Marx, Lenin, Tagore: Insights And More From Author Laxman Rao
On an evening over tea, I discussed Laxman Rao's prolific literary career — 24 novels, various plays, and essays. Our conversation explored the inspirations, creative process, and evolving themes shaping his rich body of work. Rao is also an internationally recognised master of tea and wears the professional hat of the cherished tea consultant at Mister Chai and Tamra at Shangri-La Eros in Delhi.
Rao goes by the mantra that "Passion is important, so is a bit of craziness," and in an evening of candid conversation, he shares a bit of his passions and craziness with us. He has an unconventional literary chronology and, over a long lifetime of hardships and struggle, has now sold multiple copies of remarkable books like, "Ramdas," "Nayi Duniya Ki Nayi Kahani," and "Dansh." Rao embodies a life where dreams come true, or are made to come true, from being a roadside tea-seller to walking the grand corridors of the President's house to meet the former President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil along with his family. The author from Talegaon aims to preserve memories of a bygone era in India, where love, tenderness, friendship, and life had different meanings.
Share with us your background. What led you to delve into the world of writing and literature?
In 1975, I moved to Delhi after completing my matriculation. I used to read a lot of Gulshan Nanda's social novels, which were very popular. His works, such as "Kati Patang," "Jheel Ke Uss Paar," "Neelkanth," and "Khilauna" among others, were focused on the theme of "Freedom" and later on "Liberty." Gulshan Nanda's novels introduced a new concept of love, which was depicted in a simple manner.
Although Marathi is my first language, I was born in Talegaon Dashasar, Amravati, when I read the works of Gulshan Nanda, I felt inspired and motivated. It made me question myself, "If Gulshan Nanda can write, why can't I?" This is how I got into literature and started writing.
At what time did you arrive in Delhi, and what were your pursuits before embarking on a career as a writer?
I wrote a story called "Ramdas" in my village about my friend who drowned in a river. Later, I moved to Amravati, completed my matriculation and worked at a mill. It shut down in 1975, and I returned to my village to work as a farmer. But I wanted more, so I borrowed forty rupees from my father and fled to Bhopal.
The money ran out soon, so I worked as a labourer in Bhopal. I saved 90 rupees, moved to Delhi, cleaned hotels, and also worked as a labourer. In 1977, I started a business selling paan, beedi, and cigarettes for fourteen years. Then, I sold tea for the next twenty-five years, as there were too many restrictions on cigarettes and tobacco. People used to come to drink tea from faraway places. I knew what people wanted, and I served it to them – in a cup of tea.
At what point did you release your debut book, and could you describe the events leading up to its publication?
During my time in Delhi, I used to sell books on a bicycle in the mornings until 2 pm. The Delhi Gate, near the ITO area, was where I would buy books to sell in other areas. While doing this, I would read the books I bought and increase my knowledge. This led to me writing a new book called "Nayi Duniya Ki Nayi Kahani" after "Ramdas". I then approached publishers with my two books, but none of them agreed to print them.
I faced responses like, "Get out!", "You're only a kid," and, "You have no idea what you are doing." At the time, I was around 22 or 24-years-old and writing books was already a significant achievement. Disheartened by the publishers' response, I decided to fund the publication of my book with my savings. I kept copies of the books I self-published at my paan and beedi shop, gradually leading to some buzz around town. People would say, "He's a paanwala and he writes books!"
What paved the way for your first breakthrough?
When I used to sell tea and books, people often laughed at me when I told them I was the author of the books I was selling. However, one day, a journalist working for the Times of India named Usha Rai noticed me and asked about my books. She wrote an article about me published in the Times of India, which helped me gain popularity.
After the article was published, some parliamentarians visited my tea stall to see if the report was true. One of them, Shashi Bhushan, encouraged me to meet with then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had heard about me. Although I did not meet with her then, I later met her at an event in 1984 and told her I wanted to write her biography. She politely refused and suggested that I write about what people in positions of power do instead.
Following her advice, I wrote a play that was published and sold. Unfortunately, she passed away just four months later. It was in the year 2000, after publishing several books, I finally achieved real success.
Did the economic liberalisation during Rajiv Gandhi's government have an impact on your books and readership?
