Nautanki Saala chronicles actual real life stories of men and women

Sukriti Tankha

Nautanki Saala and Other Stories (OakBridge Publishing) by Mohua Chinappa is an anthology that shares real stories of people she met over the last four decades, from a tribal Khasi woman who ran a tea stall to a journalist from the Northeast trying to fit into the big city. Through these stories, Chinappa has also tried to bring to the fore cultural-economic shift happening in society. Based in Bengaluru, Chinappa is a writer, voice-over artist and a podcaster all rolled into one.
Excerpts from an interview:

Author Mohua Chinappa 

What prompted you to come out with this book?
I always wanted to write. I wanted to pen down my experiences, the challenges I had overcome personally, the people I had met in my life journey and also give a voice to the voiceless. I found unbounded resilience in many common folks who were constantly swimming against the current, and felt that the courage they had deserved to be narrated. It took me six months to write this book cover to cover.

Any reason behind picking up 20 from among the scores you have met?
These 20 protagonists had left an indelible mark on my heart and my memory. Therefore they were easy to remember and write about.

Is there any message that you want to give out to the wider audience through their lives?
The message would be to garner the courage to say “NO” when you feel violated. To accept all the experiences of life, good, bad alike and continue knowing that tomorrow is another day.

What inspires you to write? Do you have a secret trick, or a book/author that helps?
I find my inspiration in my everyday life , my past and the numerous people I meet regularly. I love listening to music that calms my mind when I sit to write. The trick is to find your calm.

Face writer’s block any time?
Not yet.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever got?
To be fearless.

Who are your favourite authors?
Camus, Bukowski, Amitav Ghosh, Jhumpa Lahiri to name a few.