Nizar Ilthumish, author and assistant professor, says he draws all his characters as reflections of the people around him and the language he uses in his books also reflects their dialects.
In an exclusive conversation with Timeline Daily, Nizar explains that all his characters speak in the language he envisions, which can be challenging for readers from southern Kerala to understand, and despite this, he incorporates those dialects and usages.
Read Also: Exclusive: Former Naxalite Grow Vasu On Vedan’s Arrest And The Targeting Of Oppressed Minorities
A recipient of the SK Pottekkatt Award 2024 and Camel International Award, Nizar is famous for his works like Noorul Muneerul and Poornnananda. When asked about depicting bygone eras, although he is relatively from the younger generation, Nizar describes, “Though I didn’t experience those times, stories passed down through generations shape my writing. “I gather tales from my parents and grandparents, storing them in my mind to weave into my stories.”
Acknowledging that he is from a well-settled family and did not encounter with much hardships in life, Nizar says he has heard stories of hardship and struggle from older generations. He says their stories, combined with the writer’s imagination, form the crux of his narratives.
Read Also: Exclusive: Renowned Ghazal Singer Raaza Opens Up In Heartfelt Interview With Timeline
Nizar also addresses caste differences within society, including in the Muslim community. He points out that people criticized him for opening up that society still chooses marriage partners based on occupation and family status. The Osan community, for instance, faces challenges in finding partners due to societal prejudices. He claims that caste differences exist not only among Hindus but also within Islam, despite claims of equality.
The author during the interview also discussed his books, their plots, and the reflection of social realities. He stresses the importance of marketing for writers in today’s social media-driven world. “I have learned to establish myself as an author through Instagram Reels,” Nizar said, adding that he challenges the thinking that digitalization harms reading habits, citing the selling rate of his books.
