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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Get ready for a juicy, tell-all episode, and the tea is piping hot! Deepanjana and Supriya are dishing out all the bookish secrets they've kept locked away. From books that left them yawning to the novels they've pretended to read, no page will be left unturned. But it's not all shade! They're also sharing the books that have brought them sheer delight. And, of course, they're diving deep into the age-old dilemma of separating the art from the artist. So, grab your favorite reading nook and...

Admittedly, this got a bit longer than 20 minutes. Sorry. Get ready for some venting as we unleash our inner literary haters. Serving up a platter of literary pet peeves, we’re adding the vinegar to our customary Turkish eggs. Join the discussion as we dissect what really grinds our bibliophilic gears. Because, despite our true love for all things books, sometimes we really can get picky.    You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram.    If you...

We’re baaaack! Let’s go on a whimsical storytime adventure with The Lit Pickers as Deepanjana sits down to chat about kid lit, reading as grown-ups, and the power of the fantastical imagination with award-winning author and editor Bijal Vachharajani. From giggles and comfort reads, to the question of who should have a seat at the literary table, these two long-time friends and collaborators have a lot to discuss. Demi-gods, fairy tales, picture books — there’s all kinds of magic in this...

Snuggle up under your cosiest blanket because in this episode, we're diving under the covers of books that feel like a warm literary hug. Are comfort reads guilty pleasures, or is there something else about them? Are these books that offer clear answers, or do they complicate the picture for us? Join us as we spill the (bookish) beans on what brings us comfort between the pages.   You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram. This is a Maed In India...

Retrieve your cuppa. We are spilling the tea on the good, the bad, and the ugly of “Beyond the Story,” a book that promises the behind-the-scenes story of the K-pop group and global phenomenon, BTS. We’re in conversation with Sharanya, our former podcast producer and a member of BTS Army. From the highs to the lows, we dissect what disappointed us about the book and uncover its saving graces. We share insights on  BTS for the uninitiated, delve into the individual musical tastes of the boys,...

Despite the thick books that win awards and hearts, bigger isn’t always better. In this episode, Supriya and Deepanjana discuss the significance of slim volumes, books that look like bite-sized snacks but have all the complexity of a tasting menu. From literary experiments to rallying calls to activism, the best of slim volumes should occupy pride of place on your bookshelf and they’ll tell you why. The chapbook, the novella, and single essays – explore these small wonders with us, discover...

This week on The Lit Pickers, we’re exploring a capital idea. Let us take you on a time-slipping tour of Delhi, home to scholars and poets, Sufis and crazy rich Indians. It’s a place where seven cities are constantly re-learning and re-membering how to create a space for both those in the centre and on the margins. It’s India’s  political capital, and also the jewel of the Mughal Empire; it’s Lutyens’s creation, and the dream of its bureaucrats. Join us on this literary ramble of an episode,...

We turn to books written in recent or ‘Near History’ that offer a glimpse into the political landscape of India in 2023. Tune in as Supriya and Deepanjana dissect three books that slice through our nation's present and future, offering insights into the concerns and anxieties that riddle the country today.   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...

In this special episode, we journey through history with Kalki’s legendary 'Ponniyin Selvan' novels. We uncover how the reputation of the books has evolved with generations of Tamil readers, what challenges the film adaptation posed, and how this series inspired travelers to embark on their own literary pilgrimages. Join us in our very first interview episode with Anand Krishnamoorthi, the maestro behind the magical soundscape of the film adaptations.   You can find Supriya Nair at...

Have you ever wished there was a gifting registry just for books? The Lit Pickers are here with precisely that. In this heartwarming episode, they tell stories about books that were given to them as gifts, and books they’ve gifted to others. From receiving a beloved classic or discovering a book that changed your life, this episode is all about the magic of sharing stories, and the unforgettable connections forged on the page. Join us for a festive conversation that'll leave you feeling all...

Gather 'round, listeners, for a Halloween treat that's more than just a bag of candy. On this spine-tingling literary journey, we delve into the world of spooky books. But 'spooky' isn't just about scares—it also involves the unexplained, the inexplicable, and the eerie. From tales that blur the lines between normal and paranormal to narratives that challenge deep-rooted societal norms, we'll explore how literature keeps us up at night. This All Souls Day, be ready to embrace the dark side of...

We're back with a third season, and our first episode is Read Like a Girl redux! Dive into books about gender, feminism, sexuality and love in this relay race of recommendations. From a modern retelling of Beowulf to a Marathi memoir, and a discussion about what differentiated Andal’s poetry from Mira’s — these are books you should definitely get your hands on,  gender no bar!   You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram.    If you have any...

For April Fools, The Lit Pickers - Supriya & Deepanjana, are taking on YOUR burning questions. No jokes! They’re answering questions like, Which genre needs to retire? Which writer would we commission to write our biographies?  How can authors publicise their books? How do I pick a good audio book? What do I read to believe in love again?  They give you their answers and more with a healthy dose of book recommendations of course.  You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and...