Hem Dulal

Kathmandu, May 21:

Surrounded by his kin, a large number of fans, readers and members of the literary circle, it was almost difficult for Guru of Love Samrat Upadhyay to autograph books, pose for photographs and converse with fans all at the same time during his three-hour visit to the Ninth Nepal Education and Book Fair at Bhrikutimandap today. But Upadhyay managed to do all these, and more. One of the pioneers of Nepalis writing in English, Upadhyay has garnered wide acclaim worldwide for his collection of short stories Arresting Gods in Kathmandu and his novel Guru of Love. In the three hours that he was there at the stall, Upadhyay autographed all his books that were there, and went on to autograph other books and readers’ diaries as well.

Upadhyay, who is in Kathmandu for 11 days to visit his family, complied to the request of AB Shrestha, managing director of Educational Book House, and satisfied fans and others alike by his calm and unhurried presence at the book expo. But many had their hopes dashed as Upadhyay was surrounded by so many fans. He could not manage to talk properly with media persons. Many noted writers, including Abhi Subedi, had to return disappointed. However, for Upadhyay it was “absolutely fabulous”. “I had not expected such a large number of fans,” he said. “I thought there would be a few people who would come and ask for autographs.” With Upadhyay’s expectations being surpassed, even that of Shrestha of ASAN Books was surpassed. He said all books on sale were sold estimating around 250 books were sold during Upadhyay’s three-hour stay.

Saying that Salman Rushdie influenced him strongly while an undergraduate, Upadhyay said he was influenced by Irish and American poets in his later years. Of his writings he said, “I think my writing has some similarities with the writing of BP Koirala in Nepali.” Though Guru of Love was the third book he wrote, it was the first one to be published, said Upadhyay who has received the Whiting Award and the New York Times notable book recognition. He described Nepali readers as having no critical approach to literary books. “Either they admire the books or start draping the writers with shawls,” he said. Upadhyay, who teaches in a university in the US, said he was surprised to read criticism regarding his books in foreign newspapers, especially in American newspapers. He said some opined that his books had no exaggeration, while some said his books did not reflect life. But “English language can’t depict Nepali psyche and it is difficult to put Nepali feelings in English,” said the man who arrested everyone’s attention at the book fair.