In this episode, host Anjali Alappat sits down with Gourav Mohanty, lawyer, writer, and stand up comedian. Born in Bhubaneshwar, the City of Temples, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Gourav seeks to reimagine and redefine the myths and magic of the past. In his first novel, Sons of Darkness, Gourav plunges headfirst into the grimdark genre with an epic retelling of the Mahabharata. Filled with political power plays, ambiguously grey characters, mythical monsters emerging from the mist, history being written by victors, and assassins who do yoga—it’s where India meets Westeros. 

Join us as we discuss the ugliness of war, the freedom to create backstories, charming anti-heroes, George R.R. Martin and more. 

You can follow Gourav on Twitter @MohantyGourav7 or on Instagram @thekingbeyondthewall.

Arcx is a mini series from the Subverse, the podcast of Dark ‘n’ Light, a digital space that chronicles the times we live in and reimagines futures with a focus on science, nature, social justice and culture. Follow us on social media @darknlightzine, or visit darknlight.com for episode details and show notes.