Graphic Realities

Sarnath Banerjee on his brush with the art world and Bollywood

When he spoke to us last,which was in 2007 during the Barn Owl’s Wondrous Capers book tour,graphic novelist Sarnath Banerjee was excited about going undercover and working with a European family which directed and produced pornographic films. Two years down the line,Banerjee is a distracted man. “I’ve been a little busy. First there was the exhibition at Tokyo and then of course Sao Paulo. I have had very little time for my next novel. Now,I really need to pull up my socks. My publisher is getting all jittery,” says Banerjee who was in the city to launch an exhibition of his works. However,those who follow Sarnath’s works know that he has been more than just a “little busy”. His experience with the European family may or may not translate into a novel (he refuses to divulge details),but Banerjee,in these two years, has managed showcase his works around the world,be a part of a Bollywood film and release graphic novels of other writers through his publishing outfit,Phantomville. No mean achievement for someone who makes jokes about his “publisher breathing down his neck”. About Little Zizou,the Sooni Taraporevala film in which he was creatively involved,Banerjee has only good things to say. “It’s a long standing,and somewhat symbiotic collaboration. I have been in touch with Sooni for a long time. I’ve used some of her photographs in my works. So when she suggested that I do the artwork for Imaad Shah’s character for the film,I was more than happy to oblige,” he smiles. Working with the young actor was a worthwhile experience too,claims Banerjee. “He is a bright young man and really thinks about his work,” he says. About his new-found love affair with the art world (he has showcased his work at the prestigious Sao Paulo Biennial) Banerjee says- “I have been drawn in to the art world. My work is now considered to be art,I can only be happy about it,” he smiles.

His next novel,claims Banerjee,will be about time. “So far I’ve talked about places. Corridors was about Delhi,Barn Owl was about Kolkata. My next novel will be about time,” he says.