Ashok Banker, Indian journalist, author, and screenwriter
Ashok Kumar Banker, born on 7 February 1964 in Mumbai, India, stands as a prolific and influential Indian author and screenwriter whose diverse literary contributions have captivated a global audience. His work spans a remarkable array of genres, from compelling crime thrillers and insightful essays to incisive literary criticism, captivating general fiction, and groundbreaking mythological retellings.
A Pioneer in Indian English Literature
Banker is widely recognized for his pioneering efforts in Indian English fiction. He is the acclaimed author of several well-received novels, notably a trailblazing trilogy billed as "India's first crime novels in English." These works, including the acclaimed Rammohan Crime Series (also known as The Kali Yuga Cycle), not only captivated readers but also significantly shaped the landscape of modern Indian crime fiction, setting a precedent for the genre in the country.
The Best-Selling Ramayana Series: A Global Phenomenon
While his early works garnered significant attention, Ashok Kumar Banker truly ascended to international prominence with his masterful retellings of Indian mythological epics. His acclaimed eight-volume Ramayana Series, a deeply researched and vividly imagined narrative, became an international best-seller. This monumental work meticulously brought the ancient epic to life for a contemporary global readership, earning widespread acclaim for its compelling narrative, rich character development, and accessible prose that resonated far beyond India's borders.
Unprecedented Global Reach and Impact
The commercial success and cultural impact of Banker's literary endeavors are profound. His books have sold an impressive total of over 2 million copies worldwide, a testament to their universal appeal and engaging storytelling. This immense readership is further highlighted by the fact that his works have been translated and published in 16 languages across 58 countries, solidifying his status as one of India's most globally recognized authors.
The Ambitious Epic India Library: A Cultural Legacy
Beyond individual series, Banker has embarked on his most ambitious undertaking: the Epic India Library. This monumental literary project is a grand attempt to comprehensively retell all the myths, legends, and 'itihasa' – historical narratives and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata – from the vast Indian subcontinent. Designed as one interconnected story cycle, this unparalleled work is projected to comprise over 70 volumes. It represents a lifelong dedication to meticulously preserving, interpreting, and presenting India's rich narrative heritage for contemporary and future generations, establishing a definitive collection of India's foundational stories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashok Kumar Banker
- Who is Ashok Kumar Banker?
- Ashok Kumar Banker is a celebrated Indian author and screenwriter, born in Mumbai, known for his diverse literary works, particularly his pioneering crime novels and his internationally best-selling mythological retellings.
- What are Ashok Kumar Banker's most notable works?
- He is most widely acclaimed for his eight-volume Ramayana Series, an internationally best-selling retelling of the ancient Indian epic. He is also recognized for works like the Rammohan Crime Series, which are considered "India's first crime novels in English."
- What is the significance of his "first crime novels in English"?
- Ashok Kumar Banker's trilogy, including the Rammohan Crime Series or The Kali Yuga Cycle, is significant because it is billed as "India's first crime novels in English," pioneering the genre and setting a new benchmark for narrative crime fiction within Indian English literature.
- What is the Epic India Library?
- The Epic India Library is Ashok Kumar Banker's monumental ongoing project to comprehensively retell all the myths, legends, and 'itihasa' (historical narratives and epics) of the Indian subcontinent. It is conceived as a single, interconnected story cycle and is projected to span over 70 volumes, aiming to be a definitive compendium of India's ancient narratives.
- How successful are Ashok Kumar Banker's books globally?
- His books have achieved remarkable international success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. They have been translated into 16 languages and published in 58 countries, highlighting his broad global appeal and the universal resonance of his storytelling.