Between the lines

“When I first read the book,I realized that there was a lot I could relate to. I would read the stories and later tell them to my mother in Marathi. She liked them so much that advised me to translate the stories in Marathi,in a style everyone could understand,” says Mahajan who then approached numerous publishers. “No one was ready to publish the book as prior experience was a pre-requisite. Then I approached Loksatta who liked the concept so much that they agreed to publish 52 stories in Chaturang,the weekly supplement of the publication,” adds she.

“With a few of the stories,I approached Mehta Publishers who,after seeking approvals from their experts,agreed to publish the book,” smiles she. A long series of emails to seek approvals from the original publishers and with the terms and conditions fulfilled,Mahajan’s first book Chicken soup for Soul part one was published in 2006. “The response was overwhelming right from the time the series had started. The book flooded my inbox with emails and post box with letters of appreciation from remotest corners of Maharashtra,” says Mahajan.

“Contrary to people’s notions,translation is not an easy job. While the story outline and the characters remain the same,capturing the mood in a language that makes the reader feel as if the story is happening in his or her backyard is a challenge not many can fulfill. There are times I spend days searching for the apt words to describe situations. For instance,I worked on books such as- It happened in India- the autobiography of Kishor Biyani which is full of management terms or for that matter- The circle of life by London based Kiran Ahluwalia that has legal terminology. That time,I seek help from professional experts,” smiles the lady who takes between two- two-and-a-half months to complete one book.

“Everyone has some problems. I remember an old couple who were depressed due to the demise of their son. After reading my books,they conveyed to me the message how the book helped them forget the sorrows and instead find happiness in their granddaughter. Responses such as this give me the satisfaction that though I can’t be the light in their lives,I at least have a ray of hope,” she concludes.