ft. Aanchal Malhotra

Aanchal Malhotra, a historian and writer specializing in the 1947 Partition, shared insights into her journey from an artist to an author in this interview. Initially trained in fine arts, she transitioned to writing when her research on family histories through material memory took a textual turn. Encouraged by a mentor, she realized that art and writing need not be separate. Her works, including Remnants of a Separation, In the Language of Remembering, and The Book of Everlasting Things, focus on personal narratives that bring history to life.

Malhotra explained her preference for non-fiction over fiction when dealing with Partition stories, emphasizing the importance of preserving real voices. She discussed the complexities of oral history, where multiple perspectives coexist, and how she learned to accept them as valid interpretations rather than searching for a single truth. She also shared advice on conducting field research, stressing the importance of active listening and being well-prepared with historical context before interviews.

On the writing process, Malhotra revealed that she doesn’t adhere to word count goals but instead immerses herself in the story, constantly revising and reading her work aloud. Her meticulous organization helps her manage vast amounts of research. In fiction, she balances historical depth with engaging storytelling, often removing excess information in edits. She also touched on publishing experiences, translations, and the evolving confidence that comes with multiple book releases, highlighting the privilege of storytelling across cultures.