Surabhi is an instructional designer, entrepreneur and advocate for eco-friendly businesses based in Bengaluru, India. In addition to spinning captivating tales, Surabhi also explores her artistic side through Kannada poetry and painting. Her passion for travel, especially to serene beaches, infuses her writing with a sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. ‘The Chosen One of Kali’ is her debut novel, blending her love for Indian mythology with her unique storytelling voice.
The Literature Times: Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind The Chosen One of Kali and what led you to explore the world of Indian mythology in your debut novel?
Surabhi: The inspiration for The Chosen One of Kali comes from my deep spiritual journey and connection with Indian mythology. I had the privilege of taking initiation into Tantra Vidya practice at Kamakhya, where my Guru introduced me to the essence of the Dashamahavidya, starting with Goddess Kali. This transformative experience, combined with visions I encountered during my practice and extensive reading on Tantra Vidya, shaped my understanding of these profound traditions.
With this foundation, I was inspired to write a story that not only highlights female-centric heroism but also weaves elements of the Dashamahavidya into a modern narrative. I wanted to introduce readers to the fierce yet compassionate energy of these divine feminine forces, showcasing their relevance in today’s world. Through the character’s journey, I aimed to create a tale that empowers, educates, and celebrates the strength and wisdom of the divine feminine.
The Literature Times: Aaradhya Sharma, the protagonist, embarks on an intense journey of self-discovery. What were the key elements you wanted to explore through her character’s growth throughout the story?
Surabhi: Aaradhya Sharma’s journey of self-discovery is deeply intertwined with her profession as an archaeologist, which served as a metaphor for her internal growth. As an archaeologist, Aaradhya is accustomed to digging through layers of history in search of truths that are not immediately apparent. This relentless pursuit of the unknown mirrors her personal journey—she ventures into the depths of her fear and uncertainty, seeking the courage to confront her destiny.
A key element I wanted to explore was Aaradhya’s ability to step into the unknown without assurance of what lies ahead. Just as an archaeologist follows a trail of clues with no guarantee of finding something, Aaradhya faces her challenges with the same determination and faith. Her transformation from fear to courage reflects the human experience of navigating uncertainty, trusting that every step forward will reveal another layer of truth.
Through her growth, I also wanted to highlight the power of resilience and the importance of taking that first courageous step, even when the path ahead is unclear. Aaradhya’s journey is not just about fulfilling a divine destiny—it’s about discovering the strength within herself to move forward, regardless of the odds, and embracing the transformative power of perseverance and courage.
The Literature Times: The book beautifully blends contemporary life with ancient myths. How did you approach the process of weaving Indian mythology into a modern-day setting? Was there any specific myth or legend that had a strong influence on the storyline?
Surabhi: The process of weaving Indian mythology into a modern-day setting for The Chosen One of Kali was inspired by how deeply rooted these stories are in our lives, even in the 21st century. We continue to name our children after characters from Indian myths—Karna, Arjuna, and others—because these stories have shaped our culture and influenced our understanding of values, courage, and identity.
What makes Indian mythology so timeless is its ability to teach us something profound about life and human nature, often through relatable character journeys. While there isn’t a specific legend that directly influences the storyline, I wanted my readers to connect with the personalities and growth of the characters in the book.
Aaradhya’s journey reflects the struggles, fears, and triumphs we all face in our own lives. By weaving mythological elements into her modern context, I aimed to create a story that resonates on a personal level with readers, encouraging them to see fragments of their own journeys in the challenges and transformations of the characters. It’s this universality of mythological wisdom that keeps these stories relevant and powerful, even today.
The Literature Times: The balance between external conflict and internal struggles in Aaradhya’s journey is quite compelling. How do you see the themes of identity and destiny playing a role in the book, and how do they resonate with readers in today’s world?
Surabhi: The balance between external conflict and internal struggles in Aaradhya’s journey reflects a universal truth we all face. Often, the challenges we encounter in the external world are deeply tied to the battles we fight within. Aaradhya’s story is one of finding the inner strength to overcome external obstacles, and through this process, she discovers her true identity and embraces her destiny.
