Jeffrey Archer might not know Tamil but fans of the popular writer will soon get to read two of his books in the Dravidian language. Thanks to Pavithra Srinivasan and Badri Seshadri, who have translated A Twist in the Tale, a book of short stories, and Jeffrey’s first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less (1976) to Tamil. The books will be launched by Jeffrey Archer himself on Monday.
Both Pavithra and Badri have their own stories on how it all began. “A friend of my friend was searching for a translator and that’s how I got to pen the Tamil version of the book,” begins Pavithra, who has translated the short tory collection as Mudivil Oru Thiruppam. Badri says, “I was originally asked to edit the two books. But the publishers were not satisfied with the Tamil version of the book Not a Penny more… done by another translator. So, I was asked to translate the book as Oru Paisa Koodaamal, Oru Paisa Kuraiyaamal." Badri, however, will not be taking credit for the translation. “I think the name Jeffrey Archer itself is a big name,” he quickly says. “And he comes with a commercial tag,” adds Pavithra.
Translated versions of books are not generally as well received as the original. “Many translated versions flop as the translators fail to understand the various factors in translation. I primarily focus on conveying the same meaning and impact as the original,” explains Badri, who has edited over a 100 titles including many translated versions and also owns a publishing company. “People have a stigma that translated books don’t create the same impact like the original. I think the translator should feel for the original author,” Pavithra quickly adds.
On writing the book
Penning the Tamil version, Pavithra and Badri have their memorable experiences. Translating a book that deals with subjects like short selling and stock market, Oru Paisa Koodaamal, Oru Paisa Kuraiyaamal required Badri to research the stock market and impressionist paintings, apart from gettings the words right. “You can’t write words like shortselling as kullam," he says.
Pavithra’s experiences were not of the same kind. She experimented with Tamil bringing out what any ardent Tamil reader would love to read. One of the short stories based on a letter written by a son to his father demanded a lot from the translator and Pavithra simply switched the whole story in colloquial Tamil making it readable. A story on Nigerian minister was written in the same way.
Badri Seshadri
Badri Seshadri, an alumnus from IITM and a PhD from Cornell University, cofounded Cricinfo. He now owns Kizhakku Pathipagam and is the managing director of New Horizon Media.
He has edited over a 100 titles, and is now translating the Sherlock Holmes series that includes four long stories and 56 short stories. “I’ve just completed Study in Scarlet,” he informs.
Pavithra Srinivasan
Having found an interest in translations since college days, Pavithra started translating Sivagamiyin Sabatham, chapter wise to English through her blogs. “I have so far completed two volumes of it out of the four,” she says. Westland Publishing has now shown interest in publishing the same English version in print form. She is also freelancing for many media organisations.
tejonmayam@epmltd.com
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