It’s that time of the year again where we answer all your pressing questions and give our hot (and sometimes curmudgeonly) takes. Mae takes the reins as she poses an array of audience questions to Deepanjana and Supriya, about the world of books, sometimes food, other times film, and everything in between. From how to write a good book review to pet peeves about moral posturing, to books about critical theory and radical feminist discourse, The Lit Pickers are here to solve your predicaments. They also discuss book clubs, audiobooks, the joy of gifting books, and how sometimes there are cosmic ..read more

This week Deepanjana and Supriya are in the studio trying to unpack solutions of how to find a good book to read. From childhood rituals to serendipitous discoveries, they explore the various ways in which readers can stumble upon their next literary adventure. They also talk about the discipline and patience required to cultivate a lifelong reading habit, as well as their unwavering belief in the universe's role in providing the right reads at the right time. From finding suggestions at gatherings in parks, to digital rabbit holes ranging from Twitter to podcasts, they talk about what it is t ..read more

This week, Deepanjana and Supriya explore the world of adaptation and intellectual property. From discussing the portrayal of Japan in Western literature to analyzing the adaptation of "Shogun," they delve into the complexities of representation and storytelling. They also examine the creative approaches in film adaptations, highlighting the need for imagination and sensitivity, and the impact of cultural appropriation. They emphasise the value of fresh thinking and out-of-the-box ideas in creating something new and exciting, and how a character's race and background can be reimagined in a way ..read more

Geek out on this episode of The Lit Pickers as we dive into the world of Dune, exploring both the beloved book and the recent film adaptations. From dissecting the intricate universe created by Frank Herbert to sharing their thoughts on Denis Villeneuve's cinematic interpretation, we leave no sand dune unturned. Join the conversation as we discuss everything from character development to cultural conflicts Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this episode promises to take you through the sands of Arrakis and unite literature nerds and film geeks alike!   You can find Supri ..read more

Tune in to The Lit Pickers as Supriya and Deepanjana engage in a delightful conversation with journalist and writer, Raghu Karnad. Join us as Raghu shares his journey of curating an Instagram archive for his father, the late and great Girish Karnad, who was an actor, film director, writer, playwright and a Jnanpith awardee. From exploring Girish Karnad's multifaceted career to reflecting on Raghu's personal connection with his father's work, we unravel the complexities of archiving the work of a beloved figure. Dive into a discussion about Girish Karnad's legacy, the challenges of preserving a ..read more

Tune in to this episode of The Lit Pickers where Deepanjana and Supriya set out to explore the allure of the literary bad boy, a.k.a Byronic heroes. From Bronte's brooding Heathcliff to the hero of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ Love in the Time of Cholera, they navigate the treacherous terrain of men from literature who challenge convention and also uphold them in often dark and mysterious ways. Beware of anti-heroes, unflattering husbands, and the evolving definition of virtue as they explore how this trope has evolved over time and spilled even into Byronic heroines. Grab your books and a strong c ..read more

Join us on a special episode of The Lit Pickers as Supriya interviews Daisy Rockwell, a translator who focuses exclusively on women's writing from South Asia. They delve into the gendered nature of Hindi, discuss the shared experiences of women during Partition, and look back at the time when the internet was more fun. Tune in as Daisy talks to Supriya about navigating the challenges of translation, exploring nuanced meanings and gender archetypes in Indian writing, and say some very bad words.   You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram.  ..read more

Deepanjana sits down with Ahalya and Meethil, the founders and owners of Trilogy, an indie bookstore and library in the heart of Mumbai where your cellphone gets no network and the shelves are full of treasures. They talk about the magic that goes into making an indie bookstore, reading for work and pleasure, and the joy of belonging to a community of book lovers. Tune in for an episode filled with love, warmth, and the delight of “bookbathing.”   You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram.    If you have any books, reading or literatu ..read more

Get ready to paws everything you're doing. We’ve got an interview that's going to make you sit up and meow. Supriya chats with journalist and writer Srinath Rao, author of “Meow Meow: The Incredible Story of Baby Patankar,” an exploration of  the world of meow meow, the party drug also known as mephedrone. Tune in as we scratch the surface of the intricate web of events that led to the rise and fall of Baby Patankar as Bombay’s foremost drug-dealing grandmother. From the unexpected arrest of a police officer to the allure of a substance more affordable than catnip, this episode gets its c ..read more

Love is in the air on The Lit Pickers. In the Valentine mood, Deepanjana and Supriya make a list of their literary crushes over the years. Beginning with Karna in Mahabharata to Zumurrud in the Arabian Nights, they delve into the characters who have captured their hearts at different ages and stages. Tune in for some literary swooning and many giggles.   You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram.    If you have any books, reading or literature-related questions, please email us at contact@maed.in.    For a list of all the bo ..read more