Storybook Plan

iStock acting image

This storybook will feature Anika and Anil, two actors starring in the upcoming American film adaptation of the Ramayana. Both Anika and Anil were raised in America but have a strong connection to their Indian culture and have always loved the Ramayana. At first I was thinking I would include them acting out the scenes, but Laura pointed out that since we already know the Ramayana it might be better for word count sake not to include those.

These three stories will all be part of one overarching story, and I think I will tell all of them from Anika's point of view, first person! The main idea I want to explore here is how love stories and relationship issues have been happening since the beginning of time (so to speak), and that sometimes life can look a lot like art (or history, however one might view the Ramayana). But, also that we are still mostly in control of our lives and it's best to do what feels most right, even if you have to put yourself out there, even if you're scared of getting rejected.

Story 1: My idea for the first story is to show them both meeting and having an instant connection, just like Rama and Sita did. By the time they've acted out Rama and Sita meeting, they are a couple themselves.

Story 2: The second story, there would be something to cause the two actors to break up. I'm not sure yet what it will be, but they've gotten in a fight and are no longer together but of course still have to see each other every day. The scene would end just after they act out Sita's exile from Ayodhya and Anika would be crying real tears because of how much she is hurting over her break up with Anil.

Story 3: The last story will be the last day on set. After the scene where Sita is taken back into the earth is over, I will have the two reunite, but I'm not sure who will initiate it yet.

Resources: Tiny Tales From the Ramayana, Ramayana Wiki page, Sita Sings the Blues, Being desi :)