The Launch of Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2 by Kalki Translated by Gowri Ramnarayan
Chennai: Penguin Random House is thrilled to announce the release of “Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2” by Kalki translated by Gowri Ramnarayan in association with Rendezvous by The Chambers at Taj Coromandel, Chennai & The Madras Reading Club. The book launch celebrates 75 years of Ponniyin Selvan. The book was launched by renowned filmmaker Shri Mani Ratnam.
2024 marks the 125th anniversary of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s birthday. In honour of this momentous occasion, Gowri Ramnarayan—Kalki’s granddaughter and an acclaimed playwright and musician—presents a fresh and dynamic translation of the epic.
Her work, Ponniyin Selvan: First Blood and Ponniyin Selvan: Cyclone, comprises the first half of a six-book series that brings this timeless story to a new generation of readers. Gowri’s translation is a profound homage to her grandfather’s legacy, making it an essential read for both longtime admirers and those discovering the saga for the first time.
Expressing the enthusiasm for her books, Gowri Ramnarayan says ‘A best seller for 75 years, Ponniyin Selvan is an epic saga of love, loyalty, betrayal, revenge and sacrifice, where the political conspiracies of a thousand years ago turn into the power struggles of today.’
About the translator: Gowri Ramnarayan is a playwright, theatre director, journalist, and vocal accompanist to the legendary musician M.S. Subbulakshmi. She has translated two Marathi plays by Vijay Tendulkar, and also the biography, short stories and novels of the Tamil writer Kalki Krishnamurthy.
Speaking on the launch, Ronald Menezes, Area Director, Sales & Marketing, Tamil Nadu & OHL, says – “We are incredibly proud to host this exclusive and niche event in collaboration with Penguin Random House and The Madras Reading Club. The launch of ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2,’ a beloved epic that has captivated readers for 75 years, is a celebration of not just literature, but also our rich cultural heritage. At Rendezvous by The Chambers at Taj Coromandel, we strive to create more memorable experiences celebrating the arts and fostering community engagement, making this launch a truly special occasion.“
