7.16 Ministhy S & Arunava Sinha: Leaping Out Of A Page - Translation is More Than Putting Pen to Paper

Ever wondered how translators breathe life into stories across languages? Or what it takes to bring the essence of one culture into another?

In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle unravel the secrets of literary translation with two of India’s finest: Arunava Sinha, who has translated over 80 masterpieces, and Ministhy S., known for her thought-provoking translations of powerful and diverse narratives.

From the untold struggles of salt farmers in Gujarat to a coffin maker’s poignant tale, Arunava and Ministhy reveal how they navigate the challenges of capturing a story’s soul while juggling cultural nuances and creative integrity. They also dive into the highs and lows of being a translator in India—breaking stereotypes, fighting for recognition, and dealing with the constant questions. 

In this exclusive series in partnership with Penguin Random House India, we spotlight two renowned translators, Arunava Sinha and Ministhy S., as they unravel the art of translation, the cultural bridges it builds, and the challenges of bringing Indian stories to a global audience. 

Listen in as they reveal the joys, challenges, and transformative power of bringing stories to life across languages and cultures.

Books mentioned in this episode:
Pratham Pratishruti - Ashapurna Devi 
Bakul Katha - Ashapurna Devi 
Enid Blyton 
One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gregory Rabassa 
Meerasadhu - K.R Meera
Nandakumar K.
Fathima E.V
Anthea Bell
Anton Hur
Hospital Poems of Mathematics and Madness - Binoy Majumdar
Imaan - Manoranjan Byapari 

‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.