By Sunita Vijay
Shama Shukla’s debut book, Nipper’s Ghost and the Black Cat, has recently hit the shelves, and it possesses all the elements needed for a captivating web series: a gripping storyline, fantasy, mischievous adventures, and a touch of the supernatural. The portrayal of each character is wittily detailed, and her command over the English language is truly par excellence. Very few writers possess the rare ability to transform words into vivid images in the reader’s mind, and Shama does it so effortlessly.
When humour, imagination, and fantasy are seamlessly blended with lively narration, the characters leap off the pages. The fine nuances and idiosyncrasies of her characters make her storytelling a delightful and immersive experience.
I met Shama Shukla at her residence in Dehradun. Dressed in colourful attire paired with quirky accessories, she exuded the charm of an old-school English teacher, along with an impressive command of the language. She was an absolute pleasure to interact with. Her unfiltered conversations and spirited demeanour were truly engaging, so much so that the warmth of the winter sun and her animated dialogue seemed to compete with each other.
Shama has multifarious interests. She loves reading and writing articles and poems, and is equally passionate about cooking, travelling, dancing, and listening to music. Her first poem, From a Running Train, was scribbled on a scrap of paper, later rediscovered in a bag, and eventually published to great appreciation. Another poem composed by her was published in the Journal of Literary Studies, University of Delhi. She has won several accolades for her writing and credits, her vast exposure and knowledge, to her travels between Dehradun and the United States.
A hardcore Dehradun lover, Shama’s affection for the city remains unwavering despite increasing traffic and relentless construction. Her book serves as a true stress-buster, evoking nostalgia for old-time Dehradun and beautifully capturing the essence of growing up in a small Indian hill town.
You’ve lived in Dehradun since childhood: how would you describe your relationship with the city, especially its transformation from a quiet valley town to a cosmopolitan city? Do you see these rapid, luxurious developments as positive or negative?
I was born and brought up in Dehradun and studied at St Thomas’ College. Though I have travelled across the world, I have always felt drawn back to Dehradun, perhaps because of my old family home. While I am deeply unhappy with the unruly traffic and relentless construction, there is still a part of Dehradun that I love and hold close to my heart.
The environmental degradation is evident; earlier, Dehradun was known for its green hedges and grey hair; calm pace and warm, empathetic people. Today, caught in a relentless rat race, many seem to be losing those values. We grew up in a fearless, healthy environment – playing outdoors all day, climbing trees, jumping compound walls, and moving around freely without fear. Childhood then was carefree and safe.
That sense of community and outdoor play is largely missing today. Children now move from play stations to back-to-back tuitions, losing the simple joys of childhood. Yet, Dehradun still retains its charm. One has to seek out the people who still carry the spirit of the city within them. And every time I look up and see the hills, I fall in love with Doon all over again.
Could you walk us through your writing routine? What does a productive day look like for you? How do the rhythms of everyday life in Dehradun influence your creativity and storytelling?
I love writing during the monsoon – the smell of wet earth and the sound of rain produces my creative juices. Sunny days inspire me too, especially when I sit in my backyard cottage. My garden may not be perfect, but its imperfections tell stories: a passing squirrel, a sudden moment, anything can spark an idea. I often write at night as well.
When I’m writing, I become completely absorbed; even loud sounds don’t distract me. That said, I do enjoy having music playing in the background as I write.
How do you envision Dehradun’s future, and what role do you think writers and artists can play in that journey?
From a writer’s perspective, Dehradun’s future would benefit from more gatherings that promote books, especially light, easy reads that help readers relax and unwind. There is nothing like a good story. While the city hosts several literature festivals, regular book readings and discussions can further nurture cognitive growth, stimulate the intellect, and act as powerful de-stressors.
You’ve thanked your Principal for encouraging your love for reading. In an age when this habit is steadily eroding, and scrolling through fast, instant content like reels and shorts has become the new norm, how important do you think reading remains today?
The digital world will cause more stress. Reading books will help. There should be more storytelling that promotes reading for all age groups. There is no substitute for reading. My students stay in touch with me because of my storytelling skills. We need to inculcate this habit at the school level. Parents are the first ones to introduce children to reading.
I used to have a period in my school – a laughing, talking, joking period – and during that time, students were allowed to say anything to each other. Our principal wanted only academics, yet I still took out time for this, and the kids loved it. Parents are the first to introduce children to reading, but they should be well-read themselves.
‘Nipper’s Ghost and the Black Cat’ is an intriguing title, what inspired you to blend adventure, school-day nostalgia, humour, and supernatural in your story?
Nipper’s Ghost and the Black Cat is my first published book, and its roots lie deeply in my own home and childhood. I grew up in a house shared with elders: my mother’s elder sister, who was the principal of St Thomas’ College, had this house built. She was a highly intellectual woman. My uncle, in contrast, was a fun-loving Bengali with a natural gift for storytelling. His forefathers were associated with founding universities of Calcutta, and he loved regaling us with stories, often over his evening rum, which he treated like medicine.
As children, we would gather around him, listening to his fascinating ghost stories. Those tales quietly settled into my subconscious. When I began writing this book, a neighbour, who is a filmmaker and the proud owner of a black cat, came over for tea. She casually suggested that I include a cat in the story. That moment felt serendipitous, and the black cat naturally evolved into a supernatural presence, perfectly complementing the spirit of the book.
Nipper’s Ghost and the Black Cat is not merely a book; it is a quiet return to childhood corridors filled with laughter, whispered ghost stories, and the fertile imagination of a young mind shaped by stories heard at home. Rooted in lived memories, familial warmth, and chance moments that feel almost fated, the book reflects Shama Shukla’s lifelong relationship with storytelling. The 25 playful chapter titles (Wild Under the Bougainvillea, Hocus Pocus, Voluptuous Breasts, Hot Love Soon Grows Cold), the seamless blend of humour, adventure, and the supernatural, and the ease with which the narrative flows all testify to a creative spark that has been nurtured since her school days. With this debut, Shama invites readers not just into a story, but into a world where imagination reigns supreme, and reminds us that the best tales often emerge from the most personal corners of memory.
Pics: Satpal Gandhi
