To celebrate the launch of Guardians of the Blue Lotus 1-ARYAVIR, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Multi-Property Vice President, Luxury, Marriott International and author Anita Shirodkar invited a select gathering of Mumbai’s book and culture lovers to introduce the book, over cocktails and hor's d'oeuvres.
The Anais at St Regis was filled to capacity, and hospitality was at its finest, in keeping with the impeccable standards of the St Regis hotel. Lotuses adorned the tables and guests felt they could have been in Kamalkund, the fictitious kingdom where Aryavir lives!
Aryavir is Anita Shirodkar’s latest book, and is the first of a sweeping trilogy in the mythological fantasy genre. Anita was in conversation with Vikram Sathye, Mumbai’s inimitable entertainment professional who comments on everything from cricket and politics to culture and Bollywood, where she spoke about Aryavir, the magical, fictional world she has created, and the reason why the genre does so well with readers across all demographics in India.
“The Guardians of the Blue Lotus is a labour of love for me,” said Anita. “The Indian mythological space is very close to my heart, and Aryavir has been a fascinating journey for me – made all the more special by the tremendously positive response I have received from everyone who has read it so far, be they 18 or 80!” Anita disclosed that she is already writing the second, as yet untitled, book of the trilogy.
Guests were then treated to a nuanced reading from the book by film and TV actor Simone Singh, award-winning star of popular TV shows, and theatre and film personality Avantika Akerkar. The two versatile ladies captivated their audience with a couple of very intriguing passages from Aryavir.
Aryavir was launched in stores last week and is already making waves – the readership base for this popular genre is huge and Aryavir has filled void for more such fantasy books with élan. The story of Guardians of the Blue Lotus – Aryavir is set in a completely fictional world and takes place in a place very like ancient India, but with fictitious kingdoms and races. One of the main protagonists is Aryavir, a prince of the kingdom of Kamalkund. The book introduces the reader to a number of fascinating, layered characters who add texture to this classic tale, which pays homage to India's magnificent mythological heritage. There are princes, kings, queens and warriors who are fighting their battles - real and metaphorical. There are fascinating characters - the revered Maheshwari sect who live in seclusion in Aryavartha, the mountain kingdom. There are the Kesakutas, who are Kamalkund’s long haired warriors who sleep for 100 days and wake for 100 days at a time. The legendary Blue Lotus forms the heart of their existence. There are historical nuances; there is clear and present danger; the past unravels its mysteries unexpectedly; and, at its heart, this is a story that is about the eternal human journey.
Among the guests who came were Fahad Samar and Simone Singh, Chhaya Momaya, Rahul and Malini Akerkar, Manali Vengsarkar, Aarti and Kailash Surendranath, Kiran Nagarkar and the well-known Marathi screen actor, Sonali Kulkarni.