After reading the book, The Tantric Curse, I wanted to interview the author, Anupama Garg, as she had written on a widely debated topic, The Tantra Vidya, which was always in the negative lights. To read the complete review of the book, visit Book Review : The Tantric Curse - Anupama Garg.
Q: How does it feel holding “The Tantric Curse”? A dream come true or is it something more than that?
A: It is something more... It’s the true face of Tantra. I am a student of Tantra, a subject that is largely unknown hence misinterpreted, misunderstood and exploited by miscreants. It’s about one of the most ancient practices in India which is controversial due to lack of knowledge and I have attempted to bring forth the truths of Tantra through this book.
Q: How was your experience of getting “The Tantric Curse”published? Any difficulties you faced?
A: Yes, publishers were skeptical about the subject and often even without asking for the manuscript I was told that we do not publish this genre!! The manuscript faced many rejections, then Rupa happened who believed in it and we decided to go ahead.
Q: Tell us something about the cover of the book, how did you finalize it? Did you have other cover options too?
A: I think it’s an effective and mesmerizing cover, the story starts with the cover. Yes Rupa , did give more options but the team highly recommended this cover and I too really liked this one.
Q: Other than writing, what else do you do?
A: I conduct experiential programs with corporates, hospitals, schools, colleges and organization which are under the name of Life by Choice. These workshops are experiential and focus on stress management, positive thinking and self growth. I also spend time at my Guruji’s ashram.
Q: You always wanted to be a writer? Did it just happened or something inspired you to take it up?
A: I never thought I would write. I used to write some basic motivational articles as for participants attending my workshops. I was compelled to write to clear the myths about Tantra. It happened as my Guruji directed me to write instead of complaining as to why is Tantra misunderstood and grossly maligned.
Q: Other than “The Tantric Curse”, have you written anything else? What can we expect from you in the near future?
A: I do have a blog which has simple short motivational articles written by me, some of which were published in newspapers and magazines (www.lifebychoice.net). I have not really thought about a future project or if I will write.
Q: Is the story of “The Tantric Curse” inspired from real life events, completely real or completely fictional?
A: The book says: The book maybe fiction; it may be reality, for everything that has been imagined exists!!
Q: The story of “The Tantric Curse” revolves around occult sciences or the Tantric Vidya as we may call it, how did you articulate the entire book? Do you personally believe in the Tantric Vidya? Can you share your experiences on how it has helped you?
A: As mentioned, I am a student of Tantra and have been under training of my Guruji Baba Batuknathji, a well know tantric. This explains the fact, I have written about the path that I am walking. It’s a book on a spiritual tradition and any spiritual path has to be lived to be understood. Such paths one does not follow for any benefits, it’s just one’s calling and one simply enjoys the journey. Any spiritual practice aids in understanding the larger picture and makes one compassionate.It has helped me to, become a better, calmer, happier, and a stronger individual.
Q: The book “The Tantric Curse” is a great attempt at bringing the truths and facts about the Tantric Vidya and how the impersonators have defamed it, why did you choose to write about it?
A: I chose to write on Tantra as I wanted to clear myths about a tradition that is not known.
Q: How much time did you take to complete the book, did you ever face a writer’s block? How did you come out of it?
A: I took about two years to write the book as I travel for work. Simply put, at times I did not feel like writing so did not and at times I was in the right flow so I wrote. There was nothing more or less to it.
Q: If “The Tantric Curse” is made into a Bollywood movie, which actors/actresses would you want to be a part of it?
A: I would want a good director to take up the adaptation and leave the casting to him/her.
Q: Do you read as much as you write? Which are your favorite books and authors?
A: I cannot call myself an avid reader but I do read regularly and I don’t write much. This is my debut book. I read any book which catches my attention and which I think would be interesting irrespective of who has written it.
Q: You prefer reading e-books or the traditional paper/hard back book?
A: Hard back book always!
Q: Two things that you like and dislike about “Tantric Vidya”?
A: This question does not work for a spiritual tradition like Tantra. It is a personal journey.
Q: If you have to give one reason to our readers to get hold of your book, “The Tantric Curse”, what would the reason be?
A: An unusual love story, inspirational and gripping book set in the world of Tantra in today’s time. If you wish to understand the true face of Tantra, you should read “The Tantric Curse”
Q: Any message you would want to share with our readers?
A: Tantra is a path of self-realization descending from Lord Shiva Tantra. It is maligned as never before has a genuine practitioner told what it entails to be a Tantric and what exactly is Tantra. The West has misrepresented and misunderstood it as some exceptional sexual practice, whereas in India, as some practice which has grotesque rituals meant to cause destruction. Often media and television in particular have reinstated the fact time and again by calling delinquents Tantrics. Self-proclaimed Tantrics indulging in illegitimate activities are not Tantrics but imposters wearing robes and exploiting people under the garb of Tantra.”The Tantric Curse” is an attempt to bring out the truth of what it entails to be a tantric and why is it given under the Guru Shisya system. Every power has the potential to be misused and how it is used depends on the wisdom of the user.
Q: How can our readers connect with you?
A: Connect with The Tantric Curse on Facebook and Connect with Life by Choice Facebook Page. You can also connect with on Twitter at@ anug13 and Instagram at @anug13
-- Interview with Anupama Garg --
Q: How does it feel holding “The Tantric Curse”? A dream come true or is it something more than that?
