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The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma
Ep 399: Divya Prakash Dubey: Ek Jeevani
Sep 16, 2024
Divya Prakash Dubey, a bestselling writer revolutionizing Hindi literature and screenwriting, shares his insights on creativity and identity. He delves into the evolution of contemporary storytelling, reflecting on how language shapes narratives and resonates with audiences. The conversation touches on nostalgia tied to past media experiences, the role of education in personal growth, and the complexities of identity influenced by society and religion. Dubey also navigates the balance between tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing world.
06:40:03
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Quick takeaways
- Divya Prakash Dubey champions Naivali Hindi as a modern language that connects literature with everyday speech for broader audience appeal.
- The podcast explores the transformative power of storytelling, emphasizing its ability to forge connections and evoke strong emotions in listeners.
- A critical discussion on the shift from communal to individualized media consumption raises concerns about societal isolation and fragmented experiences.
- Dhume argues that evolving language in art is essential, advocating for contemporary expressions that reflect societal changes and artistic integrity.
- Highlighting the disconnect in modern relationships, the podcast examines the need for revised frameworks that align with contemporary individual desires and needs.
- The conversation underscores the vital role of storytelling in cultural representation, aiming to preserve diverse voices and foster understanding across communities.
Deep dives
Shakespeare's Influence and Critique
William Shakespeare faced significant criticism from contemporaries like Ben Jonson and Robert Greene, who felt he deviated from classical unities of time, place, and action as prescribed by Aristotle. Critics often labeled him as too populist, accusing his work of being lowbrow and frivolous, suggesting it promoted immorality through its language. However, the speaker defends Shakespeare, pointing out that language and art evolve to reflect changing societal norms, demonstrating that artists emerge as products of their time. This highlights the ongoing tension between traditional critics and modern artistic expression, which continues to be relevant today.
Naivali Hindi: A New Literary Movement
Divya Prakash Dhume introduces Naivali Hindi, a contemporary style of writing that seeks to connect literary works with everyday language, making it relatable for a broader audience. He emphasizes that unlike traditional Hindi literature, which often feels artificial and distant, Naivali Hindi resonates with the way people actually speak. This movement challenges established norms in Hindi literature, allowing for more authenticity in character development and storytelling. By breaking down the barriers imposed by elitist literary standards, Dhume aims to inspire a new generation of writers to embrace this relatable style.
The Power of Storytelling
The conversation explores the transformative power of storytelling, with Dhume sharing his personal journey of engaging audiences through storytelling shows. He recounted a deeply personal storytelling event that significantly impacted listeners, evoking strong emotions and connections. This format highlights the importance of sharing real-life experiences in an engaging way, helping to forge stronger connections within communities. Such storytelling opportunities allow individuals to confront their vulnerabilities, facilitating healing and growth within the audience.
Evolving Societal Dynamics
Dhume discusses how modern society has shifted from communal experiences to individualized consumption of media, likening it to a splintered community with fragmented interactions. This change, while empowering creators by democratizing storytelling, raises concerns about the erosion of shared memories and experiences that once brought people together. The speaker argues that while digital media has its benefits, it is essential to find ways to foster community connections despite the isolation created by technology. This creates a call to action for artists to intentionally create shared experiences that can reassemble fractured social bonds.
The Role of Language in Literature
The podcast discusses the importance of language in art, particularly focusing on how Naivali Hindi represents a dialogue with evolving societal norms. Dhume argues that languages and dialects are dynamic, and as such, literary forms must adapt to include contemporary expressions. The challenge faced by writers is to balance authenticity with accessibility, ensuring that their work resonates with audiences while still maintaining artistic integrity. This evolution signifies a broader trend in literature where multiple dialects and forms of expression are gaining prominence, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of India.
Personal Reflections on Growth
Dhume shares personal anecdotes about his journey from feeling lost to achieving fulfillment through creative expression. He illustrates the growth that comes from vulnerability and self-awareness, emphasizing how such reflections can lead to a stronger sense of identity. His experiences resonate with the broader struggles faced by writers who often grapple with self-doubt and societal expectations. By openly discussing his challenges and triumphs, he offers insights into the importance of embracing one's journey, regardless of external validation.
