The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma Ep 428: The Solitary Writer Meets the Impossible Man
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Oct 6, 2025 
Narayani Basu, a biographer and historian known for her works on significant Indian figures, dives deep into the art of writing and the complexities of friendship. She shares how solitary biography work intertwines with building meaningful relationships, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability. Narayani discusses the evolution of her subject, KM Panikkar, exploring his intellectual journey and the personal influences shaping his legacy. They also touch on the challenges of navigating life, love, and career in a fast-paced world, and recommend favorites that bring joy amid the hustle.
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Solitude + Chosen Community
- Narayani Basu balances a solitary writing craft with a chosen community that holds space during intense work periods.
- She credits deep friendships for grounding her, enabling vanishing into work without guilt.
From Shy Backbencher To Engaged Conversationalist
- Narayani was painfully shy through school and college and only warmed up during her MPhil and later research years.
- Her social confidence grew after realizing people valued her thoughts, not a curated persona.
Cultivate Friends Who Hold Space
- Lean on a core group who see and respect your real self; they help you become easier in your skin.
- Invest time in friends who hold space and reflect parts of you back so you can grow.
