shyamala's world

Shrilok Homeless is back with a new set of mysteries. Created by Pika Nani aka Deepika Murthy, the Mumbai chaiwallah  leaves for London to solve a new challenge in Shrilok Homeless The Ultimate Adventures( Penguin Random House India).  Ten short stories keep you glued  this weekend. Pika Nani shares a slice of her writing life here.  1. How much of your life have  you spent in Mumbai? You have covered  so many parts of Mumbai in your book. I grew up in Mumbai and have spent the first 25 years of my life there. I have tried to bring in my experiences and observations of the city and its people and culture. The plan was to have cases across the length and breadth of Mumbai in the first book, and then in the second book, to extend to other parts of India and even abroad. 2. What has contributed to Shrilok's cool demeanour inspite of his homelessness? Shrilok may be an orphan and a chaiwala, but he has a rare gift of observation and de...

Treasure at the Train Station is the latest offering from Goodearth publications.  The book contains a simple sweet story which blends the present and past of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Train Terminus, one of the oldest landmarks in Mumbai. A brief history of the train station and other interesting tidbits about Mumbai and its other landmarks are added bonus. The illustrations complement the story adequately and bring the tiny, unique Mumbai moments to life.  Not every book on Mumbai gets me excited. This one did. A must for every Mumbai loving kid and adult! The book has been written by  Joeanna Rebello Fernandes  and illustrated by Hitesh Sonar and Rituparna Sarkar. Kahani Takbak interacted with Joeanna Rebello Fernandes and Rituparna Sarkar to know more. Joeanna Rebello Fernandes calls Bombay home even though she lives in Gurgaon. For a decade she has written news features for a leading newspaper. She loves old buildings; They’re the q...