Geetanjali begins by emphasising the necessity of freedom in the creative process. Drawing parallels between a scientist in a laboratory and an artist with clay, she asserts that both must engage in exploration without preconceived notions. Knowledge, she argues, only progresses when one allows room for curiosity and experimentation.
"Nothing is decided beforehand," she says, "You have to leave room. If there is no creative freedom in a society, and there are restrictions everywhere, progress will come to a halt."
Reflecting thus, Geetanjali suggests that creativity is an ongoing process of self-discovery. Rok-tok, the restrictions, she believes, stem not from external forces but from within. Artists must recognize the potential impact of their creations and exercise judgement.
She illustrates her point with a powerful example from literature, urging artists to be mindful of the words they choose. Writing about sensitive topics requires a delicate balance, she argues, where the artist's judgment must play a pivotal role. "Sometimes it is necessary to write," she acknowledges, but emphasizes that the responsibility lies with the artist to ensure their expressions are thoughtful and respectful.
The conversation then shifts to Geetanjali's literary works, specifically focusing on "Ret Samadhi" (Tomb of Sand). The interviewer brings up Daisy Rockwell's challenge in translating the book, noting its poetic prose. Geetanjali, however, reveals that the poetic nature of her writing was unintentional.
"I am very glad that the book is poetry in prose," she says, "But it is not like I knew that poetry, that I have to do it like this to make it poetry in prose."
Her artistic process, she explains, is guided by an internal sense of beauty, cultivated through years of reading, observing, and experiencing life. The measure of beauty, according to her, is an innate guide, shaping her narrative style without conscious effort.
Geetanjali points to the need for a compassionate and sensitive society. She argues that true progress in art and expression can only occur when individuals, guided by their own deep sensitivity, willingly embrace freedom of expression and understand its implications.
(As told to Saket Suman, at Jaipur Literature Festival 2023)
