'My readers loved the name So Kul'

"I always wondered if people would remember me after I die, but now I know my words will remain and people will read them," said Sonali Kulkarni at the launch of her book So Kul.

The foundation for the book was laid in June 2005, when Sonali started writing articles for Loksatta's weekly supplement Viva.

Over the next two years, her articles for the modern Maharashtrian woman were widely appreciated. Loksatta and Rajhans Prakashan have now compiled those columns into So Kul. It was launched by Sonali's favourite actor Nana Patekar.

Sonali talks to Patcy N about her book and her inspiration for the articles.

Why is the book titled So Kul? What inspires you to write your articles?

When we were deciding on a name for my column, I suggested So Kul because that's how I signed my autographs. Plus, it is also my attitude. My readers loved the name too.

I get my inspiration from day-to-day things that happen around me. I am a very sensitive person. There are various issues that bother me, make me laugh or frustrate me. I like to react to them through my articles.

So, what are the issues that you have touched upon?

Actually these articles are not issue-based. They are reactions to various incidents that happen around us or in our lives. If I have experienced something in my life and felt like sharing it with every one, I have written about it.

How did Loksatta approach you? Were you hesitant?

I was initially hesitant because it was a huge responsibility and I had to write every week. Plus, I had to write on various topics. I was doubtful if I would be able to continue for weeks.

So, I arrived at an understanding with Loksatta. We decided that if I was not able to meet their expectations, they would remove me from the job and if I was not happy, I could leave. But thankfully, the association went on for more than two years and now the book is ready.

What were the things that Loksatta asked you to keep in mind while writing?

Writing is my passion. I had written small stories and poems for Diwali special issues, but I had no experience of writing for a newspaper. I was very hesitant because this was a huge opportunity.

However, I was never given any topic; I had to choose my own topics. Never was my topic rejected or was I told that I could not write on certain sensitive issues. I was never asked to maintain any specific style of writing. I was given total freedom, so I wrote on any topic and in whatever way I wanted to.

What made you compile all the articles into a book?

There were a lot of readers asking me to translate my articles into a blog. But I have been lazy about it. So, when this idea of publishing a compilation of all the articles came up, I grabbed it.

What were the changes that you had to make for the book?

Since I had started writing many years ago, I had to update some articles and rewrite a few of them. I had to make them relevant.

Nana Patekar is never seen at any event, but he was here to launch your book.

I am a big fan of Nana Patekar and I also like him as a human being. He is a fearless man. He is very honest and sensitive. So, I requested him to come for this programme.

In fact, when I was writing for Loksatta, he would encourage me and give feedback. So, when the book got ready it was an understanding between us that he would launch it.

Which is your favourite article in the book?

It is difficult to choose one, as there are a variety of articles. But there is one on Kuljit Randhawa's suicide and another about the bomb blasts that are very close to my heart.

What after So Kul?

I am not very sure, but I will keep writing. I will soon bring out a book of my poems in Marathi.

What are your forthcoming films?

In Hindi, I have Neeraj Pathak's The Man, Azeem Parkar's Rock Shocks, Nitin Mahadar's Camp and a special appearance in Shyam Benegal's Abba Ka Kuan. I am also doing Girish Mohite's Marathi film Pratibimb.