looks set to break a few records, and even more taboos.

FWD caught up with Tharun for a chat a couple of weeks before the novel’s official launch. The excerpts are below:

Tharun, congratulations again on the publication of your first novel. Let’s start with the title. Why ‘Cough Syrup Surrealism’?

Thanks, About the title, remember falling sick as kids? When you get a really bad fever or cough, you’d end up drinking a little too much cough syrup and just lie around in a daze. Not quite an out-of-body experience, but you’re definitely floating a little above the ground. The title is a reference to that state- that combination of being a child and suddenly having access to the mind on a wider, much grander scale.

But the characters in your novel are not children.

They’re not adults either, not mentally. They’ve just left home for the first time, joined college in a new city, made new friends and basically re-booted their entire existence. They’re children thrown into an adult world, suddenly free but also responsible for more. It’s a very confusing phase; some deal with it better than others. The kids in the novel get stuck in that phase for a while. They’re still on that helpless feverish high from childhood, floating, living only in the present.

They’re also stuck in the Nineties.

T: They’re what we’d call ‘Nineties kids’, yes. Both of us grew up in that era, didn’t we, we were the gateway generation, at least by Kerala standards. We had a little more exposure and a sort of globality –is that a word? It sounds like a word- than the generation just elder than us, thanks to liberalization and cable TV and NRI money, but not nearly as much as the college-going generation today.

So the novel’s not just a lot of sex and drugs and big bad rock n roll then?

(laughs) Well these kids are big fans of Nineties pop culture, especially the music and the films of the Grunge era. Everything they do is in part-adoration and part-emulation of their heroes- their favourite musicians and movie characters. So while drugs and sex and rock music are all part of the story, they’re really just accessories or signposts. These kids, in their heads, all live in the early 90s, they communicate in borrowed lyrics and movie dialogues. They definitely have a problem, but the drug use is just a symptom.

There’s also a strong Malayalee connection; almost a subplot.

The protagonist, and his best friend, are from Trivandrum. I’m sure all people feel the same way about where they’re from, but I feel Malayalee parents live in a particularly curious form of denial. We have all these moral codes forced upon us without any logical explanation and I thought it’d be interesting to give the hero a Malayalee guilty conscience- mainly because he isn’t convinced he ought to feel guilty. It’s really more a child-like foreboding that he’s going to get punished for having been bad, though he’s not sure how.

Let’s talk about you. You used to write right from our school days, but I remember us meeting a couple of years ago, and you said you didn’t feel sure about calling yourself a ‘writer’. Do you feel differently now?

It’s a tricky subject. I suppose I am a writer in that I write, and I have had stuff published, but it’s not how I earn my bread and butter. So it feels a bit strange to call myself that. It’s like a postman or doctor or whatever who plays for his local cricket club on the weekends calling himself a cricketer. Then again, he wouldn’t be wrong, not technically, at any rate. I don’t know what qualifies somebody to refer to himself as a writer. I’m tempted to think it requires some sort of ceremonial sacrifice- a bonfire, some goat’s blood and a lot of dancing.

How easy or difficult is getting that first novel published?

India’s a big market for English publishers obviously, but it’s still finding its feet in terms of content creation, if you ask me. But there’s so much Indian English fiction getting published at the moment so I’d imagine this is as good a time as any. Personally, I got very lucky- I worked with a super fantastic literary agent, and he found me a publisher in a matter of weeks.

And the obvious question: is it true that debut novels tend to be more autobiographical than the rest?

(laughs) I seriously doubt any writing is entirely free of autobiography, first –timer or otherwise. I’ve certainly borrowed from experiences, my own and from the lives of others. But it’s clearly a fantastical sweep of the imagination, a teenage boy’s wet dream. I still dream of being a rockstar, of being famous and having all these beautiful women and going to super cool parties. We all do. I have zero musical ability so I thought I’d let my characters have it all instead.

Your book has a very interesting Facebook presence (www.Facebook.com/CoughSyrupSurrealism). How involved are you in the marketing process?