Many of us believe that life is not just about survival—there is a deeper purpose, a reason for our existence. This innate human need for purpose connects identity and destiny. In the book, I wanted to explore how these two themes are intertwined. For instance, if we know our destiny, it shapes our identity. If I am traveling to Kashi, I see myself as a pilgrim; if I am going home, I am a seeker of rest. Similarly, Aaradhya’s journey toward her destiny as the chosen one of Kali defines her transformation into a guardian of balance and life.
The book invites readers to reflect on their own lives and struggles. Aaradhya’s path resonates because it mirrors our own quest to understand who we are and why we are here.
The Literature Times: Dark forces are central to the plot. How did you develop the antagonistic elements of the story, and what role do they play in shaping Aaradhya’s evolution as a character?
Surabhi: In The Chosen One of Kali, the dark forces are not just obstacles but catalysts for Aaradhya’s transformation. Whether we choose the enemy or the enemy chooses us, the role of the antagonist is pivotal in shaping the protagonist’s journey. The challenges posed by the dark forces in the story force Aaradhya to confront her fears, question her abilities, and ultimately evolve into the person she is destined to be.
The antagonistic elements in the story, serve as a mirror to Aaradhya’s internal struggles. They test her resolve and push her to tap into strength she didn’t know she possessed. By making her falter and face her vulnerabilities, these forces compel her to grow into the role of Kali’s chosen one.
An antagonist, in many ways, defines the protagonist. It’s through her battles with these dark forces that Aaradhya discovers her courage, resilience, and purpose. The dark forces are not just adversaries; they are the crucible through which Aaradhya is forged, shaping her into who she was meant to become.
The Literature Times: As a first-time author, what challenges did you face in writing The Chosen One of Kali? Was there a particular moment in the writing process that stood out to you?
Surabhi: As a first-time author, I was fortunate to experience a joyful flow while writing The Chosen One of Kali. Having written poetry in both Kannada and English since my college days, I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself through words. Writing this novel felt like an extension of that passion—a natural and immersive process where the story seemed to unfold effortlessly.
One particular moment that stood out was when I wrote The Dance of Destruction and Creation. It felt as though the energy and essence of Kali were guiding the narrative, and I could vividly picture Aaradhya’s transformation. That moment was not just a highlight of the story, but also a personal milestone in my journey as a writer.
For me, writing this novel wasn’t about overcoming obstacles but about channelling creativity and celebrating the art of storytelling. It was a truly enriching experience, and I hope readers feel the same joy while journeying through its pages.
The Literature Times: Your work also touches upon eco-friendly businesses and artistic expression. How have these interests influenced your storytelling, if at all, in The Chosen One of Kali?
Surabhi: I strongly believe that living in harmony with nature requires clarity in understanding what must be destroyed and what deserves to be created, what should be challenged, and what should be nurtured and encouraged. This philosophy deeply influences my storytelling, including The Chosen One of Kali.
In the book, Aaradhya’s journey is not just about confronting dark forces but also about discerning the balance between destruction and creation. Through her actions, she learns to challenge what causes harm and to nurture what fosters growth and harmony. The temple in the story, rejuvenated through her dance, serves as a metaphor for this balance—reminding us that the right kind of destruction can pave the way for renewal and greater good.
This message is vital in today’s world, where we face challenges that require us to discourage actions causing harm while supporting good deeds and intentions. By weaving this theme into the narrative, I hope to inspire readers to reflect on their choices and their role in creating a world that is more balanced and compassionate.
The Literature Times: What do you hope readers take away from The Chosen One of Kali? Is there a specific message or theme that you feel is especially important for today’s audience?
Surabhi: I hope readers immerse themselves in the journey of Aaradhya and simply enjoy the experience of her transformation. More than delivering a specific message, my goal is for the audience to connect with her struggles, growth, and triumphs, finding their own reflections and insights along the way.
The Literature Times: Finally, do you have any future projects in the works? Can readers expect a sequel or new stories that delve further into the world you’ve created?
Surabhi: Yes and yes! Another sequel is on it’s way and soon my readers can continue experiencing the journey of Aaradhaya Sharma.
Book Review: Flipkart