A: It is something more... It’s the true face of Tantra. I am a student of Tantra, a subject that is largely unknown hence misinterpreted, misunderstood and exploited by miscreants. It’s about one of the most ancient practices in India which is controversial due to lack of knowledge and I have attempted to bring forth the truths of Tantra through this book.
Q: How was your experience of getting “The Tantric Curse”published? Any difficulties you faced?
A: Yes, publishers were skeptical about the subject and often even without asking for the manuscript I was told that we do not publish this genre!! The manuscript faced many rejections, then Rupa happened who believed in it and we decided to go ahead.
Q: Tell us something about the cover of the book, how did you finalize it? Did you have other cover options too?
A: I think it’s an effective and mesmerizing cover, the story starts with the cover. Yes Rupa , did give more options but the team highly recommended this cover and I too really liked this one.
Q: Other than writing, what else do you do?
A: I conduct experiential programs with corporates, hospitals, schools, colleges and organization which are under the name of Life by Choice. These workshops are experiential and focus on stress management, positive thinking and self growth. I also spend time at my Guruji’s ashram.
Q: You always wanted to be a writer? Did it just happened or something inspired you to take it up?
A: I never thought I would write. I used to write some basic motivational articles as for participants attending my workshops. I was compelled to write to clear the myths about Tantra. It happened as my Guruji directed me to write instead of complaining as to why is Tantra misunderstood and grossly maligned.
Q: Other than “The Tantric Curse”, have you written anything else? What can we expect from you in the near future?
A: I do have a blog which has simple short motivational articles written by me, some of which were published in newspapers and magazines (www.lifebychoice.net). I have not really thought about a future project or if I will write.
Q: Is the story of “The Tantric Curse” inspired from real life events, completely real or completely fictional?
A: The book says: The book maybe fiction; it may be reality, for everything that has been imagined exists!!
 |
| Interview with Anupama Garg, author of the book The Tantric Curse |
A: As mentioned, I am a student of Tantra and have been under training of my Guruji Baba Batuknathji, a well know tantric. This explains the fact, I have written about the path that I am walking. It’s a book on a spiritual tradition and any spiritual path has to be lived to be understood. Such paths one does not follow for any benefits, it’s just one’s calling and one simply enjoys the journey. Any spiritual practice aids in understanding the larger picture and makes one compassionate.It has helped me to, become a better, calmer, happier, and a stronger individual.
Q: The book “The Tantric Curse” is a great attempt at bringing the truths and facts about the Tantric Vidya and how the impersonators have defamed it, why did you choose to write about it?
A: I chose to write on Tantra as I wanted to clear myths about a tradition that is not known.
Q: How much time did you take to complete the book, did you ever face a writer’s block? How did you come out of it?
A: I took about two years to write the book as I travel for work. Simply put, at times I did not feel like writing so did not and at times I was in the right flow so I wrote. There was nothing more or less to it.
Q: If “The Tantric Curse” is made into a Bollywood movie, which actors/actresses would you want to be a part of it?
A: I would want a good director to take up the adaptation and leave the casting to him/her.
Q: Do you read as much as you write? Which are your favorite books and authors?
A: I cannot call myself an avid reader but I do read regularly and I don’t write much. This is my debut book. I read any book which catches my attention and which I think would be interesting irrespective of who has written it.
Q: You prefer reading e-books or the traditional paper/hard back book?
A: Hard back book always!
Q: Two things that you like and dislike about “Tantric Vidya”?
A: This question does not work for a spiritual tradition like Tantra. It is a personal journey.
Q: If you have to give one reason to our readers to get hold of your book, “The Tantric Curse”, what would the reason be?
A: An unusual love story, inspirational and gripping book set in the world of Tantra in today’s time. If you wish to understand the true face of Tantra, you should read “The Tantric Curse”
Q: Any message you would want to share with our readers?
A: Tantra is a path of self-realization descending from Lord Shiva Tantra. It is maligned as never before has a genuine practitioner told what it entails to be a Tantric and what exactly is Tantra. The West has misrepresented and misunderstood it as some exceptional sexual practice, whereas in India, as some practice which has grotesque rituals meant to cause destruction. Often media and television in particular have reinstated the fact time and again by calling delinquents Tantrics. Self-proclaimed Tantrics indulging in illegitimate activities are not Tantrics but imposters wearing robes and exploiting people under the garb of Tantra.”The Tantric Curse” is an attempt to bring out the truth of what it entails to be a tantric and why is it given under the Guru Shisya system. Every power has the potential to be misused and how it is used depends on the wisdom of the user.
Q: How can our readers connect with you?
A: Connect with The Tantric Curse on Facebook and Connect with Life by Choice Facebook Page. You can also connect with on Twitter at
The book review and the interview has brought a different perspective to me on the world of Tantric Vidya, it was rather it is still considered black magic. But, after reading the review and interview I am definitely going to get hold of the book to know more..
ReplyDeleteThanks, Raman Desai.
You should definitely read the book, The Tantric Curse by Anupama Garg to know more about the realities of Tantric Vidya.
DeleteThank you for reading the interview and sharing your thoughts.