‘Mythological fiction’ as we know it are written about the heroes. The protagonist is usually a strong, powerful male character. Yes, leading females in these books also have their fair share of action, but it is the hero who takes the lead. In ‘The Curse of Gandhari’, author Aditi Banerjee explores the personality of Gandhari, the queen who cursed Lord Krishna.

Banerjee believes that ‘mythological fiction’ is a misnomer for the genre. “Mythology implies that which is false, a superstition rendered obsolete by time, nothing more than a stale relic of the past. But for me, at least, the Itihaasa and Purana are very much alive and real. I like ‘speculative fiction’ as a category better, which is a more accurate description,” she says adding that she started writing The Curse of Gandhari from Mahabharata and other source text and speculated what may have been between the lines or even beyond them such that it stays respectful and consistent to the source text, Mahabharata.

Banerjee says she finds Gandhari as one of the most inspirational and unforgettable characters. “Her devotion to her husband, her astonishing act of sacrifice in blindfolding herself, her strength of will and power such that she was able to curse Krishna himself — she was always one of my favourites,” she says. “I wanted to explore her personality and reimagine her life story, driven by a simple question — would it be possible for someone who did what she did, suffered as she had, to find peace at the moment of death? I also wanted to explore her relationship with Krishna, because the dynamic between them is so fascinating,” she adds.