Lord Krishna's in the boardroom

BENGALURU: A chartered accountant, specialising in international tax, Deepak Kaul has written a satire based on Mahabharat. He sets the epic in a corporate world – the story line runs nearly parallel to the original. Pandavas have returned after 13 years of exile and stake a claim to their lost business empire but their wicked cousins Kauravas will hear none of it. Enter Krishna, the wily consultant. Kaul tells City Express why he wrote it and who is his favourite character.

Is Mahabharat relevant today?

Yes. Absolutely. The characters portrayed, the complicated issues they faced, the circumstances they experienced are real and relevant even today. It does not portray characters, rather real men and women with their grey shades. Human emotions – be it greed, jealousy, envy, loyalty and love – will be present until the end of time.

Why the title?

The book is written for the modern times. I do not know whether today’s youth have read or even heard of the Mahabharat. I wrote thinking ‘What if Mahabharat happened today?’ and hence the name.

What reader reaction do you expect?

The book is written as a satire. I hope to kindle an interest for the epic among young readers and to amuse the older readers.

How has your family received this book? Your plans?

There are not many authors in my family and they are delighted. Frankly, the success of this book will determine my future in writing. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it and hope to continue writing in the same genre – satire.

Do you expect any controversy?

I don’t. If my book were to be written from let’s say, the context of Ramayan, then yes, as Ram, Sita and Hanuman are deifed. Mahabharat on the other hand is about human beings and their nature. Even Lord Krishna is portrayed as imperfect – in other words – human.

Who is your favourite character?

I have loved developing and exploring each of the characters, but Karan (Karna) is my favourite – as he has always been. He was known to be charitable and upright but he fought on the wrong side. Wrong sense of judgment on anything – be with your politics, organisation, thoughts or a person – can influence you and your actions. Karan clearly was conflicted and that is seen in almost all of us today.

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