Exploring Modern Relationships
The conversation shifts towards the changing dynamics of relationships in contemporary society, particularly focusing on the disconnect between personal desires and societal expectations. Dhume points out that traditional frameworks of marriage and partnership often fail to meet the evolving needs of individuals, particularly women, in modern India. This exacerbates feelings of dissatisfaction among men and women alike, who struggle to navigate these roles. The discussion underscores the need for a reevaluation of relationship frameworks, as individuals seek authenticity and genuine connections.
The Impact of Cinema and Storytelling
Dhume reflects on his experiences in the film industry, noting how storytelling in cinema differs from traditional literary forms. He emphasizes the necessity of visual storytelling to capture nuanced emotional experiences that resonate with audiences. This medium allows for creative expression that transcends written language, making it essential for reaching broader demographics. By drawing parallels between literature and film, he advocates for the integration of different storytelling techniques to achieve emotional depth and connection.
Navigating Imposter Syndrome
The discussion delves into the commonly experienced imposter syndrome among writers, with Dhume candidly sharing how he navigated his own doubts. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of skepticism, both from oneself and from external critics. By sharing his journey, he encourages aspiring writers to push through their insecurities and own their narratives. This exploration reveals the collective struggle faced by creative individuals in validating their art within a competitive landscape.
Cultural Reflections and Identity
The speakers highlight the nuances of cultural identity in storytelling, particularly in how different generations interpret experiences. They discuss how stories provide a lens through which individuals can understand their roots, and the role of literature in preserving this identity. Dhume expresses his desire to create works that reflect the diversity of Indian voices, challenging dominant narratives that often overshadow regional stories. This conversation affirms the significance of cultural representation in literature as a means to foster broader understanding and connection among different communities.
Exploring Community through Art
The podcast emphasizes the role of art in building and nurturing community through shared experiences and expression. Dhume articulates the importance of creating spaces where stories can be exchanged, fostering a sense of belonging among individuals. This initiative echoes the need for inclusivity in storytelling, where diverse voices contribute to the collective narrative of society. The speaker advocates for artists to create community-driven art that can cultivate collaboration and understanding between different cultural groups.
Digital Media and Its Implications
The influence of digital media on storytelling is critically examined, with a focus on its potential to disrupt traditional norms while presenting new challenges. Dhume points out that while platforms like TikTok provide avenues for creative expression, they also risk oversimplifying complex narratives. This brings into question the depth and authenticity of stories shared in a digital format. The speakers address the balance between accessibility and a narrative's integrity, highlighting the importance of conscious storytelling that respects the intricacies of the human experience.
Language as a Tool for Empowerment
Language is positioned as a critical tool for empowerment within the context of storytelling, especially for marginalized voices. Dhume encourages writers to embrace their linguistic heritage as a means to carve out authentic narratives that resonate with their communities. By championing the use of regional languages alongside Hindi, he advocates for the preservation and celebration of linguistic diversity in literature. The acknowledgment of varied dialects promotes a more inclusive literary landscape that honors the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
The Value of Authentic Storytelling
The conversation concludes with reflections on the unfiltered essence of storytelling that prioritizes honesty over commercial viability. Dhume reiterates the need for writers to remain true to their unique perspectives, arguing that even amid market pressures, authenticity must remain paramount. By resisting the urge to conform to trends, storytellers can capture genuine human experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. This commitment to honest storytelling serves as a reminder that every narrative has value when told from the heart.
Art as a Reflection of Society
The discussion frames art as a mirror reflecting societal issues and complexities, suggesting that storytelling can prompt crucial conversations about cultural evolution. Dhume emphasizes the responsibility of artists to address matters of representation and identity in their work. By exploring societal tensions within contemporary narratives, artists can foster dialogue and understanding among diverse communities. This underscores the potential for storytelling not only to entertain but also to enact change within society.
Final Thoughts on the Evolution of Storytelling
Throughout the conversation, Dhume's insights highlight the ever-evolving nature of storytelling as a response to changing societal landscapes. As cultural identities shift and technology advances, the way stories are crafted and consumed must also adapt. This adaptability goes beyond mere survival; it represents an opportunity for growth and innovation within the arts. As storytellers galore, embracing flexibility and authentic representation allows for richer narratives that truly reflect the complexities of the human experience.