Well, I wrote this novel six, maybe seven years ago, about life as a college student. That demographic spends a lot more time browsing through Facebook than bookstores. Luckily, Fingerprint!, my publisher, has given me a lot of creative freedom, both in terms of the novel and its marketing. So we came up with the idea of introducing the characters in the novel through specially designed wallpapers and other stuff, uploaded daily on the Facebook page. But it’s not just that – I’m on Twitter, I blog, I’m online 24/7 interacting with readers and mobilizing a #NinetiesChild community that will be most interested in the pop culture-homage treatment of the novel. Also, the book was made available online on Flipkart and uRead 2 weeks before they even reached the bookstores. The internet is where people decide what to read now.

One last question. Tell our readers, in a sentence or two, what the novel’s about.

It’s about growing up, about urban life and aspirations in your college years , about choices we all have to make as young people . It’s a group of kids playing in a rock band and partying their asses off because it’s what they grew up watching their heroes do on music television.

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Netflix’s Cleopatra: A Controversial Provocation Egypt Could Do Without

Published

12 months ago

May 21, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

In the realm of streaming content, Netflix’s Cleopatra has recently grabbed attention, trending on most-watched charts amidst a contrived controversy over the casting of a Black actress in the iconic titular role. Produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith, this installment is the second in her ‘African Queens’ series, which has stirred debates surrounding representation and historical accuracy. However, the current state of Egypt, grappling with numerous challenges, suggests that this provocative series is the last thing the nation needs.

The portrayal of Cleopatra has always been intertwined with fascination and debate, particularly centered around her appearance rather than her race, in historical accounts. The Hollywood industry, historically dominated by white executives, had marginalized Black talent, deeming them unmarketable and unworthy of significant roles. The industry’s limited embrace of Black stories in the past was primarily driven by profit rather than genuine progressivism.

In the case of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra, the casting of a Black performer in the lead role was destined to ignite controversy, especially among Egyptians increasingly hostile towards Afrocentrism. However, the preceding installment of the ‘African Queens’ series, Njinga, did not generate significant interest or impact, lacking the depth to stimulate intellectual discourse.

Director Tina Gharavi’s previous works, while sincere in their storytelling, did not display visionary filmmaking challenging the conventional Anglophone documentary style. Despite this, Netflix and Pinkett-Smith effectively employed marketing tactics, leveraging the race card to generate buzz around Cleopatra, ultimately leading to its elevated position in the charts.

Disappointingly, Queen Cleopatra fails to offer any fresh insights into the Egyptian icon. The four episodes follow a predictable and formulaic narrative structure, focusing on Cleopatra’s rise and fall without delving into her race. The series, featuring medium close-up interviews with academics predominantly from American and British institutions, coupled with lackluster dramatizations, fails to engage viewers or provide an aesthetically distinct perspective.

The show’s emphasis on Cleopatra’s physical beauty and sensationalized elements aligns with Netflix’s faux-liberal gender and sexual politics, which are often presented simplistically and lacking depth. While the representation of minority groups in film and TV is an important concern, solely focusing on representation can overshadow other vital aspects, such as artistry, film history, and the political use of aesthetics.

Critics and viewers fixated on the racial depiction of Cleopatra, generating substantial media coverage and overlooking the artistic value and storytelling approaches employed in the series. Amidst the heightened racial discourse, the nuances of Egypt’s complex relationship with blackness have been lost. Egypt’s struggle with economic crises, political challenges, and external influences leaves the nation feeling helpless and disheartened.

In its current state of turmoil, Egypt seeks a savior and is grappling with collective defeat, making the Netflix provocation an unwelcome addition. The nation, deprived of agency and self-determination, holds onto its historical heritage, which has been plundered by the West for centuries. In such circumstances, a reframing of their own history, even in the form of a fictional series, elicits a strong reaction from a nation grappling with numerous challenges.

Ultimately, while the casting controversy surrounding Netflix’s Cleopatra has sparked discussions on representation and historical accuracy, Egypt’s broken state and desperate need for stability and self-determination make this provocative series an unnecessary and untimely distraction.

Conversation

Unleashing the Power: Scorpio Lunar Eclipse on May 5th Signals Major Transformation Ahead

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

The cosmos are gearing up for a powerful event: the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio. This celestial spectacle promises to be a transformative experience that will shake us to the core. As the full moon aligns with the sun and the Earth casts its shadow, Scorpio’s dark and intense energy will be unleashed, inviting us to confront our deepest fears and desires.

