Writer Shailendra Adhikari moves his pen into many branches of literature. In 2007, he published a collection of ghazals called ‘Din Royepachhi’. Two years later, in 2009, he released another ghazal collection called ‘Hiun Mathiko Jun’.

Moving beyond poetry, in 2014, Adhikari published a book called ‘Ular Upanyas ko Shailee Baigyanik Aadhan’, where he talked about and analysed different literary works. Then, in 2019, he published a novel called ‘Nirved’.

Adhikari’s journey didn’t stop there; in 2020, he wrote ‘Gajal Ras’, a collection of his critics of Nepali literature. In 2022, he presented ‘Bramastra’, a collection of short stories that showcased his ability to tell different kinds of tales.

Besides being a writer, Adhikari is also the Head of the Department and Faculty at Urbana School of Science in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this interview with the Post’s Anish Ghimire, Adhikari discusses his literary influences, reading habits, and the art of crafting ghazals.

How did you begin reading, and who were your early influencers?

I was born in a village in Dadhing, and my home had a small library. Magazines like ‘Muna’, ‘Madhupark’, ‘Yuwa Manch’, ‘Yuwa’ and ‘Mulyankan’ regularly found their way to us. My father enjoyed Nepali and Hindi stories, and my older brother shared a passion for literature, both in reading and writing. This environment fostered a love for reading, instilled by my parents. Literary programmes on the radio and the books at home, especially in our library, played a significant role in shaping me as a reader. This is where my inspiration to read and write took root.

Are there specific genres or authors you find yourself drawn to when seeking inspiration?

There may be limitations in terms of genre for writing, but when it comes to reading, a writer must explore every subject. My inspiration for writing stems from understanding a subject deeply and expressing it honestly. Only when I feel that I have something meaningful to say and can articulate it honestly, do I engage in writing. Also, I take breaks while reading. I am not someone who can read non-stop.

How has your reading habit influenced your approach to storytelling in your novel and story collections?

Reading serves as the initial step in the writing process, and receiving feedback on one’s writing is crucial. For me, reading is not about mere book tallies or page counts; rather, it serves as a dynamic process of information absorption and knowledge enrichment. One notable aspect of reading is its transformative power in shaping perspectives.

It’s not just about amassing facts; it’s about engaging with ideas, questioning assumptions and broadening one’s worldview. As I delve into extensive reading, exploring an array of genres and subjects, I find that my writing style undergoes a natural evolution. The diversity of voices and writing techniques encountered in my reading journey influences my own approach to storytelling, argumentation, and expression.

As a writer of Nepali literature, how do you see the current literary landscape in Nepal?

Literature is in a transitional state, and contemporary literature is thriving with new ideas. The current literary scene is a mix of old and new trends. The outward attraction of decorations, awards, publications and critical praise has clearly increased in the current literary landscape.

But under this shiny exterior, there is a complex reality at work: readers, who are ultimately the ones who determine the worth of literature, seek a connection with the intrinsic essence of literature. Contemporary literature is forever impacted by the societal canvas, which is painted with the brushstrokes of political, social and cultural developments. This revolutionary context has created a space where people, writers and literary voices are trying to find their own identities.

You have also published ghazal collections. How do you approach the different challenges of writing a novel compared to crafting ghazals?

The realms of poetry and novels differ significantly, not only in subject matter but also in their fundamental nature. Poetry is an expressive art form, where profound emotions, thoughts and imagery are conveyed. In contrast, novels embrace a narrative expanse, offering a canvas for storytelling that unfolds across chapters and pages.

The structural differences between poetry and novels further highlight their distinctive characteristics. Poetry demands a meticulous adherence to the rules of classical form, where the arrangement of words, rhyme schemes and rhythmic patterns contribute to the poetic experience. This formal constraint in poetry imparts a sense of seriousness, as each line is crafted with precision to evoke a specific response from the reader.

On the other hand, novels enjoy a more liberated existence when it comes to structure. Unfettered by the stringent rules imposed on poetry, novels revel in flexibility. They can span a wide range of styles, employ diverse narrative techniques, and navigate through various perspectives. So, I write these two different art forms in such different ways.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I suggest aspiring writers to read extensively before they start writing. The broader their study, the better their writing will be. It’s essential to read works from various regions, aligning with your language proficiency. Reading is crucial to understanding global literary trends and our place in them. Moreover, reading enhances one’s vocabulary. When writing, develop your unique style instead of imitating others. I encourage interested writers to focus on societal and cultural themes.

Shailendra Adhikari’s book recommendations

Mahabharata

Author: Ved Vyas

The ‘Mahabharata’, an epic of immense importance in Eastern literature, is one of my all-time favourite reads. Its ideals and moral values have been foundational to the evolution of Eastern civilisation, making it a timeless piece.

Give Me The Moon

Author: Surendra Verma

Publisher: Radhakrishna Prakashan

Year: 1993

This book portrays the soaring dreams of a girl with artistic flair from a rural background. It explores the contrasting perspectives between the older and younger generations, making it an engaging exploration of different mindsets.

Location

Author: Deepak Sapkota

Publisher: Shangrila Books

Year: 2014

‘Location’ is a collection of personal essays by Deepak Sapkota. The book presents stories of characters living in different areas in an artistic manner. The essays explore the challenges and discord prevalent in our society.

Erika and King Tribhuvan

Author: Erica Leuchtag

Publisher: Coward-McCann

Year: 1958

The book recounts the happenings within the Narayanhiti royal court during the 1920s. Erica, initially a physiotherapist, evolves into Tribhuvan’s close friend. The author highlights the conditions of the palace during the Rana period, delving into the psychology of the queens.

Mahabharata of Nepal

Author: Gyanmani Nepal

Publisher: Sajha Prakashan

Year: 2006

‘Mahabharata of Nepal’ vividly portrays the political landscape during the Shah era. It factually analyses events, shedding light on the dynamics of power and its impact on authority. The book also corrects various distorted and fragmented historical facts of Nepal.