SM: The character of Amit serves as a catalyst for both conflict and growth within the relationships between Priya, Amit, and Jamini. What does he represent in the context of the story's themes?

CBD: My characters are first of all human. And only after that are they thematic. Amit represents a person who is somewhat self-centred in the beginning but learns to grow and mature in the face of difficulties. He helps others grow, but most of all he grows himself.

SM: The theme of sisterhood is central to the novel ‘Independence,’ particularly in the context of Jamini and Priya's relationship especially when their shared love for Amit threatens to tear them apart. Why did you choose to explore the limits of sisterly love and the sacrifices made in its name? How does this contribute to the overall narrative and themes of struggle, sacrifice and love in the novel?

CBD: Sisterhood has always been of importance to me. I have written other books about it, such as ‘Sister of My Heart.’ It is an interesting relationship, at once close, but also perhaps fraud with competition. it certainly is both those things in the novel. The sisters, at the end of the day, are willing to sacrifice almost anything for each other. But they have to grow into it through danger and difficulty.

SM: How does the title ‘Independence’ resonate throughout the novel, not just in terms of India's struggle for freedom but also in the personal journeys of the characters?

CBD: I did intend both meanings of independence – the personal and the national. It is my belief that national independence cannot happen without women learning what that means for their own lives. Also, as a society, unless we encourage women to be independent, we are not really independent ourselves, neither as a community nor as a nation.

SM: The theme of religious tolerance is prominent, particularly in Deepa's interactions with people of different faiths. How does this explore the importance of acceptance and understanding across religious divides?

CBD: I feel religious tolerance is a major part of India’s heritage. Although there are many stories of troubles between religions and also violence, especially at the time of independence, ultimately, it is a culture that values tolerance. In fact, for India to become independent, there had to be major tolerance, and even more than that, people holding each other’s hands, coming together to fight against the British. putting aside differences. I want to remind people of that.

SM: In your literary works like ‘The Palace of Illusions’ and ‘The Forest of Enchantments,’ you explored tales of Indian mythology. With ‘Independence’, your writing intertwines the historical past, the complexities of the contemporary political landscape as well as the human experience. Was this fusion a deliberate intention or did it evolve naturally as you wrote?

CBD: It evolved Somewhat naturally but I might go back to mythology. It all depends on where inspiration takes me.

SM:  In ‘Forest of Enchantments,’ Sita faces various societal and political expectations. Could you discuss how you developed her character to navigate and challenge these expectations within the context of the ‘Ramayana’?

CBD: I gave her a voice. She did not have that in the original Ramayan or in several of the retellings also. That was all I had to do. Once we could see her thoughts and feel her feelings, the rest happened by itself. I hope this novel encourages the reader to question the ways in which women are treated but also to admire their strength under difficult situations.

SM:  In your portrayal of Sita, what aspects of her character do you believe resonate most strongly with contemporary readers, particularly regarding the challenges women face in navigating societal expectations?

CBD: Sita knows when to compromise and when not to. She has great inner strength and courage when left alone in the forest or even when in captivity. she is at once loving but also holds onto her values when she needs to. These are some qualities I wanted readers to consider.

SM: The female characters in ‘Forest of Enchantments’ often display agency and strength within a patriarchal society. Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind crafting these characters and their roles in challenging traditional gender norms?

CBD: I have been involved in activism in the field of domestic violence, and women’s a and girls’ education for a long time. Perhaps the novel, and these themes rose out of that.

SM: Throughout the novel, Sita confronts various forms of discrimination and injustice. How do these experiences shape her understanding of her own identity and influence her actions in challenging the status quo?

CBD: With each experience, she sees herself more clearly. She sees her role in society more clearly. She is also more and more aware of what she should not put up with. Suffering makes her strong.

SM:  ‘Forest of Enchantments’ offers a reinterpretation of the ‘Ramayana’ from a feminist perspective. How do you envision your novel contributing to discussions surrounding gender equality and women's empowerment in modern society?

CBD: I hope readers will think about all the women characters and what they go through and how they fight against it. What solutions do they find to their problems? How do they learn to endure? All these should contribute to ongoing discussions on empowerment.