Dosa in Manhattan by Mala Dasgupta
Dosa in Manhattan is the story of three hearts, one city, and endless second helpings of life. Ila Roy, Vikram Arora, and Nick Patane are New Yorkers navigating the mess and magic of modern life, while sharing a strong bond with India.
These New Yorkers’ lives are shaped by the result of choices, the role of balance, and the feeling of home – three key factors which shape our lives regardless of where we may be in this wide, wonderful world. And sometimes, all it takes is a plate of crispy dosa at a Manhattan eatery to make us feel right at home.
Author Interview
1. Your lives intertwine around New York, India, and the humble dosa. How did the idea emerge to weave these threads into one story?
I love masala dosa, both preparing it as well as enjoying it in the company of friends and family. It’s something so Indian, so tasty, and so very popular, no matter which part of the country you may be from. So when I was looking for something delicious and Indian to pair with New York (and move beyond the usual butter chicken stereotype), the dosa felt perfect. I remembered seeing people of all ethnicities enjoying dosas from a food cart in Washington Square Park, and that’s how the humble dosa made its way in the title of my book.
2. Why “Dosa in Manhattan”? What does the dosa symbolize in the title and the story?
The title symbolises the seamless blending of both the West and the East. I am fiercely proud of my Indian heritage, as I am of being a global Indian. I believe that our outlook and what we’re exposed to shapes our world views, even if we’ve not had the opportunity to travel much. Which is probably why my first time in Manhattan felt like I wasn’t really far from home.
3. Can you recall a moment when Manhattan surprised you in feeling like home or, conversely, blurred your sense of identity?
The Pierre, a Taj hotel in Manhattan feels just like home when in New York. Its people, though New Yorkers, have embraced that Tajness which is so uniquely Indian. It’s a wonderful feeling to be there.
4. Do you include elements of Western life in your expression of "home"? If so, what do you borrow and what remains authentically rooted in your Indian heritage?
I grew up on TV shows like I Love Lucy, Different Strokes, Happy Days, Mind Your Language, and Fawlty Towers. And I went to a school with mostly Anglo-Indian teachers where we celebrated Easter by singing ‘Hosanna’ while waving palm leaves. The balance between embracing Western influences while staying rooted in my Indian heritage comes from my father. While he sent me to that school and encouraged watching American TV to improve my English, he also made me read Satyajit Ray’s novels in Bengali. He listened to ABBA and Boney M on LPs, and also enjoyed comedy sketches by Bengali comedy legends like Bhanu Bandopadhyay. I suppose that’s why my stories too highlight the role of balance, which is something that was ingrained in me since childhood.
5. Looking ahead, what would a second part of the story look like? A sequel, perhaps?
Possibly.
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From the Editor's desk
Vanshika Gupta