Search the Internet          Tips

Sisters in arms

Som Chivukula

Two years ago Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni created waves in the literary world with her second novel, Sister Of My Heart, a heartwarming tale of two cousins, whose lives are intertwined since birth; and who have to fight many battles to find their souls and save their friendship.

The story spawns two countries, India and America.

Divakaruni is one of the stars in the thriving South Asian literary community in America. Her work, including her poems, has been the source of inspiration for many Indian writers such as Pulitzer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri.

Like many novels whose success makes them a prime target for movie scripts, Sister Of My Heart has found its way to celluloid.

No, Hollywood isn't making a film out of it.

Suhasini, one of India's most admired and respected actresses-turned-filmmakers, will adapt it in Tamil for television.

It will be shown in Tamil Nadu in spring, Divakaruni said, in an interview recently from her home in Fremont, California. Part of Sister Of My Heart takes place in nearby San Francisco.

Four months ago, the actress, approached Divakaruni about the possibilities of adapting the book.

"She (Suhasini) is quite active in women's issues and we have a lot of values in common," says Divakaruni, making it attractive for her to form the partnership.

With the author's okay, Suhasini immediately went to work. She will play one of the lead characters.

Sister Of My Heart tells the story of two cousins, Sudha and Anju, born on the same day, who have different personalities and interests. Throughout the book, the reader finds tidbits about their lives.

But when they are about ready for their marriage their lives are uprooted by a secret about one of their husbands. The book continues to show how they have to overcome the odds against them and renew their love for each other.

"They (Suhasini and husband Mani Ratnam) are planning on a detailed presentation," Divakaruni reveals, adding that the film will be shown in many episodes.

Suhasini is known for her work in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. Fans love her radiant smile and brilliant character portrayals. She is known for such films as Amritha Varshini (Telugu), Samooham (Malayalam) and Sindhu Bhairavi (Tamil). She also directed a feature film, Indira, starring her niece, Nandini, and Arvind Swamy.

The artiste has an impeccable pedigree: She is the daughter of National Award winner Charu Haasan, niece of three-time National Award winner Kamal Haasan, herself a national award winner for Sindhu Bhairavi, and wife of Mani Ratnam.

In recent years, Suhasini has also been recognised for her social work in India, primarily working with the Indian Council for Child Welfare that seeks to protect and enhance children's lives.

Though her husband's role in the filming is still unclear, it is certain his presence will boost the series.

Mani Ratnam is one of India's most talented filmmakers known for such hits as Roja and the recent Alai Payuthey.

Sister Of My Heart is the second Divakaruni novel being made into a film.

Her debut novel, The Mistress Of Spices is being adapted for the screen by Gurinder Chadha, who most recently made the widely praised, What's Cooking?

Details on the project's funding are still being sorted out, says Divakaruni.

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report