Nala Damayanti: An Eternal Tale from the Mahabharata | From the writer of BAAHUBALI and ASURA

I just couldn't stop flipping the Pages over and over, all throughout!! In every version of Mahabaratha, I know Authors taking reference of Nala and Damayanthi when talking about Love, How Fate played with them, How Nala lost his Kingdom in the Game of Dyutha just like Yudishtir, but, I never knew the strory! Now, I know. Thanks for this Wonderful book, Anand Neelakantan Sir.

Unlike his previous books, there are elements that are other worldly. It is funny and light read (mostly). Bheemasena, father of Damayanti is an underrated character. You'll know why once you read 😌

One must read this retelling of Nala Damayanti story.The author’s writing style is effortless and engaging. The conversations in the story are witty and fun to read. His descriptive narration keeps you hooked on the book. As you go through the book, you feel the story unfolding in front of you. Hence, in my opinion, you can finish reading this book in a day.Every character in the story well developed and you will surely fall in love with each one of them. It might sound like an exaggeration, but you will understand if you read the book.As a child, we learnt lessons through a story. Through this story, the author says, humans should be characterized by the quality of their deeds. In the eyes of God, everyone is equal. He never differentiates among his children. He wants us to believe in ourselves and never give up on it. Most importantly, learn to respect an individual’s choice.

"Nala Damayanti: An Eternal Tale from the Mahabharata" by Anuja Chandramouli is a captivating retelling of an ancient Indian mythological tale that has stood the test of time. This book takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the trials and tribulations of two lovers, Nala and Damayanti, as they navigate through life's challenges.The story of Nala and Damayanti is an epic love story that has been passed down for generations in Indian mythology. It is a tale of love, loss, and redemption that explores the themes of fate, loyalty, and honor. Anuja Chandramouli has masterfully retold this ancient tale in a way that is accessible and engaging to modern readers.Chandramouli's writing style is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the lush world of ancient India. The descriptions of the characters and their surroundings are vivid and immersive, transporting readers to a different time and place. The author's attention to detail and research is evident in the rich cultural and historical context in which the story unfolds.What sets this retelling apart is the depth and complexity of the characters. Nala and Damayanti are not one-dimensional archetypes, but rather fully-realized individuals with their own fears, flaws, and desires. Their love story is not without obstacles, and the trials they face along the way only serve to make their bond stronger.Overall, "Nala Damayanti: An Eternal Tale from the Mahabharata" is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology or epic love stories. It is a beautiful and timeless tale that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Chandramouli's retelling is a triumph of storytelling that breathes new life into an ancient myth.

Nala Damayanti is a timeless tale of love from the Mahabharata that seeks to impress upon impressionable young girls, that they must love their spouses unconditionally. Even/especially if, said spouse is a whiny, weak loser who irresponsibly gambles away his entire Kingdom before abandoning her in the forest, to fend for herself. Husband dearest might be a rapist, murderer, and afflicted with every kind of awful trait there is but the wife must put up with his crap not just with superhuman stoicism but with a loving heart and devote every waking moment of her existence to pandering to his unworthy whims, enduring his gross embrace, and bringing forth sons by the dozen. She must also refuse to entertain even the thought of another man let alone his advances, because according to the ancient incels who wrote the scriptures while under the influence, a woman’s chastity must be safeguarded at all costs even if it entails eking out a miserable existence without an orgasm in sight, leave alone happiness or fulfillment.Anand Neelakantan takes this material, and working within these crippling limitations does his utmost to redeem it. The fate of humanity, which is dangerously close to extinction, thanks to Brahma, the original dirty old deity, rests in the dainty hands of Damayanti, and her ability to love a man, who is hardly worth her toenails unconditionally, while fighting her way past the many barriers, that loom on their way to a doubtful happy ending. She is aided in her hopeless quest by Hemanga, a golden swan with a beak that just won’t quit jabbering. The lovers face untold hardships, thanks to the wily machinations of Kali, a God of darkness, who emerged from the sum of humankind’s fears and insecurities as well as Indra, Agni and Yama who toy with humans because they can and since immortality does not seem to have rendered them immune to boredom.The story chugs along pleasantly enough. Here, as in the epic one wonders what Damayanti sees in Nala. We are told that the way to Damayanti’s heart is through her stomach and Nala as an amazing cook, manages the feat with a little help from Hemanga, in whose wake chaos usually unfolds. This isn’t quite convincing, but the reader goes along because of the charming mirth present though the proceedings. Nala is a self – made, irritatingly noble soul who has made a better life for his people but his achievements notwithstanding, he suffers from a severe inferiority complex on account of belonging to the Nishada tribe. He and his people are constantly dehumanized over their lower caste status. Neelakantan explores this recurring theme common to most of his books with the sensitivity and sharp wit he is known for, making Nala a sympathetic figure when he is not being an insufferable one.In contrast to the self – pitying and almost ineffectual Nala, we have King Rituparna of Ayodhya who towers over the story with his brashness, bawdy tastes, and ferocious appetite for life. A truly memorable character, he appears to be a stand – in for the author himself with his irreverence and impatience for those who are so filled with fear about the torments of an afterlife that may see them in hell for their sins, that they forget to savor the joys of the single life allotted to them and fail to fill it with love and worthy deeds. He is the perfect answer to false Godmen and priests who play on the human penchant for being foolish for personal profit. Too bad, Damayanti doesn’t ditch Nala for Rituparna, but an epic tale can only go so far and thanks to Neelakantan, the modern reader will hopefully emulate Damayanti’s intelligence and gritty resolve to extricate herself from impossible situations in which she lands up thanks to idiot males without ever losing sight of the power of love to fix almost anything.