Following the sun...

Mona

Rupa Bhullar, a financial expert, had one wish—to write a book and get it released by filmmaker Imtiaz Ali. And, it all came together early this month in Mumbai!

Published by her namesake, Rupa, The Indigo Sun is the story of Maya and her journey to find a purpose in life. Leaving her flourishing practice in New York, the protagonist lands in Jodhpur that becomes her playground to put meaning to life. More from the debut author, who is director, finance, at a global corporation, settled in New Jersey.

They say every writer’s first work is largely autobiographical. How true is it in your case?

Quite! My protagonist is an amalgamation of who I am and who would like to be. And, my take is that I can offer what I know the best. So, Maya is an NRI woman in search of her roots. And, her trip to Rajasthan - one transformative experience, courtesy, people she encounters on the way!

With academic and professional background completely in finance, how did the book happen?

In India, like it or not, lots is guided by societal pressure. I studied commerce, did my CA, a career I enjoy and the family completed the picture. Everyone thought wealth, husband, sons – make one happy. And, I am, but, after a point one starts questioning – what next? You can go for a bigger car or house, but what I wanted to do was to fulfil my creative streaks that finally came through.

Share with us the journey of The Indigo Sun.

It was a story waiting to be told. I discovered reading rather late but once I did, I was completely immersed in it. Tagore, Gita, Budhism, Rumi, Zen – I picked my tomes and went back to them again and again and that’s when the idea of writing came along. It was rather intimidating, sharing with the world that after doing finance all my life, I wanted to turn author but as I wished, I found a way. It was that as if it came all pouring. Post the deal with my publisher (Rupa), I could muster it all up in three months.

What’s the book trying to tell through Maya’s journey?

There are two basic principles - one, it is tough balancing between fulfilling the necessities and following one’s heart but rather than being a mediocre pursing what your heart does not want , one should take a shot it wants. Two, giving is as important as getting. And one mustn’t always just share the riches, but also time, insight, and your story. 

Why Imtiaz Ali for the book’s launch?

His stories (films) have always struck a chord with me. And, I wanted him and no one else to launch the book. The way he sets his scenes, situations is what I relate with, and he sure is a legend. If I am on the same track as his, even if thousands of miles behind (legend that he is), I am glad.

I love Chandigarh

Chandigarh remains home. I did my schooling (Sacred Heart) and college (Government College for Girls-11) from here and with my mother and one of my sisters settled here, I love coming back ‘home’ year after year. I love how distances are still doable and if only one had a thriving art scene here; it would enhance its stature even more.