#NewsBytesExclusive: 'Naked' co-authors share insights on queer love
The world of literature recently received a new addition that brings out the struggles and joys of city life, queer love, and the quest for a spiritual home. Called Naked, the book presents a blend of philosophy and mystery to readers. NewsBytes touched base with authors Aditi Mediratta and Michaela Talwar to discover more about this book that captures a different side of Mumbai.
Mediratta is a scriptwriter, while Talwar is a filmmaker
Aditi Mediratta is a scriptwriter, best known for her works in Bollywood films Once Upon A Time In Mumbai and The Dirty Picture. On the other hand, Michaela Talwar is a filmmaker, art curator, budding author, and co-founder of Harkat Studios.
What got you to write a book on queer love?
"We weren't planning to write a book on queer love. We just had a character in mind who falls in love with an emotionally-available man and the love story followed him instead of us making one," explains Mediratta. Talwar adds, "The characters are an amalgamation of different personalities, some of them straight, some of them queer, all in a love conundrum."
Why has the book been named 'Naked'?
Mediratta says that she and Talwar planned "Naked" as only a "working title until publishers and those who read the book thought it suits the theme well." "The title is also an encouragement to the readers, besides grabbing their attention. We want them to strip off all the masks they hide behind. Be vulnerable and accept your nakedness," reveals Talwar.
How is 'Naked' any different from the already-existing LGBTQ+ content?
With Naked, both Mediratta and Talwar want to "normalize love." "We don't want to sell it as an LGBTQ+ novel but something that talks about how pure and gender-less love is," enlightens Talwar. Adding further, Mediratta says, "Love should be normal. The book challenges why people can't take queer love as love with any other person. The gender of the person shouldn't matter."
Mediratta and Talwar on the experience of co-writing the book
"It was surprisingly easy! We had a great time writing this book," states Mediratta. Talwar says, "Aditi and I are quite headstrong and different people. We both used to write on Google Docs together. If I left one part, she'd complete it. It was beautiful."
Do you feel that India has accepted homosexuality well?
"Not really. I have friends who came out to their family and one of them was even taken to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist said the problem is with the mother and not the son," shares Mediratta. She says that the situation in metro cities is better than in smaller towns. "It will take one more generation of people to accept it," Talwar cites.
Homophobia is prevalent. How does 'Naked' illuminate queer love?
"Naked can enlighten readers that there are other bigger problems in life than who is loving who and what is the gender of the person. Queer love is not devil worship or abnormal," explains Mediratta. "It's also going to help people understand their gay family members, friends, or colleagues better," adds Talwar. "If parents read it, nothing like it!" she concludes.
