Avantika Debnath is a HR professional who writes as a hobby. She recently launched her debut novel The Bridal Pyre — Nainam Dahati Pawakah, which talks about the struggles that a woman is put through in modern day society. In an interview with us, she talks about her book and everything else.
Which is the best opening line in a book that you have ever read?
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Which genre draws you the most as a reader and a writer?
I like social drama, a story that brings out an ailing side of our society or civilisation that needs some light to be thrown on. It doesn’t have to be feminist or Indian, but the book needs to thrive on a certain social condition as the backdrop to excite me.
One fictional character close to your heart and why?
I feel this celestial connection with Subarnalata from Ashapurna Devi’s book of the same name. I feel I am Subarnalata’s reincarnation in the 21st century Kolkata. She was way ahead of her time, perhaps ahead of this time too — headstrong and determined.
Who among the pantheon of writers (past/present) would you like to have coffee with?
Khaled Hosseini. I am a total stranger to Afghanistan, but his portrayal of the country, its culture and people were beyond words. Every time I read a book by him, it is like I travelled to those locations.
Antidote for writer’s block?
My antidote is the funniest one ever. Maybe because I deal with these grave subjects, I take a break when my head shuts down, and I watch Russell Peters video on YouTube, for hours at a stretch. His intelligence starts working on me.
How can new/budding writers prevent rejection from turning into dejection?
Rejection is part of the game. You can’t let it get the better of you. You have to believe in your work. I believe that there is no shame in begging or fighting for the thing you know you deserve.
