Dwapar Katha based on Sudipta Bhawmik’s immensely popular podcast

nandini.tripathi@harpercollins.co.in | 4 December 2023

is proud to announce the release of

 Dwapar Katha
Based on playwright and dramatist

Sudipta Bhawmik’s
immensely popular podcast with over

40 million downloads!

Releasing 20 December 2023| 608pp | Rs 599

‘Sudipta Bhawmik breathes life into every character of the epic Mahabharata with deep insights into their mind. A must read.’

Anand Neelakantan, bestselling author

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‘Sudipta Bhawmik is a master story-teller.’

Bibek Debroy

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‘A grand story told without grandiosity. Epic Indian storytelling meets Aristotelian sequencing of events.’

Mahesh Dattani, playwright and writer

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Mahabharata, one of India’s most cherished epics, has fascinated generations. The age-old saga of warring cousins—the valiant Pandavas and the formidable Kauravas—has left an indelible mark on our collective imagination. Yet, beneath the stories of valour and villainy lie complex human emotions that challenge our ideas about ‘good’ and ‘evil’. Can the virtuous always conquer the malevolent? Are the Kauravas truly the embodiment of darkness, while the Pandavas exude righteousness? Does Dharma triumph in the end?

In Dwapar Katha: The Stories of the Mahabharata, Sudipta Bhawmik delves deep into the intricacies of human nature as he explores the psyches of an eclectic cast of characters, unearthing their motivations and desires. He immerses us in their ceaseless inner struggles on a battlefield more profound than Kurukshetra. Feel the seething anger of Bheem as he rages against the silent Yudhishtir during Draupadi’s disrobing and grieve with Duroyadhan when he loses his dear friend Karna in the war. Explore the concepts of Dharma and Karma along with the Pandavas, as Sudipta unearths age-old tales of the Vana Parva, where rishis share life lessons with the exiled Pandavas.

Rooted in Sudipta’s immensely popular podcast, which has recorded over 40 million downloads, Dwapar Katha is a delight to read. The captivating prose and stunning illustrations breathe new life into this timeless tale where darkness and light intertwine and heroes are often indistinguishable from villains. The Mahabharata has never been more enchanting, thought-provoking and alive..

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Sudipta Bhawmik, author, says ‘For thousands of years, the Mahabharata has inspired people in South and Southeast Asia. However, the younger generation, especially Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, is not familiar with it because it has never been presented to them in an accessible format. The Stories of the Mahabharata podcast has bridged this gap by presenting the epic in a format they are accustomed to and a language they are familiar with. Although the book, Dwapar Katha, takes on a more traditional print form, it retains the dramatic nature and simplicity of the podcast. I believe the book not only serves as an ideal companion to the podcast but also offers an easily comprehensible text for readers of all ages. The Mahabharata teaches us that the fundamental problems of life are eternal, and so are their solutions. This is why the Mahabharata remains so contemporary and modern.’

Ridhima Kumar, Commissioning Editor, HarperCollins India, adds ‘Mahabharata is a timeless epic that never grows old, always offering something new with every read. Sudipta Bhawmik’s Dwapar Katha is a captivating tale that delves into character psyches, fostering empathy for the often-misunderstood Kauravas and prompting reflection on the actions of the beloved Pandavas. This narrative not only feasts the mind but also enchants the eyes with stunning illustrations that bring it to life.’

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sudipta Bhawmik is an award-winning playwright who has written nearly forty plays in both Bengali and English languages. He has also authored four books. His plays have been produced and staged across the US, the UK, India, and Bangladesh, and they have been translated into Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil. Sudipta holds a Ph.D., a Master’s degree, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. He currently resides in New Jersey, USA.

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For reviews, excerpts, author interviews and more information, please contact Nandini Tripathi at nandini.tripathi@harpercollins.co.in