In Conversation with Author Riddhima Sen
Poetess Riddhima Sen is a talented literary voice whose creative soul finds expression in the strokes of a brush and the rhythm of words. A passionate painter and poet, Riddhima’s artistic journey is rooted in emotion and observation. She is the author of the solo poetry collection “Tranquil Waves and Crimson Balloons”, a book that resonates with sensitivity and imagination. Her works have also been proudly featured in the prestigious National Changemakers Forum exhibition, highlighting her as a promising figure in India’s emerging literary scene.
Your solo book “Tranquil Waves and Crimson Balloons” has a very evocative title. What inspired you to choose this name and what themes does the book explore?
Answer: The title “ Tranquil Waves “ is inspired by nature, to be specific, beaches. Beaches are an integral part of every Bengali kid’s childhood, Digha and Puri being the most visited tourist spots. In case of the second title, ‘ Crimson Balloons ‘ is derived from the basic idea of a crime thriller text, filled with blood and mystery.
How do your hobbies like painting influence your poetry, and do you see a connection between visual art and written expression?
Answer: Painting influences poetry, according to me. There is a painting that I made in class 12 for a competition, depicting the human psyche and how one can choose to be positive despite a grim outset. A poem, which was written after a few decades, refers to the basic inspiration behind the previous painting. Visual arts and written expression are deeply linked, almost inseparable from each other. Both can influence each other either way.
When did you first realize that poetry was your calling, and who or what has been your biggest inspiration in this journey?
Answer: I started off with writing stories since the age of six. However, at the age of ten, I wrote my first poem. Since then, poetry seems to be quite a natural calling for me. Penning a poem instantly within minutes happens somehow magically. My biggest inspiration in this journey is my maternal grandmother, who has always stood by my side through thick and thin. The second person would be my best friend, Manasvee. Her undulating support when my first poetry anthology got published in class twelve has been of significant strength.
Your work was featured at the National Changemakers Forum exhibition. How did it feel to have your creations recognized on such a platform?
Answer: I am indebted to my best friends and my parents, and my grandmother for supporting me in my writing journey. I feel blessed that my work was featured at the National Changemakers Forum Exhibition.
Many young poets struggle with self-doubt. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to publish their own books?
Answer: Believing in yourself is the key to publishing your book. There will obviously be ups and downs, but continuing through the strife is important.
What are your future plans as an artist and poet? Can readers expect more works from you soon?
Answer: My future plans include working more on painting and poetry . I will soon work on a book mid and post my end semester exams, which would be about the bond between a young girl and her pet dog, loosely based on my own life (just trying to cope with the sudden demise of a dear pet).
