Vikas Swarup, an acclaimed Indian author and diplomat, has captivated readers worldwide with his compelling narratives and richly textured storytelling. His latest novel, *The Girl with Seven Lives*, is a gripping tale that plunges into the depths of modern India, exploring themes of survival, truth, and destiny. The story follows twenty-five-year-old Devi, who finds herself in a perilous situation, kidnapped and held hostage by a masked gunman. With her life at stake, Devi is forced to recount her past, unraveling the secrets of her seven extraordinary lives. Her journey, marked by a battle of wits and sheer endurance, takes readers on an exhilarating ride through India's diverse landscapes, from Delhi's narrow alleys to Mumbai's bustling streets.
Swarup's masterful storytelling, infused with evocative prose and a propulsive narrative, draws readers into a world of hidden truths, deceit, and shocking revelations. His ability to weave a complex tapestry of human emotions and societal challenges is reminiscent of his earlier works, which have earned him international acclaim.
Vikas Swarup's literary journey began with his debut novel, Q&A, published in 2005, which became the basis for the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The success of Q&A catapulted him into the global literary spotlight, earning him several prestigious awards, including the Boeke Prize of South Africa and the Prix Grand Public at the 2007 Paris Book Fair. His subsequent novels, Six Suspects and The Accidental Apprentice, have also garnered critical acclaim, with Six Suspects being adapted into a popular web series by Tigmanshu Dhulia, and The Accidental Apprentice currently in development for a screen adaptation.
Swarup's works have been translated into more than 45 languages, reflecting his universal appeal. He has been a prominent figure at literary festivals around the world and has delivered talks at esteemed institutions and forums, including Google and the Seoul Digital Forum. His contributions to literature and cultural diplomacy have been recognized with several honors, including the US-India Business Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
A distinguished diplomat, Vikas Swarup has served as a jury member for prestigious awards such as the Man Asian Literary Prize and the Cairo International Film Festival. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates by four universities, underscoring his impact on both literature and international relations.
In The Girl with Seven Lives], Vikas Swarup once again showcases his remarkable talent for crafting thought-provoking, page-turning fiction that resonates with readers across the globe. As Devi's story unfolds, readers are left questioning the boundaries of fate and the power of resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.
1. What inspired you to create the character of Devi and her extraordinary journey through the seven lives in "The Girl with Seven Lives"?
> The Girl with the Seven Lives was inspired by the women of India, their inner strength, their resilience and their resourcefulness. I wanted to explore the world through the eyes of a female character belonging to the underclass. Devi’s journey is rooted in resilience and reinvention, highlighting the capacity for personal transformation.
2. How did you develop the intricate plot that weaves through different regions of India, from Delhi to Mumbai, while maintaining the suspense and engagement of the reader?
> My aim was to capture some of the complexity and diversity of India through a multidimensional narrative. Through Devi’s seven lives, I wanted to explore different facets of Indian society and culture, while also illustrating how these diverse settings shape her journey and personal growth. At the same time there are surprising elements and plot twists in each of these places, helping to maintain suspense and keeping the reader engaged.
3. Can you share your thought process behind using the format of a high-stakes confession under duress to reveal Devi’s life story?
> The high-stakes confession format was essential to draw readers into Devi's world from the get go. It provides a thrilling backdrop that enhances the narrative tension, while also allowing me to unveil Devi’s life story in a way that is both intimate and dramatic.
4. What challenges did you face in balancing the thriller elements with the deeper exploration of modern Indian society in the novel?
> I call my books ‘social thrillers’ because the thrilling narrative unfolds against a backdrop of social commentary and exploration. One major challenge was ensuring that the suspense and pacing of the thriller didn’t overshadow the nuanced depiction of some contemporary issues. Another challenge was creating well-rounded characters who could embody both the intensity of the thriller and the complexity of the social landscape. Additionally, setting the thrilling narrative against the backdrop of modern Indian society involved extensive research to ensure accuracy and authenticity. Ultimately, the goal was to create a cohesive narrative where the thrills and the social critique enhanced each other, offering readers both an exhilarating experience and a deeper understanding of the world portrayed in the novel.
5. How do you approach the portrayal of complex female protagonists like Devi, and what do you hope readers will take away from her character?
> I wanted to create a female protagonist who reflected real human complexity. Devi is both resilient and vulnerable, and often driven by strong emotions. She inhabits a morally grey universe where nothing is black and white, and her choices are influenced by a range of conflicting motives and circumstances. This moral ambiguity allows for a richer, more nuanced portrayal of her character.
I hope readers will see her as a symbol of perseverance and self-discovery, and that her story will inspire reflections on their own experiences and challenges.
6. "The Girl with Seven Lives" delves into themes of survival, identity, and destiny. How did you ensure these themes resonated throughout Devi’s narrative?
> While the novel explores themes of survival and identity, it explicitly rejects the notion of fate and destiny. Devi actively seeks to carve out her own identity despite the challenges she faces, and this deliberate rejection of predetermined outcomes is central to her character arc and the themes of the story.
7. Your novels often highlight the diversity and contrasts within India. How did you research and incorporate the various cultural and geographical elements depicted in this book?
> I conducted extensive research into each location featured in the novel, delving into their cultural, social, and geographical aspects, because I myself have never lived in Kerala, Punjab or Goa. While Google Maps and other tools were useful for visualizing the settings, my research involved a detailed study of many things, from the daily routine of nurses to the organizational structure of observation homes, from the antics of fake godmen to the tools employed in creating fake degrees and even the techniques for manicures and pedicures!
8. What parallels can be drawn between Devi's story and the societal issues present in contemporary India?
> Devi’s story offers a rich tapestry of parallels to contemporary societal issues in India, highlighting several key themes, such as economic disparity, gender inequality, exploitation and power dynamics, the workings of the juvenile justice system, the precarious working conditions of frontline workers, and the temptations and vulnerabilities of the digital age. In fact, most of the situations faced by Devi were inspired by recent real-life events in our country.
9. Having your previous works adapted into successful screen projects, do you see "The Girl with Seven Lives" following a similar path? If so, how do you envision it?
> I always set out to write books. I don’t write screenplays, masquerading as books. However, people have said that my visual imagination often facilitates the adaptation process. Should The Girl with the Seven Lives be made into a film or a web series, I would envision a versatile actress like Alia Bhatt in a de-glam avatar, similar to her role in Udta Punjab, playing the adult Devi.
10. How has your experience as a diplomat and your exposure to global cultures influenced the storytelling and themes in "The Girl with Seven Lives"?
> Actually, my varied postings as a diplomat have not directly influenced the storytelling or themes in my novels, all four of which are rooted exclusively in India. However, my diplomatic training emphasized being a dispassionate observer and using words with precision, skills that are invaluable in fiction writing. This background helps me craft nuanced narratives and characters, and hopefully makes my storytelling both insightful and impactful.
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