5.29 Shastri & Jai: Redefining Gender Stereotypes in Indian Diasporic Writing
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In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we will shine a spotlight on two compelling contemporary voices each month, individuals who are reshaping the landscape of Indian literature.\\xa0
In this special episode of Books & Beyond, Tara and Michelle talk to two Indian diasporic writers \\u2013 Shastri Akella and Jai Chakrabarti, about their books that break the mold of conventional storytelling and offer nuanced perspectives on gender stereotypes.\\xa0
Being Indian writers based out of the US, how do they explore themes of gender, sexuality, and identity in their works? How do they challenge the stereotypes and expectations of Indian culture and society? How do they celebrate the diversity and complexity of the LGBTQ+ community in India and beyond?
They discuss Shastri\\u2019s \\u201cThe Sea Elephants\\u201d \\u2013 a queer coming-of-age novel about a young man \\u2018Shagun\\u2019 who joins a street theater troupe and discovers his feminine side. And Jai\\u2019s \\u201cA Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness\\u201d \\u2013 a collection of stories that explore family, culture, and identity across borders, featuring characters who defy gender norms and embrace their true selves.\\xa0
Tune in to have your perspectives challenged!\\xa0
Book mentioned in this episode :\\xa0
The God Of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
The Gathering by Anne Enright
Close to Home by Michael Magee
The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkein
Authors mentioned in this episode :\\xa0
Salman Rushdie\\xa0
Fareed Zakaria
Aanchal Malhotra
Bernard Malamud
Michael Cunningham\\xa0
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar
Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav
In this special episode of Books & Beyond, Tara and Michelle talk to two Indian diasporic writers \\u2013 Shastri Akella and Jai Chakrabarti, about their books that break the mold of conventional storytelling and offer nuanced perspectives on gender stereotypes.\\xa0
Being Indian writers based out of the US, how do they explore themes of gender, sexuality, and identity in their works? How do they challenge the stereotypes and expectations of Indian culture and society? How do they celebrate the diversity and complexity of the LGBTQ+ community in India and beyond?
They discuss Shastri\\u2019s \\u201cThe Sea Elephants\\u201d \\u2013 a queer coming-of-age novel about a young man \\u2018Shagun\\u2019 who joins a street theater troupe and discovers his feminine side. And Jai\\u2019s \\u201cA Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness\\u201d \\u2013 a collection of stories that explore family, culture, and identity across borders, featuring characters who defy gender norms and embrace their true selves.\\xa0
Tune in to have your perspectives challenged!\\xa0
Book mentioned in this episode :\\xa0
The God Of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
The Gathering by Anne Enright
Close to Home by Michael Magee
The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkein
Authors mentioned in this episode :\\xa0
Salman Rushdie\\xa0
Fareed Zakaria
Aanchal Malhotra
Bernard Malamud
Michael Cunningham\\xa0
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Produced by Aishwarya Jawalgekar
Sound edit by Kshitij Jadhav
\\u2018Books and Beyond with Bound\\u2019 is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D\\u2019costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India\\u2019s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.