The Lit Pickers

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 forces at play to help you find a book. Sometimes stumped by questions, other times excited, and always collectively fangirling over authors, listen to Deepanjana and Supriya talk about what is their cup of tea and when they would rather have some filter coffee instead.

We're going on a brief summer holiday. Be back before you know it. If you miss us before then, please dive into our archive, or reach out to us on @supriyanair and @dpanjana on Instagram. 

If you have any books, reading or literature-related questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: https://thelitpickers.fanlink.to/books

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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 that makes them pick one recommendation over the other. They also ponder the role of kind friends and neighbourhood bookstores in shaping one's perception of a book, and so much more!

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 [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: https://thelitpickers.fanlink.to/books

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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 that is both faithful to the original and relevant to modern audiences. Join us for a discussion on the evolving landscape of storytelling in literature and media - with some appreciation and a lot of woes.

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 [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: https://thelitpickers.fanlink.to/books

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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 Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram. 

Tune into the Nerditorium podcast or find them on Instagram @geekfruithq. They are:

Dinkar Dwivedi

Jishnu Guha 

Tejas Menon

If you have any books, reading or literature-related questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: http://bit.ly/thelitpickersbooks

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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 cultural heritage, and the power of theatre and literature in shaping societal discourse. 

You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram. 

Find the Instagram archive for Girish Karnad @worldofgirishkarnad

If you have any books, reading or literature-related questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: http://bit.ly/thelitpickersbooks

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

In this episode of The Lit Pickers, Deepanjana and Supriya explore the nuanced world of words and governance. They dissect the political landscapes of South Asian fiction and reflect on the power of literature to address serious issues and challenge social norms. From fiction written by political leaders, to literature inspired by democracy, join them as they discuss fiction's role during times of uncertainty, the risk it runs against a flattening of identities, and the degrees of political overtones that it carries.

You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram. 

We’re doing an AMA episode soon! If you have any books, reading or literature-related questions, please email us at [email protected]

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: http://bit.ly/thelitpickersbooks

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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 cup of coffee for this literary soiree where the only dish up for grabs is sass.

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 [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: https://thelitpickers.fanlink.to/books

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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. 

If you have any books, reading or literature-related questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: https://thelitpickers.fanlink.to/books

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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 literature-related questions, please email us at [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: https://thelitpickers.fanlink.to/books

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You

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 claws into her story in the foregrounds of Worli's skyline. 

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 [email protected]. 

For a list of all the books mentioned in the season so far, check out: https://thelitpickers.fanlink.to/books

This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at www.maedinindia.in. 

Creative Director: Mae Mariyam Thomas

Project Manager: Shaun Fanthome

Head of Audio: Kartik Kulkarni

Producer: Meghna Gulati 

Sound Editor: Lakshman Parsuram

Artwork: Alika Gupta

Theme Music: Easy Wanderlings - Here’s to You