Author of two best selling biographies, Uma Vasudev is a popular Indian novelist and a well renowned columnist on political issues. She has also written, produced and directed several documentaries and television serials. Her biographies `Indira Gandhi; Courage under Fire` and `Indira Gandhi: Revolution in Restraint` are worth reading. Some more books of Uma Vasudev are `The Song of Anasuya`, `Shreya of Sonagarh`, `Satish Gurjal: Where the Silence Speaks, Paintings`, `Kranthijia`, Hariprasad Chaurasia` and more.
According to this novelist, she enjoys her own books when it comes to going back to her own work. Uma Vasudev deals with fictional as well as non-fictional approach while writing. For instance, this novelist feels that her biographies on Indira Gandhi were actually an attempt to identify the country`s history through a woman who governed it. None of the characters of her novels are entirely fictitious. She feels that fiction is basically a truth even it seems like complete fantasy. Uma Vasudev says that the characters of any novel is created from within and not from outside of oneself.
`The Song of Anasuya`, this book investigates and recesses around the complex human psyche. The two lead protagonists are `Jagat`, who is a perfectionist and Priti, a high society 35 year old woman of Delhi. The story revolves around the platonic love of the duo that is shaken by the entry of third mysterious character. Another book of Uma Vasudev `Shreya of Sonagarh` portrays the character of a local woman politician of Madhya Pradesh and her strong perceptions. It features the transformation of `Shreya` into a national political figure. The story is about Shreya, who used to be a lethargic, unambitious and unattractive but her entire personality changes after her marriage. In order to fulfil her mother-in-law`s dreams, she attended political meetings and involved herself in socializing. For keeping the promise made to her mother-in-law she contests elections and that is how her political career begins. With time, she realizes the wasteful living of the upper class people and the sufferings of the poor people. Thus, this story of a `sweet ugly little duckling,` having genuine concern for the people and that is reflected in her work when she involves completely into a political career.
Biographies written by Uma Vasudev are comprehensive as well. For instance, the biography on Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia begins with the account of visiting the Chaurasia home in Mumbai on the occasion of Janmashtami. At his home, this event is celebrated with musical offerings to Lord Krishna. The description used by the author is evocative and vivid. Intricate detail has been used by the author for writing biographies.
Uma Vasudev is renowned for her realistic notes and ironic treatment to her novels. She portrays larger than life characters. Uma Vasudev handles each and every single topic with utmost delicacy and she is known for her distinctive style and approach in her write-ups.
