Author, Dancer, Mentor, Cook
Growing up in India, I grew up with tons of colourful stories on Indian mythology, philosophy and culture. My father encouraged me to read from a very young age. He told me the story of The Count of Monte Cristo, when I was 6. I was hooked! Then, he encouraged me to write, critiquing my writing with marks and comments. Little did I know that I'd grow up and use all this experience to come up with a book of magical adventure.
Dance defined me in more ways than one. I can truly say that I've never been happier than when I have been dancing. However, a full-time job in a busy corporate doesn't really give me enough time to dance. So, to stay close, I thought I'd mix my passions - reading, writing, mythology, adventure and dance into a book that is a melange of all my interests.
And when I say all, how can I miss cooking? Food has been almost a religion to my family. And I love cooking (and eating). So there are excerpts of this in my books. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did, creating them.
Nitya Akhanda Nrittam
I stopped dancing on stage nearly twenty years ago. When my Guruji turned 80, she was honoured by over 300 artistes dancing in relay for over 27 hours. She was very keen that I joined them. And how could I refuse!
Not having practised for ages, I chose a "bhava" item - one that focusses on facial expressions rather than the "jatis" (technical movements). This is my re-entry to stage after two decades. Not a patch on some of the other amazing dancers but my Guruji enjoyed it - and the biggest compliment I received that day was that I reminded the audience of her. After all, she taught me this item herself.
Selected Adventures
Do what you love and love what you do! Spending time doing things that you enjoy is edifying and deeply satisfying
Indian Festive Flavours
2009
This is a collection of my family recipes that my mother used to make during various south indian festivals. This book is very close to my heart - it is my first published work and I dedicated it to my parents - my dad, who helped me develop my interest in books and my mother, who helped me develop my interest in food.
The Magic Sapphire
2011
My first book on Abirami Forbes! This book is now incorporated into Abirami Forbes and the Magic Sapphire. However, there are subtle differences. Can you spot them?
Abirami Forbes was born when I finally decided to pen down my long-held idea about a young girl who discovers her mother is an Apsara. I have always been fascinated by Apsaras due to the link to dance. I even travelled to Cambodia to see the various statues of our mythical indian dancers there - fascinating!
Seven Magical steps to Heaven
2014
The second part of Abi's story, again now incorporated into my new book. I created the seven magical steps as metaphorical steps rather than real physical ones. As a child, and an adult, I have always struggled with patience. So, this was my way of getting Abi to overcome all those challenges that I've grappled with in my life. Do you relate to any of them?
Abirami Forbes and the Magic Sapphire
2019
This is the full trilogy (including the magic sapphire, the seven magical steps and the third part). Nothing is as it seems and Abi goes on a fascinating journey. Is it a success or a disaster? Only time will tell. This is the final book - a product of my love and passion and has more chapters and stories woven in.
https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-children/abirami-forbes-and-the-magic-sapphire/
Abirami Forbes and the Magic Sapphire
2021 - audiobook
Two years after publishing the full trilogy, I decided to narrate and record it as an audiobook. This was a tough endeavour as it needed a fair amount of technical expertise and I was very lucky to find people who could offer me both moral and technical support. I was very keen to record it in my own voice and it brought to mind memories of when I was an announcer at All India Radio. You will find the audiobook in Audible, Kobo, YouTube, Google play etc.
https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-children/abirami-forbes-and-the-magic-sapphire/
