||Bonding with so called 'Intellectuals' #CC 16 IO - Page 90

Eminent award-winning television scriptwriter and noted author Gajra Kottary is ready with her new book, Once Upon a Star which she plans to officially launch in early December in the august presence of Pritish Nandy and Anupam Kher. We spoke to Gajra to learn more about her latest literary offering.

What is Once Upon a Star all about?

It's a story that is based in the film industry around the eldest bahu (daughter-in-law) of a film family who is married to a superstar and how her marriage crumbles due to the so-called affairs and dalliances of her husband which masses generally read in film magazines. In my book, I have written about what happens behind the scenes in houses in such scenarios. These things happen in many families but when it's a film family involved, things come under media scanner and it affects and complicates the whole scenario in a manner that is different from an ordinary person's break-up or extra-marital affair. It's the setting that makes all the difference.

Is your book based on any true life story or is it a work of fiction?

It's inspired by everyone in the industry. I have drawn from my own experiences, readings and things that have fascinated me in the industry. But finally it's a piece of fiction. The idea is not to sensationalise or demean anyone. It's for the reader to know what happens behind closed doors in a film family. But having said that I have dealt with different aspects in the book. For instance, the book's also about how in a North Indian film family it is boys who are encouraged to act while girls are quietly married. One of the tracks in the book traces the story of a young girl from a film family who actually goes out and proves to be as good as the males of the family if not better acting wise.

Will the readers be able to draw parallels between your fictitious characters and real ones from the industry?

Yes, readers will be able to do that and I have no problems with it because it's reality that inspires. It's a work of fiction that has been inspired by a whole lot of event about real people. So I have no apologies on that front.

What other aspects of the film world have you spoken about in your book?

We have a lot of gradation in the industry wherein we end up typecasting a film as A-grade, an actor as a B-grade one and so on and so forth. I have also spoken about star mothers and star wives. I have also spoken about casting couch. All this however in the background. My story is universal. Hence people who are not from the film industry will also enjoy reading my book.

Is there any superstar actor whom you see as a true role model?

Aamir Khan is a good role model. He is a fantastic father, good husband and has a great sense of social responsibility.