Scorpio, known for its enigmatic nature and passionate intensity, is the zodiac’s most enigmatic and mysterious sign. It’s associated with death, rebirth, and transformation, making this lunar eclipse an auspicious time for letting go of old patterns and embracing a new, more authentic way of being. The Scorpio energy is all about digging deep into the shadows, exploring our subconscious minds, and facing the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

During this lunar eclipse, we can expect intense emotions to surface, bringing to light buried feelings and hidden desires. Scorpio’s energy is not one to shy away from the taboo or the uncomfortable, and neither should we. It’s time to confront the parts of ourselves that we’ve been keeping hidden, and to embrace our true selves.

As we navigate this intense energy, it’s important to remember to practice self-care and self-love. Scorpio’s energy can be overwhelming, so be sure to take breaks and ground yourself when needed. The lunar eclipse is an opportunity for growth and transformation, but it’s up to us to take the necessary steps to harness this energy and make the most of this powerful celestial event.

In conclusion, the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio is a powerful and transformative event that promises to shake us to our core. It’s an opportunity to face our fears, embrace our desires, and transform ourselves from the inside out. So, get ready to unleash your inner Scorpio and embrace the intensity of this celestial event.

Art

8 Best Podcasts of 2020

Published

3 years ago

November 27, 2020

Abhirami Chandran

To the people who doesn’t know what a podcast is- it’s pretty much like a radio show and is released in a streamable or downloadable format through various sites. You can access to millions of podcasts in many genres from anywhere you have internet access.

Here’s a list of podcasts for you to listen:

The Musafir Stories – India Travel Podcast

The Musafir Stories is a wonderful online podcast that talks about iconic and, in fact, all sorts of travel destinations. The podcast series is hosted by Saif Omar and Faiza Khan who talk to fellow travellers about their various adventures across India.
Available on iTunes, Google podcasts, JioSaavn, and Spotify.

https://themusafirstories.com/

Second Life

This online podcast is hosted by Hillary Kerr from the well-known fashion publication Who What Where and it chronicles the career changes of its many guests. It spotlights successful women who’ve made major career changes.

You can listen to her episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, and Podbean.

https://www.secondlifepod.com/

In The Dark

In The Dark’s content is about uncovering the world’s most iconic crime cases. In short, it’s an investigative journalism podcast, hosted and narrated by Madeleine Baran.

You can listen to it on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and Podbean.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-public-media/in-the-dark-apm

The Passion People Podcast

The Passion People Podcast is a series of conversations about following a passion and how to manifest it. There are several conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and icons that inspire the listeners, and the show is hosted by Naga Subramanya.

You can find the podcast on Stitcher, Apple Podcast, and JioSaavn.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/naga-subramanya-b-b/the-passion-people-podcast

GayBCD

GayBCD is an online podcast that seeks to understand what it means to be queer in today’s time. It’s hosted by Sunetro Lahiri and Farhad Karkaria and is created by IVM Podcasts. You can expect to find funny and comforting discussions about coming out and how a sense of humour, wisdom, and parlance play such an important role in understanding yourself better as a person.

This podcast series is easily available on YouTube, Stitcher, JioSaavn, and Apple Podcast.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/indus-vox/gaybcd

Harry Potter at Home

Harry Potter At Home is a new series by the Wizarding World that has famous names from entertainment, music, and sports reading chapters from Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, and the magic is still alive. They currently have the first two chapters out – the first by Daniel Radcliffe and the second by Noma Dumezweni.

You can listen to the series on Spotify and a video version is available on Wizarding World.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2JUljwaD9fNSeq8Vy3UAUp

Maed in India

Maed in India prides itself on being India’s first indie music podcast and features conversations with, well, independent musicians from India and abroad. From unreleased music to unknown music stories, they have it all. It’s great for discovering new music, too.

You can listen to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, JioSaavn, Podbean, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

https://maedinindia.fanlink.to/podcast

The Corner Flag

Indian fans of the European and Worldwide football can rejoice in this chat show about sports with comedian Amogh Ranadive. If you like hearing commentary on the latest Premiere league (or other) antics with an Indian twist this might just be the Indian chat show for you.