PVLF 2025

Interview with Tanushree Podder, Author of Ambapali: A Novel

I pictured Ambapali as totally different from the one depicted in books and movies. I think she was a strong woman who fought against the patriarchal mindset.
on Jul 20, 2023

Tanushree Podder is a well-known travel writer and novelist. She has written several non-fiction books before moving to fiction, and has now published sixteen novels. Her books include Nur Jahan's Daughter, Boots Belts Berets, On the Double, Escape from Harem, Solo in Singapore, A Closetful of Skeletons, Before You Breathe, No Margin for Error, The Teenage Diary of Rani Laxmibai, The Girls in Green, Spooky Stories and An Invitation to Die.

Ambapali is her seventeenth novel. Three of her books, Boots Belts Berets, A Closetful of Skeletons, and The Girls in Green, are being adapted into web series

Frontlist: What initially drew you to Ambapali's story and inspired you to write a novel about her? What was your first encounter with the character?

Tanushree: Ambapali is a fascinating character with a unique journey. She was one of the most beautiful women of her time and was richer than many kings. She strongly influenced the nobles in Vaishali and wielded much power in the court. Kings, princes, and nobles vied for her favor.

As an author, I spotted the immense possibilities in her story. There is glamour, drama, romance, and a touch of mystique in that story. Right from when she was found under a mango tree, to her appointment as the Nagarvadhu and later her spiritual awakening, the events in her life can be translated into multiple stories, each more interesting.
I was a teenager when I first read about Ambapali. Since then, she has been in my mind, and I knew I would write about her one day.

Frontlist: What was your research process to accurately portray the historical and cultural backdrop of Ambapali's time?

Tanushree: A historical novel requires much more research than a contemporary one. As a person with a curious mind, I enjoy the process of researching. It is very educative and satisfying. The resources for that era were minimal, so research proved challenging. I had to depend on the Jain and Buddhist tomes for much information. I researched each facet of the ancient lifestyle, which involved learning about the food, jewelry and attire, culture, music, and many other elements of that time.

Frontlist: As mentioned in the book, Ambapali's journey involves glamour, romance, and sacrifice. How did you balance these elements while staying true to her character and historical context?

Tanushree: You are right. There is a surfeit of glamour, romance, and sacrifice in Ambapali’s life. It is a tough call for an author to balance these elements while creating an interest in the readers. I had to make the proper ambiance of that era while blending the elements in the correct proportions. It required a lot of restraint not to go overboard with any of the details. The secret lies in constant editing and much rewriting to attain the right balance.

Frontlist: What challenges did you face while crafting a fresh perspective on Ambapali's story, considering its numerous previous renditions in ancient Indian scriptures?

Tanushree: I pictured Ambapali as totally different from the one depicted in books and movies. I think she was a strong woman who fought against the patriarchal mindset. She wasn’t just a courtesan but a woman of substance. Even though the state confederacy had decided her fate, she resisted their dictates by laying down her own terms of acceptance. In my version, Ambapali is a resolute woman who displays unusual wisdom in picking her path through life. From an innocent and vulnerable 16-year-old to an astute woman and finally, a spiritual and abstemious woman who embraces Buddhism, my interpretation of Ambapali is very different from the previous renditions.

Frontlist: Ambapali's decision to renounce all worldly pleasures and embrace Buddhism is a significant turning point in her story. How did you capture this pivotal moment's emotional depth and complexities?

Tanushree: Gautam Buddha had a close association with Vaishali. This was the city where he had his first brush with spirituality. After enlightenment, the Buddha frequently visited Vaishali and gave many sermons to the residents of that city. Like many Vaishali residents, Ambapali attended a few addresses and was deeply influenced by his teachings. But it was only after she was betrayed by her lover and accused of treason by the Vaishali confederacy that she realized the futility of materialism. Shaken by the unfortunate events, she decided to follow the path shown by the Buddha. It was a decision of great relevance and irreversibly changed Ambapali’s life. Aware of the impact of that moment, I have tried to bring it out with sensitivity.

Frontlist: As a writer, what messages or themes do you hope readers will take away from "Ambapali"?

Tanushree: Ambapali’s story is bound to touch the reader’s heart. It is impossible to remain impervious to the tragedies of her life or the inner journey of the courtesan. Her transformation from a celebrated woman to an abstemious nun forms a fantastic character arc. It illustrates the fact that fame, beauty, and riches are transitory. It is the sacrifice of worldly trappings that brings peace to the soul. The impact of her story will leave a lasting image in the readers.