‘The courtroom became the birthplace of my stories'

Time of India

24-05-2025

By: Payyannur Kunhiraman
How do you maintain the demanding balance between your legal career and writing?
My father wanted me to become a doctor, but I chose to study law instead. While appearing in court is part of a lawyer's daily routine, for me, the courtroom became the birthplace of many stories.
I can't always give enough attention to household matters, so I've hired someone to help manage them. Though I practice law, it is my writing that has truly brought me recognition.
Your stories frequently portray the lives of women who are forced to submit to their husbands. We encounter many societal conflicts that reflect these dynamics…
Marriage is not solely a contract between two individuals; it's also a loving bond between two communities.
There should be no compulsion for a wife to live submissively to her husband, despite the common saying that one should regard the husband as a God. Unfortunately, gender equality is still lacking in married life, with male dominance persisting at home. Certain ideas within the Muslim community are particularly unacceptable, such as the notion that women should not work and support the family.
You've also made a mark in the film industry. We know that one of your stories was adapted into a film by Girish Kasaravalli
My stories likely gained national prominence thanks to cinema.
Girish Kasaravalli adapted my story 'Karinagangal' into the film 'Haseena', and its national recognition brought more attention to my work.
What was the public reaction when you were shortlisted for the Booker Prize?
'The Booker Prize is considered the most prestigious literary award after the Nobel Prize. When my story was shortlisted, I was surprised to receive a congratulatory call from the Karnataka govt. It proved to me that no matter how long you write, your work only truly gains attention when someone recognizes its value, like gold or a diamond.'
You've often stated that writing is a weapon in your struggle. Because of your sharp critiques of traditionalism's flaws, you've also faced backlash…
'For me, writing is a form of struggle—a fight for the liberation of suffering women. A woman's life should not be confined to the kitchen like a household pest or consumed by male dominance. Her life belongs to her, and her dreams and desires deserve equal respect. This is the message I strive to express through my stories.'
You once shared a story about learning to ride a bicycle in your youth, which sparked quite a stir…
I grew up unaware of religious restrictions during my childhood. While in school, I would visit temples with friends without hesitation. Watching others ride bicycles sparked a desire in me to learn as well. A relative eventually taught me how to ride. But in our community, it was considered a serious offense for a Muslim girl to ride a bicycle.
The community gathered and assaulted my relative for it. I couldn't stand by and watch—it compelled me to step forward and defend him.
My reaction, as a girl, caused a major uproar. But through it all, my father stood firmly by my side.
You wrote a story titled 'A poor man's daughter is not a girl.' When a community's honor is placed above all else, it is often women who are silenced or oppressed. Was this story written in response to that reality?
Yes, I wrote that story after a long period of silence.
As you know, I'm also a lawyer, and to me, the courtroom often feels like a stage—where the judge, lawyers, and parties all play their roles. Those experiences and reflections gradually transformed into stories. This particular story tells of a poor young woman who is humiliated by the wealthy. They feign love and closeness, but when it comes to marriage, they seek alliances only within rich families.
The story is, in many ways, a declaration of freedom for Muslim women—an assertion of their dignity in the face of class and gender discrimination.
Tell us about your first story…
I wrote my first story while working as a teacher after completing college. I had a friend named Sukanya, an unforgettable character. During that time, I heard news of a young woman who set herself on fire. This incident deeply affected me, and I based my first story on her. The story is titled 'Am I Guilty?'
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