Anand Neelakantan On Asuras And Their Ways

You might know him as the acclaimed author of the Bahubali series, but more than that, Anand Neelakantan is a storyteller par excellence. With his engaging narratives speckled with fresh takes on Indian myths and legends, Neelakantan has carved a niche as a trailblazer in the Indian literary landscape. Through his acclaimed works, he offers readers a fresh perspective on age-old tales, reimagining characters and events with a thought-provoking lens that prompts introspection and sparks dialogue.

But steering away from his brand of fiction, he has now authored his first non-fiction book, "The Asura Way: The Contrarian Path to Success." OT caught up with the writer to discuss his new book and how writing takes him places. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

Using stories and examples from our Puranas and history, such as Lord Krishna's anger towards Bhishma during the Mahabharata war, to illustrate that even the most revered figures in our culture were not immune to this emotion, I argue that denying our desires is futile, as they are an inherent part of the human experience. I aim to present a contrarian view of success - one that embraces the qualities of the Asuras and challenges us to rethink our assumptions about what it takes to thrive in today's world.

The concept sprang forth during a particularly trying phase in my personal journey, where I began to doubt the conventional routes to satisfaction and achievement. I was once caught in the corporate world's rat race and escaped it using the Asura way. I thought I should share it with the world, and if it helps at least a few to find their passion, I am happy.

One of the key figures I examine is Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka and a central character in the Ramayana. Ravana was a brilliant scholar, a skilled warrior, and a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva. While Ravana's actions were perhaps misguided, they were driven by a deep sense of pride and a refusal to bow down to authority. In many ways, he represents the Asura spirit of defiance and the unwillingness to accept the limitations imposed by others. Ultimately, I aim to encourage readers to embrace the positive aspects of their nature – passion, ambition, and determination – while tempering them with wisdom, ethical behaviour, and a commitment to the greater good.

Growing up in the village of Tripunithura, in Kerala, had a profound impact on my thinking and shaped my personality in ways I am still discovering. The ancient town is steeped in tradition and culture, and the various temples and temple arts significantly influenced my upbringing. My parents, L. Neelakantan and Chellammal, were devout Hindus who instilled in me a deep respect for our religion and its teachings. They always encouraged me to question everything and to think critically.

The temples of Tripunithura were not just places of worship but also centres of art and culture. I spent countless hours observing the intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings that adorned these sacred spaces. The stories and legends depicted in these artworks sparked my imagination and ignited a passion for storytelling within me. Through these experiences, I learned that Hinduism is not merely a set of beliefs and practices but a way of life. The insights I gained from these various sources informed and shaped the narrative of The Asura Way.

To capture the essence of these stories, I embarked on a journey to visit various temples and sacred sites associated with the Asuras and other mythological figures. Each temple and village had a unique narrative to share, passed down through generations by word of mouth. I made it a point to interact with local priests, scholars, and storytellers, eager to learn about the oral traditions that had shaped the Puranas. I listened intently to their tales of ancient heroes, divine interventions, and the interplay between gods, demons, and humans. Some of the temples, like the Malanada Temple in Kerala dedicated to Duryodhana or the Sweta Kalabhairava temple in Kathmandu, have fascinating legends associated with them that could shock a conventional believer. The Tantric temples of Eastern India and the non-Brahmanical temples of North Kerala and South Karnataka have their own set of Puranas associated with local deities.

As I travelled from one sacred site to another, I realised that the Puranas are not merely a collection of abstract myths told by devotional poets. On the ground, they are a living tapestry of stories deeply connected to the land and its people. The oral legends I gathered along the way provided me with invaluable insights into ancient India's beliefs, values, and aspirations. Such travel is good for reminding us that our history is not confined to the pages of books but is woven into the very fabric of our land, waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

The Mahabharata is a chronicle about the human state. The Pandavas were not flawless heroes. They made many errors, and they frequently used violence to accomplish their aims. The Kauravas, conversely, were not pure villains. They were flawed and misguided, but they were also capable of tremendous love and allegiance. The villager's question helped me see the Mahabharata in a new light and understand the Asura perspective.

3. Question the Conventional Wisdom:

Challenge the established norms and interpretations of Indian mythology. Don't be afraid to ask questions, re-examine old beliefs, and offer unique insights. 

4. Find Your Own Voice:

While drawing inspiration from ancient wisdom is important, your writing should ultimately reflect your unique voice and perspective. Embrace your individuality and let your own experiences and interpretations shape your work.

In the realm of television, I am currently engrossed in scripting the grand epic, Srimad Ramayan, for Sony TV. The project is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of the beloved tale. I have penned the screenplay for a two-part Mahabharata film to be directed by the acclaimed Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra. This cinematic endeavour will bring the timeless epic to life on the big screen, capturing its grandeur and complexity. I have major OTT shows in the pipeline. But one ambition remains: make my book for children, "Mahi- The Elephant Who Flew Over The Blue Mountains", into an animated film that would rival the one made by Disney or Pixar.