S. RUPSHA MITRA
Srijani Rupsha Mitra is a poet and author based out of Kolkata, India. Her published works span chapbooks, journals and anthologies, and her debut poetry book, Smoked Frames, is a beautiful showcase of her voice:
Like the sudden sputter of blistering rain,
Memories scatter in the unknown angular slants of light
Broken into uncountable pieces – beloyari, glass like yet joining,
Joining to fill in the dried ocean within,
To come together as wholesome integrity, charting
In this chat, Rupsha describes Kolkata’s poetry landscape and touches on what readers can expect from Smoked Frames.
The Poet’s List is delighted to present our conversation with the undeniable talent, S. Rupsha Mitra:
On poetry:
Prior to landing on poetry, what memories do you have of your relationship with literature and writing as a youth?
I have memories of writing poems in my mother tongue, Bengali, as a youth. I used to write on love, politics and on womanhood. I was deeply fond of Bengali literature and I am grateful to my Bengali teachers at my Alma Mater, South Point, for imparting the love for literary arts in me.
When did you begin to claim the title of poet and how did you first connect with the poetry community?
I began to claim the title of poet when I started publishing around 2020, during lockdown. I first connected with the poetry community after winning the Lockdown Poetry Contest conducted by eShe magazine and also through the writing community on Twitter.
May you explain the poetry landscape in Kolkata, and – if you feel comfortable – India-at-large? What are the available fellowship and visibility opportunities?
The poetry landscape in Kolkata is beautifully enriched with literary festivals like Apeejay Literary Festival and Kolkata Chair Poetry Evenings. The Kolkata Book fair is also a grand fair held yearly in the heart of Kolkata. In India, literary festivals happen throughout the year. There are opportunities like Vijay Nambisan Fellowship, poetry contests like Srinivas Rayaprol Poetry Prize, and [the] Toto Awards for Creative Writing.
Do you tend to write for the audience or for the reader? In other words: Do you consider yourself a stage poet or a page poet?
I tend to write for the reader. I am more of a page poet, but I wish to also explore being a stage poet.
In your opinion, what makes a good poem?
A good poem, in my opinion, is the perfect combination of emotion, thought and image. It is what brings out the mind, body, soul and sensibilities.
On Smoked Frames + Career:
Your debut poetry book, Smoked Frames, has been met with rave reviews! We must say: Your style is pure artistry. Between the detail and the imagery, we can only imagine the dedication poured over each word. Can you tell us a bit about the book and how it came to be?
Thank you so much for this. I had published a few poems from the book in literary journals and I found out about an open call for poetry manuscripts from JLRB Press. I had arranged my manuscript of Smoked Frames by then and decided to submit it to JLRB Press and I am grateful to the entire team of JLRB Press for selecting my manuscript. The book is really close to my heart and Smoked Frames represents the smoky memories of the past, and also has poems about my personal experiences with: love, different Indian rituals, and concepts of psychology.
“At the Haridwar Ghat (Har ki Pauri)” is so powerful; particularly the last stanza. May you share some background on that poem?
Thank you so much. It’s great to know that you liked the poem. I wrote the poem based on my memory of visiting the Har Ki Pauri Ghat in Haridwar. It was a dazzling Dussehra evening when Aarti was being offered at the Ghat. I loved how my sister and I spent time together, sitting by the ghat, and I reminisce those beautiful moments a lot.
What is your favorite piece from Smoked Frames and why?
My favorite piece from Smoked Frames is “On Watching This Rodomontade.” I love the poem because it was written very promptly after observing the rodomontade of a person whom I considered very close. And when I read the poem after writing it impromptu, it sounded beautiful to me.
You have released several chapbooks prior to Smoked Frames and your work has been published in countless publications, including The Birmingham Arts Journal and The London Reader. You were the winner of the 2022 BLACC poetry Contest and a finalist in the 2021 Voice of Peace: International Poetry and Short Story Anthology competition. Which of these accomplishments mean the most to you?
My chapbook, Soul God, was the finalist in The Poetry Question’s Chapbook Contest 2021. This accomplishment means the most to me as Soul God is very close to my heart where I write about the soul, self and authenticity.
Have you always infused spirituality into your poetry? How have the themes in your writing shifted or remained over time?
Yes, I have tried to infuse spirituality into my poetry. But I guess it has happened more naturally over time. The themes in my writing have shifted from concepts of the self to [the] exploration of love, desire and reciprocity.
On you + advice:
Which aspect of your Indian heritage has been most impactful to you?
The aspect of my Indian heritage that has been most impactful to me is the Indian Rasa theory of Natyashastra. I am fond of the Shringaar Ras in literature, dance and arts.
What words of advice do you have for your fellow India- or Kolkata-based poets?
I would tell them: Write from the bottom of your heart, learn, practice, revise and never stop writing.
You started publishing your work at only 17-years old. What advice do you have for other young poets or for those who are just now mustering the courage to share their work?
I would advise other young poets to always believe in their work no matter what. Write and practice. And be open to new ideas.
What has been the greatest piece of advice you’ve received thus far (poetry related or other)?
Be a great listener, a keen observer and try your best to empathize.
Is there any additional information that you would like included?
In 2024, I will have a poetry zine published, which is based on psychology and I am very excited about it.
Check out the links, below, to keep up with S. Rupsha Mitra!
Links:
Twitter: @mitrasrupsha
Instagram: @srupsha___
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the featured artists (ie. poets, authors, writers and experts) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Poet’s List LLC. Any content provided by the artists are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything. Legal
