Ashok Banker: Difference between revisions
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==Literary Works== |
==Literary Works== |
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Banker has published in several genres, ranging from [[contemporary]] [[fiction]] about [[urban culture|urban life]] in India to multi-volume [[mythology|mythological]] [[epic poetry|epics]], as well as [[science fiction]], [[fantasy]], and [[cross-genre]] works. |
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His first three novels to be published were crime [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]]s. He has since ceased to write crime novels though he has written short crime fiction, involving characters from the novels <ref>[http://www.epicindia.com/indianenglish/2005/04/flesh-songs-sheila-ray-story.html]</ref>. The stories of his "''Devi''" series are short works featuring [[avatar]]s of the [[Hindu]] goddess [[Devi]], and have appeared in various science fiction, fantasy, and horror magazines. Now, however, he is best known for his retelling of the epic Sanskrit poem, Ramayana. |
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Three of his novels contain [[autobiography|autobiographical]] elements and are closely related to one another. His fourth published published novel ''Vertigo'' is about a man struggling to make a successful career and home life in Bombay (the former name of Mumbai). ''Byculla Boy'' takes its name from the [[Byculla]] suburb of Bombay where he and his mother grew up. ''Beautiful Ugly'' and the complementary [[Documentary film|documentary]] of the same title are a tribute to his mother, portraying the tragic events of her life <ref>[http://www.epicindia.com/indianenglish/2005/06/my-mother-and-i-intensely-personal.html]</ref>. |
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Banker currently says he is working on a retelling of the major myths and legends of India, that began with his eight-volume retelling in English of the Indian epic of the ''[[Ramayana]]'', the story of a legendary Indian prince named Rama Chandra. |
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The in-progress eight-volume ''Ramayana'' series storyline is continued directly in the forthcoming ''[[Krishnavatara]]'' series. This in turn leads directly into his ambitious ''[[Mahabharata]]'' epic retelling, in nine double-size volumes. It is said to be followed by a multiple-volume ''Epic India'' series that continues the quest for Indian identity though a retelling of Indian historical events following the Mahabharata, up to the present day. |
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Banker has also written on various forums that he was earlier working on an alternate history series titled "The Indus Saga" set in an alternate world wherein Indian scientists discover the scientific basis for the legendary 'dev-astras' (divine weapons) described in ancient Vedic texts and a group of Indian Freedom Fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi uses the dev-astras to change the course of World War II, gain India's freedom from the British Empire, and make India, China and Japan the dominant world powers by the turn of the 21st century. |
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Another project by the prolific author is a graphic novel adaptation of his "Devi" tales. The series is slated to begin publication sometime in summer 2007. However some dispute appears to have arisen since the series has not been released and edits in the format of legal notices purported to be signed by Ashok Banker were left on the Wikpedia entries of Gotham Chopra, Jeevan Kang, Virgin Comics by an anonymous IP 210.214.10.215. |
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Banker was earlier known as a columnist, well-known for his attacks on the celebrity-obsessed mass media. In May 1998, he claimed to have discovered a new novelist one Sunil Sawle who had received a big advance. Upon being unmasked as a hoax, he claimed that he had set it all up to expose the publicity-obsessed nature of the media. His method of gaining publicity for his own works is to ostentatiously repudiate any desire to have publicity. |
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He has also written a short [[non-fiction]] book about [[Bollywood]] entitled ''Bollywood: The Pocket Essential'' ([[2001]]). |
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==Bibliography== |
==Bibliography== |
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Revision as of 12:41, 23 December 2007
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
Ashok Kumar Banker | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 7, 1964 Mumbai, India |
| Occupation | Novelist |
| Nationality | Indian  |
| Period | 1978-Present |
| Genre | Mythology, Fiction, Non-Fiction |
Ashok Kumar Banker (born February 7, 1964) is a novelist born and living in Mumbai, India.
Biography
Banker was born in Mumbai, India on February 7, 1964. He began writing professionally in his early teens, and has worked as a door-to-door surveyor for market research firms, a print journalist, columnist, scriptwriter for television series and documentaries, and in advertising. [citation needed]
Literary Works
Banker has published in several genres, ranging from contemporary fiction about urban life in India to multi-volume mythological epics, as well as science fiction, fantasy, and cross-genre works.
