2025
In this conversation, journalist and writer Aditya Iyer talks on his book Gully Gully: Travels Around India during the 2023 World Cup. The discussion explored how the author's journey from national dailies to smaller publications enriched his storytelling. Stepping away from cushioned press boxes led him to unearth compelling narratives that rarely make it to prime time – tales of ordinary fans who move mountains to witness their cricketing gods.
Author and surgeon Kavery Nambisan discusses her new book, Rising Sons, with writer and translator Arshia Sattar. Spanning generations, the novel follows an ordinary family shaped by India's shifting history—from colonial rule to independence. Their discussion explored the book’s sweeping political scope, its place within the tradition of Kannada writing, and writing at the intersection of history and literature.
Noted linguist and author Peggy Mohan on her new book, Father Tongue, Motherland, with writer and journalist Amandeep Sandhu. The speakers discussed how gender and migration influence the evolution of languages. They examined the first two major migrations into India and how these movements would have shaped and given rise to new languages. They also explored the concept that men brought vocabulary to languages while women provided the "operating system." Additionally, they talked about her journey and practice as a linguist, including how music and working with children contributed to her studies.
The speakers discuss the book’s autobiographical elements, its exploration of gender dynamics, and the challenges of writing female characters from a male perspective. The conversation delves into themes of immigrant identity, the evolution of masculinity, and the complexities of human relationships, emphasising the importance of honest self-reflection and the limitations of easy categorisation within these complex themes.
2024
Sangam House presented readings by five writers part of the Sangam House writing residency. From different styles, perspectives and imaginations, these writings looked at the city as their muse.
A conversation with Aditya Sudarshan, author of Idolatry, hosted by Gautam Bhatia, lawyer and science fiction writer. The two talked about how, in Idolatry, you will find an apocalyptic vision of everyday life in near-future Mumbai.
A conversation with Hema Sukumar and Amrita Mahale on Hema's debut novel Minor Disturbances at Grand Life Apartments. The speakers explored the role of the apartment in the book,and how the residents of Grand Life Apartments offer a doorway into life in Chennai.
City Scripts featured author Sandhya Mary and translator Jayasree Kalathil discussing their book, Maria, Just Maria, with writer and publisher Chirag Thakkar. Through interwoven timelines which blend memory with reality, Maria, Just Maria examines how personal narratives shape our identities and challenges our understanding of normalcy. It invites readers to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves and how they inform our lives. The conversation touched on portraying 'madness' in literature, writing about the interior lives of women and the labour of translation.
The August edition delved into the life and work of the eminent Kannada writer Poornachandra Tejaswi. The conversation explored the impact of his work on the state's literary landscape and how his work continues to live on through the many artistic interpretations of his oeuvre.
The session featured journalist and author Neha Dixit discussing her book, The Many Lives of Syeda X: The Story of an Unknown Indian, with Divya Ravindranath, a senior researcher at IIHS. The conversation explored why Syeda's story needed to be told, highlighting the gaps it fills in mainstream journalism’s approach to labour, gender, and identity. The discussion also examined the writerly boundaries, ethical considerations, and the rigorous process of collecting and transforming these stories into a book.
An Evening of Stories: Memories, Histories, Archives
City Scripts collaborated with Sangam House to host a reading featuring six of their current writers in residency from Australia, Canada, Singapore, and India. The writers shared both published works and works-in-progress, including poetry, short stories, and novellas. Their readings, presented in Tamil, English, and Hindi, explored themes of personal histories and memories.
City Scripts featured author Sadaf Wani discussing her book, City as Memory: A Short Biography of Srinagar, with author and editor Tanuj Solanki. In the book, Wani explores the beating heart of the city through stories of personal remembrance and scholarship. She uses the framework of memories to structure each chapter differently, mapping a nostalgic, intimate portrait of Srinagar.
This talk by architect and writer Robert Stephens introduces us to his carefully curated Urbs Indis Library in Bengaluru. This unique space—part home, part architectural studio, and part repository of rare books—embodies a dialogue between historical documentation and living memory, traditional design, and modern sustainability.
2023
Explore the significant impact of mobility and access on urban dwellers' mental health. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the role of public transport and infrastructure in fostering accessibility and inclusive cities.
This captivating session explored the evolving landscape of visual media beyond traditional film frameworks. Discover cinematic speculations of future nations and the unique perspective offered by the post-celluloid moving image.
Delve into the profound influence of public spaces on individuals' relationships with their surroundings. This discussion explored how public spaces foster cultural vibrancy, bridge societal gaps, and create inclusive environments.
Discover the remarkable book, "The Museum of the World," based on a true story. Watch author Christopher Kloeble and translator Rekha Kamath Rajan discuss this captivating adventure novel and its profound impact on understanding colonial history.
Discover the remarkable book, "The Museum of the World," based on a true story. Watch author Christopher Kloeble and translator Rekha Kamath Rajan as they discuss this captivating adventure novel and its profound impact on understanding colonial history.
A conversation with writer, Anjum Hasan, as she engages in dialogue with fellow author, Roshan Ali, over her latest work, History's Angel.
The conversation delved into the Hum Hindustani Project by Samina Mishra, a project on children and citizenship examined through the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity.
An author conversation on the book, Mad Sisters of Esi, by Tashan Mehta. Tashan engages in dialogue about her book, with fellow author, Lavanya Lakshminarayan.
In collaboration with Yayavr Book Club, the session. explored the rich heritage of an iconic Bangalore neighbourhood and its intricate relationship with filter coffee through a collection of carefully selected texts.
The panel looked at the practice of mourning and the various associations tied to it; from practices shaped by community identities and propped by unseen labour, to the individual processing of grief, memories and loss.
..
2022
Explored the impact of city-based podcasts on urban discourse and the representation of diverse voices. This discussion dived into how podcasts created new conversations about cities, encouraged fresh perspectives and questioned who and what the city was for.
Watch political scientist Sushmita Pati and Gautam Bhan in a conversation about Sushmita's book, "Properties of Rent." Delving into the transformation of villages in Delhi, the book offers unique insights into land, labour, and capital in urbanising India.
Discover the book "Urban Undesirables," which examines the experiences of street-based sex workers in Bangalore. Based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, the book provides fresh perspectives on the urban transition and the impact of technology on their lives.
Listen to a panel of experts as they discuss how citizens could actively participate in policymaking, drawing from their expertise in policy, economics, infrastructure development, and urban studies. This engaging webinar explored the intersections of policy, economics, and urban development.
Step into the world of 'The Bangalore Detectives Club' with author Harini Nagendra and Meera Iyer of INTACH. Discover the inspiration behind this crime series set in 1920s Bangalore and learn how Harini's research and background as an ecologist shaped her debut novel.
Watch a panel discussion on the influence of urban design on women's mental health. Explore the experiences of street-based sex workers, the importance of women's visibility in public spaces, and the urban challenges that contribute to gender-based violence.
Discover the transformative power of artistic interventions in shaping cities and culture. This panel discussion explored the impact of festivals as unique spaces for experiencing arts and culture, shedding light on their influence on the urban landscape.
Discover the transformative power of artistic interventions in shaping cities and culture. This panel discussion explored the impact of festivals as unique spaces for experiencing arts and culture, shedding light on their influence on the urban landscape.