All creative writers should have experience translating, according to Kannada author Vivek Shanbhag, whose novella “Ghachar Ghochar,” which was translated into English and won praise from all over the world, is his most well-known work. The explanation is because, in Shanbhag’s opinion, writers may learn a great deal from this humble procedure.
“There is more to the collaboration between Srinath Peru, his translator, and me than just me writing and him translating.

As a writer, I actually get a lot from this translation process. He is constantly pushing me and asking me questions about sentences that go beyond their definitions. As a writer, I learn a lot from these kinds of conversations, which is why I find them so vital. Since translating is such a humble experience, I believe it is a necessary for creative writers.

There are many things you take for granted while writing in your own tongue. However, as soon as it passes the translation gate, you have the impression that none of those items are with you. Hopefully, the tale is all that remains and the other thoughts don’t cross your mind.

Examining our own writing style and how it is expressed in a different language is a valuable lesson for fiction writers, according to Shanbhag, who shared his opinions on translations. The author recently gave a speech in New Delhi at the publication of his most recent book, Sakina’s Kiss.

“When I consider my own work, translation has really impacted me. For instance, I have learned more by explaining to Srinath what is below a sentence or term,” he continued.
On September 29, 2023, Shanbhag’s most recent book, Sakina’s Kiss, was introduced at Jawahar Bhavan in New Delhi.

Penguin India publishes “Sakina’s Kiss,” which was originally authored in Kannada and translated into English by Sahitya Akademi winner Srinath Perur. The tale “is a delicate, precise meditation on the persistent@ of old biases- and a rattled masculinity – in India’s changing social and political landscape,” according to the blurb.

The event’s moderator, author Shranaya Bhattacharya, had an open discussion with both Vivek Shanbhag and Srinath Perur regarding books, literature, and the translation process.
Bhattacharya praised the book, saying, “Anyone who reads this book or any of your work will be inspired.” It is yet another example of elegance in simplicity.

Because Vivek and Srinath are so exact, their statements will sever you.
When asked which literature inspire him, Shanbhag said, “I always return to the classics.” I read novels a lot; even while I don’t always finish them, I still enjoy returning to them. I prefer to carry those books with me whenever I go so I can read. I read a lot of Kannada as well. For me, two significant poets are the 15th-century poet Kumara Vasa and the renowned 20th-century poet D. R. Bendre. It takes more than Ann Lisle to read and appreciate these poets’ works. There’s always something fresh to discover in their writings. And writing needs to accomplish that; it needs to endure.

Upon asking Bhattacharya whose novels had influenced him, Perur said, “I found a shelf of P.G. Wodehouse’s books in school; they taught me to enjoy words.” I read Graham Greene’s novels at the British Counsel library in Bangalore, and they helped me understand that although life is complicated and messy, fiction can help you make sense of these things. Reading works by R.K. Narayan was enjoyable as well.
Although a lot of people say he sounds like a translation, I think that’s a positive thing because he was able to convey his world in English.

Also, since I’m here as a translator I would like to mention ‘Asterix’ comics too. I read these in school with great deal of pleasure. It’s only years later when I came to know that they were translated from French,” Perur added.

Author Vivek Shanbhag and translator Srinath Perur both read passages from “Sakina’s Kiss” to the audience in Kannada and English, respectively.
Just as the lively conversation was coming to an end, the author signed books and there was a brief audience Q&A session.
Among the attendees at the literary event were publisher Milee Ashwarya from Penguin, novelist Manoi Mitta, and International Booker 2022 winner Geetanjali Shree.