Shantaram Forum

In a recent update to his personal website, Gregory David Roberts has released an eye-opening essay on the architecture of his novel Shantaram, which you can go and read by visiting Greg’s website at this link, or by downloading a more readable PDF version.

Of the most interesting revelations are the allegorical texts applied to the novel, and the application of no less than 22 layers to the structure of the novel. Some of these prove to be interesting for the fact that they tell just how Greg worked the multi-faceted parts of the novel together, using simple, but highly effective methods to engage the reader in the ‘exile experience’ that the novel explores. Greg further elaborated on the themes of the novel, and goes into detail on how the trilogy works a whole.

The surprising element of this essay is in fact that despite its revealing nature it doesn’t dampen or in any way remove the brilliance from the novel. Let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

Head on over to check out the letter from Greg, and read up on all the news. www.Shantaram.com

As the New Kerala reports in their exclusive interview with the author, Gregory is keeping busy with a number of projects in the downtime away from the movie. Not least is the completion of his sequel to Shantaram, and also a Bollywood movie he scripted:

Roberts said, ”I am currently penning scripts both for Hollywood and Bollywood films.” When asked about his genre of interest, the writer, who ”is writing so much” replied, ”I have penned scripts ranging from the typical Bollywood romantic comedies to horror, drama and science fiction.” ”A Bollywood film, based on one of my scripts, might be out by the end of 2010,” he shared.

The website also confirms what we know about the movie being shelved, but interestingly notes the project could see the light by 2011 (we previously reported this date, but cannot confirm this is true in light of recent reports about the state of the movie).

There’s a little more insight over on the site, and we encourage you to go read the rest of the article now, as it’s a great read. The bicycle repair scheme sounds really wonderful!.

Let us know what you think.

Hey all,

Here’s the CNN Talk Asia video that was posted about last week.

Shantaram author on Madonna

The slum

Leopold’s Cafe

Haji Ali Mosque

I hope you enjoy the videos, tell us in the comments what you thought!

Gregory David Roberts is due to be interviewed on CNN’s TALK ASIA show this week. He’ll be sitting in with host Anjali Rao, to talk about his experiences of being an internationally-sought fugitive living in a Mumbai slum, to a celebrated author with Hollywood calling.

The interview airs on CNN International on:

• June 17 at 2030
• June 18 at 1100
• June 20 at 1230 & 2230
• June 21 at 0430
• June 22 at 1000
• June 24 at 0130 HKT.

The full program can be available for online viewing after the program has aired, on www.cnn.com/talkasia.

We hope you enjoy the program with Gregory, and please let us know what you thought of it in the comments, or on the forum.