He's a bestselling writer who's brought Hindi literature into a modern age -- and he also writes films and tells stories. Divya Prakash Dubey joins Amit Varma in episode 399 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss his life, his language, his society and his art. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out:1. Divya Prakash Dubey on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, IMDb, Amazon and his own website. 2. Musafir Cafe -- Divya Prakash Dubey. 3. October Junction -- Divya Prakash Dubey. 4. Ibnebatuti -- Divya Prakash Dubey. 5. Aako Baako -- Divya Prakash Dubey. 6. Sharten Laagoo -- Divya Prakash Dubey. 7. Masala Chay -- Divya Prakash Dubey. 8. The first episodes of Hum Log, Buniyaad and Byomkesh Bakshi.9. Maya Memsaab -- Ketan Mehta. 10. Raja Hindustani -- Dharmesh Darshan. 11. Deep Work and Slow Productivity -- Cal Newport. 12. Memories, Dreams, Reflections -- Carl Gustav Jung. 13. Private Truths, Public Lies — Timur Kuran. 14. How Not To Get Trolled -- Amit Varma. 15. Kya Bhulu Kya Yaad Karu -- Harivansh Rai Bachchan. 16. Mujhe Chand Chahiye -- Surendra Verma. 17. Shekhar: Ek Jeevani (Hindi) (English) — Agyeya. 18. Self-Portrait — AK Ramanujan. 19. Young India — Episode 83 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Snigdha Poonam). 20. Dreamers: How Young Indians Are Changing Their World — Snigdha Poonam. 21. Husain Ki Kahani, Apni Zubani -- MF Husain. 22. Mrityunjaya -- Shivaji Sawant. 23. Yugandhar -- Shivaji Sawant. 24. जिन मुश्किलों में मुस्कुराना हो मना -- Gopaldas Niraj. 25. Rahi Masoom Raza on Amazon, Wikipedia, Hindwi, Rekhta and IMDb. 26. Kissi Se Na Kehna -- Hrishikesh Mukherjee. 27. Scene: 75 (Hindi) (English) -- Rahi Masoom Raza. 28. Cinema Aur Sanskriti -- Rahi Masoom Raza. 29. Aadha Gaon -- Rahi Masoom Raza. 30. Manohar Shyam Joshi on Amazon, Wikipedia, Hindwi and IMDb. 31. Kathasaritsagara -- Somadeva. 32. Bimal Mitra on Wikipedia, Amazon and IMDb. 33. Chitralekha -- Bhagwaticharan Verma. 34. Nayi Kahani Andolan. 35. Hindi Nationalism -- Alok Rai. 36. The Life and Times of Ira Pande — Episode 369 of The Seen and the Unseen. 37. The Art of Podcasting -- Episode 49 of Everything is Everything. 38. Imaginary Number — Vijay Seshadri. 38. A Piece of String -- Guy de Maupassant. 39. Divya Prakash Dubey's tweet about his influence for dialogue writing. 40. Ponniyin Selvan -- Mani Ratnam. 41. Humankind -- . 42. Bela Sheshe. 43. Anand -- Hrishikesh Mukherjee. 44. 96 -- S Prem Kumar. 45. Notting Hill -- xxx. 46. Ten Years with Guru Dutt -- Abrar Alvi in conversation with Sathya Saran. 47. Tamsoma Jyotirgamay and Peevat Ram Ras Lagi Khumari -- Rajnish aka Osho. 48. Urdu Ki Aakhiree Kitab -- Ibne Insha. 49. कल चौदहवीं की रात थी -- Ibne Insha. 50. Humesha Der Kar Deta Hoon Main — Muneer Niazi. 51. Kunwar Narayan, Vinod Kumar Shukla and Kedarnath Singh. 52. Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rahti Thi -- Vinod Kumar Shukla. 53. Complete Short Stories -- Guy de Maupassant. 54. Pyramid Ka Sapna -- Jack Harte. This episode is sponsored by The 6% Club, which will get you from idea to launch in 45 days! Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new video podcast. Check out Everything is Everything on YouTube. Amit’s newsletter is active again. Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It’s free! Check out Amit’s online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: ‘Naye Waale Writer’ by Simahina.
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