I was born with a blindfold

Until she tasted freedom in Canada, author, Shakti Niranjchana, lived like a pale, watercolour portrait in a loveless, arranged marriage, much like the protagonist of her first novel, The Web of Silk and Gold. Today, unshackled by suffocating ties, she cherishes her single state, financial independence and the liberating experience of rebuilding her own life

She escaped from a stifling marriage in India, to weave fairy tales on paper. Her first novel, The Web of Silk and Gold, outlined the inner growth of the protagonist, Aradhana, who seeks happiness on her own terms. Author, Shakti Niranjchana, speaks to Shraddha Jhagirdar-Saxena about her forthcoming novel, The Fall of the Rainbow, the gender bias and the possibilities of women growing out of their stereotypes.

Many NRI authors deliberately bring in Indian elements to appeal to the audiences. Isn’t this forced?
I guess nostalgia makes Indian writers travel in their minds to their country of origin. In The Web of Silk and Gold I wanted to capture the life of a woman in the culture that I was raised in. I also wanted to give a handbook that can help women to hold on to their dreams. I’m pleasantly surprised when Western women read my book and tell me how they identify with the essence of femininity in the novel. India was the setting for Aradhana, but the book has taught women to be stronger and men to love women better.

You have gone through a personal crisis, like Aradhana did. What helped sustain you through the trauma of it all?
My marriage blighted all the romantic dreams that I had nurtured as a girl. I went through experiences similar to Aradhana’s. Luckily, I never completely lost faith in my dreams. I knew that some day I would be free. Sadly, our culture has fixed ideas about morality. A woman has to suffer and stay married, no matter what. Parents are willing to sacrifice the dreams of their daughters on the pyre of honour. From the day she is born, a daughter is raised as someone else’s wife.

As an Indian woman, do you feel that there is a continual clash between one’s wishes and conformity to the demands of society, culture and tradition?
There is always a conflict between one’s desires and society. With my choices, I will never be able to live in India. I know that I have lost my entire family, but I’d rather that and create beautiful literature than live like a bird in a gilded cage. I was not allowed to choose my own life partner. Love was taboo in my family. But, until I tasted freedom in Canada, I did not realise that I was ‘born with a blindfold’, which was the original title of the novel.

How would you define your brand of feminism?
Of late, ‘feminism’ has become a misused word. I'm extremely liberated and firmly believe that men and women are equal. But, I do not think that a woman should stop being feminine to be a feminist. A woman can be graceful and charming, and still be strong. When I’m not writing, you will often see me quiet and happy at home, trying out recipes or decorating my apartment. Firebrand feminists find me too feminine, but I think liberation is also allowing a woman to be in love with her frills and flowers, yet exhibiting an inner strength under required circumstances.

Has your failed marriage embittered you?
I’m single so far, but not alone. My marriage did not embitter me, I still look at the world of men with the enthusiasm of a girl and believe in true love and the concept of soul mates. Love is a beautiful thing. It does exist. My advice to other women with sad pasts like mine is, “Don’t let one man corrupt your vision of love.”

Does this personal scarring get reflected in the life of your heroines?
My perception of life, my independent views and my firm faith in sentiments of love have kept me from being jaded. Owing to my writing, Kathak dancing, practice of Ayurveda, I have kept myself from being scarred. My heroines might face bad situations, but you will always see them emerging from them on vivid parachutes.

How important is sex in a woman’s life?
As important as it is in a man’s life! Sex is a beautiful thing. A woman has to be allowed to feel sexy and sensuous. You don’t have to be garbed in ashes and sacks and covered from head to toe to be a good woman. You have to flourish in your womanhood and enjoy the accompanying joys. To be touched by a man who loves and respects you, is a wondrous experience.

Finally, what is your definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is waking up each morning and feeling complete. I enjoy being able to make my own decisions without being maligned. I cherish my financial independence and the freedom to fall in love and build my own life.