During the late 80s, the popularity of the Hindi language was already declining. At one point, I had even contemplated leaving Delhi. However, in 1990, an article about me was published on the front page of Navbharat's Indradhanush column. As a result, journalists started covering me, which led to more people buying my copies, and I decided to stay. Readers who were interested in Hindi literature were always there, but we had to market ourselves to them, unlike with English readers, who would naturally come to buy English books. The Hindi language has always been alive and thriving and cannot die
Did you notice any distinctive friction between Hindi and English?
The dominance of the English language in India has caused Hindi to be left behind. In the past, Hindi was the language of instruction in schools and colleges, but gradually, the syllabi were changed to English. Publishers also began to refuse to publish Hindi books. Parents started to complain to teachers when their children were given Hindi books. As a result, Hindi was somewhat marginalised. Nowadays, children have access to the internet on their phones. Still, if one wants to read famous books such as "Mrityunjaya" by Shivaji Sawant or Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyaya's books, they may not be able to find them online.
Certainly. However, you'll surely find a lot of films on the internet based on Sarat Chandra's writings. What are your reflections on this abundance of cinematic adaptations?
The author comes before the film. Writers should not give permission for their books to be made into movies. Even if someone asked me to adapt one of my novels for the big screen, I would decline. The story may lose its essence and integrity in the transition to film. There's a risk that inappropriate content, such as hot item numbers or unsuitable scenes, may be added, and people might assume I wrote them. Filmmakers are more concerned with making a profit than staying true to the author's vision. However, I am open to having my work adapted for the theatre. My novel "Ramdas" has been adapted four times for the stage.
Which director, in your opinion, would you not hesitate to consent for an adaptation of one of your novels?
Raj Kapoor, to me, is more than just a director; he is a philosopher. I have always admired and spoken highly of his films and songs. Kapoor had an impeccable way of portraying reality simply and beautifully. Although some accused him of obscenity, obscenity is subjective and lies in the eyes of the beholder.
One of his notable works, “Sangam,” was released in 1964. In this film, he directed a song sequence in Paris, covering subjects and issues still relevant in today's film industry. He was a trendsetter, and his work inspired many in the industry.
What prompts this openness and eagerness for the theatre?
When it comes to English literature, no one can compare to William Shakespeare. But how did he become so prolific? The answer is simple: through his plays and the theatre. Without them, he may have remained unknown. Shakespeare's plays are entertaining and offer insights into various human emotions, including ego. While these topics can be sensitive and personal, people still read and enjoy them. Shakespeare's work has been translated into countless languages and is popular worldwide. Similarly, Kalidas, who wrote fewer books than Shakespeare, also gained recognition through his plays, which have helped immortalise his legacy.
Since your arrival in Delhi, which places have been, and continue to be, your regular and preferred destinations?
Initially, I used to frequently visit the Teenmurti Bhawan, where I would be inspired by the people who dedicatedly worked for the country. Watching Hindi movies was also one of my hobbies. During one of my visits, I came across Humayun's Tomb and initially thought of it as an imitation of the Taj Mahal, but later learned that it inspired the Taj.
Despite being fascinated by city life, I always missed my village. Every year on Diwali, I would rush back to my village to be with my family.
In your opinion, which writers might come to your readers' minds when they read your work?
I am uncertain about how readers will perceive my writing, but I am confident that they will recognize the Indian perspective, emotions, and affairs that I have portrayed. My work sheds light on how the concept of love used to be forty years ago in India, how things were. Additionally, my writing encompasses various personalities, including Pandit Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, and even Giani Zail Singh. Currently, I am working on a project centred around Shakespeare.
Which authors do you believe the youth today should read?
The youth of today must read Kalidasa and Shakespeare. However, it is equally important to read the works of regional writers in the language of the place they belong to. Regional literature plays an essential role in shaping one's perspective. Moreover, reading the works of prominent figures like Gandhi, Nehru, Marx, Lenin, and Rabindranath Tagore is imperative. But reading about nature, such as the Himalayas, hills, and rivers, is equally important. Reading about these things can bring peace to the mind.
Additionally, travelling is an excellent way to broaden one's horizons. Even if someone cannot afford to travel far, they should visit nearby places occasionally. Although I haven't visited many places in India, I plan to travel more. It is fascinating to see how beautiful these places are in films.
