Veena Rao talks about Purple Lotus

Hosted by Lovelace Cook, Bollywood and Books is an audio journey that connects the vibrant dots between India’s cinematic imagination and its rich literary landscapes. This isn't a formal review show; it’s an immersive experience. Each episode uses a specific place as a starting point-be it the bustling film studios of Mumbai or the serene backwaters of Kerala-and explores the stories, both filmed and written, that give that location its soul. You’ll hear about the myths that shape local folklore, the novels that capture a city's essence, and how blockbuster movies translate ancient narratives for a modern audience. The podcast thrives on serendipity, weaving in recordings from chance meetings and spontaneous conversations gathered on the road, from the solemn banks of the Ganges in Varanasi to the tranquil hills of McLeod Ganj. It’s for anyone who believes a great story is the best travel guide, offering a deeper, more textured understanding of India through the intertwined lenses of its books and its iconic film industry. Tune in for a thoughtful, sensory exploration of how place fuels narrative and how narrative, in turn, defines a culture.