You can’t beat up people over language, says Gregory David Roberts

After being translated in 39 languages in 180 countries, Shantaram returns to Mumbai with a Marathi translation of the famous novel by Gregory David Roberts. Published by Mehta Books, the launch of the book was attended by Geneva-based Roberts and his wife Princess Francoise Sturdza. Roberts brought to the room an infectious energy, stirring up titters in the audience as he attempted to form sentences in his now self-confessed ‘rusty’ Marathi. Here, he speaks to DNA about the book, his love of Marathi and his plans for the future.

How does it feel to see Shantaram translated into Marathi, the language spoken by many of the characters in your book?
Although translations of the book in other Indian languages are already underway, I insisted that the first Indian translation of Shantaram in India be in Marathi, as it was the language I first learnt when I came to India in the ‘80s. Marathi has a sweetness and musicality to it that I can’t get enough of. The translation by Aparna Velankar is just excellent. When I wrote the book, I wanted people to not just experience Mumbai but also fall in love with it. Velankar’s hard work has managed to replicate that flavour.

But are you apprehensive at all about how the book will be received by Marathi readers?
In fact, I’m very excited. Many of my friends in Mumbai have been asking for years when the Marathi translation will be released. Yes, there are some who won’t like it for certain reasons, but I can’t help that.

What do you think of the growing concern among many who feel Marathi is a dying language?
I don’t believe that at all. Yes, language has always been a political issue in India but I don’t fear the loss of Marathi anytime soon. You can’t be confrontational about preserving a language, you can’t beat people up. I believe a language is popular when the art that carries it is popular. There are some stupendous Maharashtrian artists, singers and actors who represent the richness and beauty of Marathi through their own personal expressions. As long as they continue the legacy, Marathi will stay strong. . I think that is the way forward.
 
You now have plans to turn producer. Tell us about that.
I’ve set up my own production house in the UK called Shantaram Productions. I’m sure I’ll be producing and writing films for the next ten years. I hope to make one film every year in Hindi targeted at the Indian diaspora. I’ve already tied up with a film production company in London and a product placement company that has worked on the Bond and Bourne Identity series. I’m currently looking for a production partner in Mumbai. I’d like to create romantic comedies, drama and thrillers, all in Hindi but of international standard. I want to show the world the city I know and love. I want Mumbai to hold a mythical space in popular imagination that is today bestowed to cities like Paris, London or Venice

And will you continue to write?
I’ve just wrapped up the third book of my planned trilogy, of which Shantaram was the second, and I’m now working on the first. While Shantaram was about exile, the next book will be rooted in a search for money, love, identity and a sense of belonging. I also plan to write a lot of screenplays.