His first three novels to be published were crime thrillers. He has since ceased to write crime novels though he has written short crime fiction, involving characters from the novels [1]. The stories of his "Devi" series are short works featuring avatars of the Hindu goddess Devi, and have appeared in various science fiction, fantasy, and horror magazines. Now, however, he is best known for his retelling of the epic Sanskrit poem, Ramayana.
Three of his novels contain autobiographical elements and are closely related to one another. His fourth published published novel Vertigo is about a man struggling to make a successful career and home life in Bombay (the former name of Mumbai). Byculla Boy takes its name from the Byculla suburb of Bombay where he and his mother grew up. Beautiful Ugly and the complementary documentary of the same title are a tribute to his mother, portraying the tragic events of her life [2].
Banker currently says he is working on a retelling of the major myths and legends of India, that began with his eight-volume retelling in English of the Indian epic of the Ramayana, the story of a legendary Indian prince named Rama Chandra.
The in-progress eight-volume Ramayana series storyline is continued directly in the forthcoming Krishnavatara series. This in turn leads directly into his ambitious Mahabharata epic retelling, in nine double-size volumes. It is said to be followed by a multiple-volume Epic India series that continues the quest for Indian identity though a retelling of Indian historical events following the Mahabharata, up to the present day.
Banker has also written on various forums that he was earlier working on an alternate history series titled "The Indus Saga" set in an alternate world wherein Indian scientists discover the scientific basis for the legendary 'dev-astras' (divine weapons) described in ancient Vedic texts and a group of Indian Freedom Fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi uses the dev-astras to change the course of World War II, gain India's freedom from the British Empire, and make India, China and Japan the dominant world powers by the turn of the 21st century.
Another project by the prolific author is a graphic novel adaptation of his "Devi" tales. The series is slated to begin publication sometime in summer 2007. However some dispute appears to have arisen since the series has not been released and edits in the format of legal notices purported to be signed by Ashok Banker were left on the Wikpedia entries of Gotham Chopra, Jeevan Kang, Virgin Comics by an anonymous IP 210.214.10.215.
Banker was earlier known as a columnist, well-known for his attacks on the celebrity-obsessed mass media. In May 1998, he claimed to have discovered a new novelist one Sunil Sawle who had received a big advance. Upon being unmasked as a hoax, he claimed that he had set it all up to expose the publicity-obsessed nature of the media. His method of gaining publicity for his own works is to ostentatiously repudiate any desire to have publicity.
He has also written a short non-fiction book about Bollywood entitled Bollywood: The Pocket Essential (2001).
Bibliography
The author's name has appeared as both "Ashok Banker" and "Ashok K. Banker". Banker's published works include:
- Amazing Adventure at Chotta Sheher (1992)
- The Iron Bra (1993)
- Murder & Champagne (1993)
- Ten Dead Admen (1993)
- Vertigo (1993)
- Byculla Boy (1994)
- The Missing Parents Mystery (1994)
- A Mouthful of Sky (1995-96)
- Bad Karma (1998)
- Brandwarriors (1999)
- Bombay Times (2000) (a.k.a. "Swing City")
- Vortal (2000-01)
- The Pocket Essential Bollywood (2001)
The Ramayana series:
- Prince of Ayodhya (2003)
- Siege of Mithila (2003)
- Demons of Chitrakut (2004)
- Armies of Hanuman (2005)
- Bridge of Rama (2005)
- King of Ayodhya (2006)
Collected as hardcover omnibus volumes:
- Prince of Dharma (Viking Penguin, contains Prince of Ayodhya and Siege of Mithila, June 2007)
- Prince in Exile (Viking Penguin, contains Demons of Chitrakut and Armies of Hanuman, June 2007)
- Prince at War (Viking Penguin, contains Bridge of Rama and King of Ayodhya, June 2007)
- King of Dharma (Viking Penguin, will contain Vengeance of Ravana and Sons of Sita)
Other works:
- "Mahabaalak"
- "Sword of Dharma"
References
External links
- ashokbanker.com The official website of Ashok K. Banker. Recently updated.
- Epic India A cultural & literary magazine owned and maintained by Ashok K. Banker--contains no information about the author or his work