THE CULTURAL EXPECTATIONS THAT DEFINE US

Name: Anu Kandikuppa. Anu is short for Anuradha, a fairly common name in India. I always knew it was the name of the star, and I’ve recently learned that, in Hindu astrology, Anuradha is a star in the constellation Scorpio.

Currently: My collection of stories, The Confines, is being published this month. Set in the US and India, the stories look at how cultural expectations and taboos define and limit lives, particularly women’s lives. For example, where I grew up, marriages are usually for life, so many stories explore how such restraints affect partners.

My life in 50 words: I grew up in India and came to America to study economics. After years in consulting, I quit to write before it was too late. No regrets! Capturing an intricate thought in words or crafting a good sentence has been worth it.

The writer in me took flight when: I read George Saunders’ story Puppy. I had never encountered such a voice before and wanted to try!

My favourite line in poetry: I won’t pretend to read much poetry, but I’ve cited these lines from Emily Dickinson’s I’m Nobody!:

Who are you? (I’m a believer!)

How dreary to be somebody!

How public, like a frog

To tell your name the livelong day

To an admiring bog!

Favourite colours: All shades of green

Favourite designer: I wear a lot of J Crew basics. I also love my Alo lounge pants.

Favourite movie: Pan’s Labyrinth. I loved it so much I’m afraid to rewatch it in case I don’t feel the same way.

Favourite musicians: For a couple of years now I’ve been obsessed by the band Darkside. Another recent obsession: Jon Hopkins.

Favourite songs: Golden Arrow, The Only Shrine I’ve Seen live version (Darkside), part ii – palace/illusion (Jon Hopkins).

Favourite TV shows: The White Lotus, My Brilliant Friend, Slow Horses.

Favourite ice cream flavour: I rarely eat ice cream, but when I do, I like it crunchy: Maple walnut, Butterscotch.

Favourite cuisine: I love South Indian food, but my go-to is often just a sandwich – do paninis count as Italian?

Favourite restaurant: I’ll eat vegetarian food anywhere. Someone serving me? I’ll take it.

Favourite sports: I didn’t grow up playing sports, so all I can do is pick up my feet and run. I watch soccer, an interest borrowed from my son.

Favourite sportsperson: Lionel Messi, all marathoners.

Favourite author: I tend to have favourite books rather than authors: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, A House for Mr Biswas by V.S. Naipaul. I like my books sad or funny – or better, both.

I hang out: In cafes, libraries, and at home.

I’m freaked out by: Ice on the ground when I’m out walking.

I need: 16 oz of coffee in the morning. Frequent spells of intense solitude.

My role models: Kind people.

Tips to save the planet: Know what a small part of this world you are, and don’t ruin it for others.

In a perfect world: We would all get along.

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