The fourth edition of non-fiction literary festival, themed Be Bold Stay Real, is all set to kick-off next week in the Capital. Kumaar Bagrodia, director of the festival talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about the journey so far and the challenges authors face
Tell us about this festival.
It began in June 2013. In the last one-and-a-half years, we have held three editions (two in Mumbai and one in New Delhi). It is a confluence of the best minds in the country. We have hosted sessions with over 250 authors, writers and thought leaders.
Why did you think of this festivalIJ
Overall, non-fiction content represents the many different needs of the people in our country. We found that such a platform was missing and hence this festival came into being.
How big is the non-fiction literary space in today’s scenarioIJ
India is an emerging economy and there is a lot that we need to learn, unlearn and re-learn. This requires tremendous amount of questioning and debate around the different facets of our economy, society, business etc. Non-fiction authors are driving the qualitative content and discourse around these subjects. There is also a new set of consumers who want to read about food, health, fitness and travel.
How’s the response been so farIJ
The response has been good. It will take time to grow as our sessions can be focused on fairly serious topics and most don’t offer the kind of ‘masala entertainment’ that audiences have been served.
What are some of the challenges/problems that non-fiction authors faceIJ
Authors usually have to undertake a lot of research and/or write from deep experience on the subject matter. This takes a fair amount of time and cost as well.
How has the non-fiction space evolved in recent yearsIJ
We find a greater number of authors who have full time careers or vocations and are coming into trade publishing. There is a huge demand for great content be it books or blogs across all categories
Do you think that the non-fiction world has a far reaching influence than any other mediumsIJ HowIJ
Across genres, these books give key insights into the topic at hand. From chronicling the past, defining the various issues at hand, or even prescribe solutions and forward looking scenarios they can play an important role altering the thinking or at least have the public question their assumptions and increase their understanding. Books on cinema, health, fitness, food, travel can open doors to a different angle and context on the respective subjects.