“Ink, Identity, and Impact: In Conversation with Feminist Writer and Poet Rudrani Gupta”

Rudrani Gupta is a voice that refuses to be silenced—a writer, poet, researcher, and academic whose words reflect the pulse of modern feminist thought and lived experience. Author of the poignant poetry collection Bleeding Bangles, Rudrani’s work transcends literary boundaries to challenge norms and advocate for change. A Ph.D. scholar at Patna University, she holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the prestigious Delhi University.

Her voice has found resonance on national platforms like Zee News, ABP Live, and Hindustan Chronicles, and she’s been a contributing writer at SheThePeople and a researcher for Shaili Chopra’s groundbreaking book Sisterhood Economy. Rudrani’s engagement with feminism doesn’t stop at writing—she’s been featured in feminism-centric podcasts, interviewed by HerKey, and even conducted sessions on content writing and gender discourse.

When she’s not busy dissecting gender dynamics or penning evocative verse, Rudrani finds solace in music, meaningful cinema, long walks in nature, and the liberating joy of solo travel. Her journey is one of passion, purpose, and poetic justice.

Your poetry collection Bleeding Bangles explores themes of pain, womanhood, and resilience. What was the inspiration behind this deeply personal work?

Ans  Feminism is deeply personal for every woman. When I learnt about feminism, which wasn’t in my childhood, my life started making sense, even though the process exposed me to brutal traumas about my past. But today, after having used feminism to transform my personal life and simultaneously my professional life, my first book had to be on something that I could confidently speak about. What also helped was my open-mindedness towards exploring every kind of gender issue, every kind of person and their perception, and always open to criticism and learning. In fact, these observational skills, empathy and the resolution to change at least one woman’s life got an identity when I worked as a journalist with a niche in gender issues.

 

You’ve worked with SheThePeople and contributed to Sisterhood Economy by Shaili Chopra. How has your experience as a feminist writer evolved through these projects?

Ans It is widely believed that a valid theory is the one that can be put into action. Similarly, I learnt feminism and understood its absence in my life. But, I couldn’t convince anyone about my theory or lessons about feminism. When I already knew what was wrong and still couldn’t stop, it made me feel really bad. I wanted to help others because of the empathy that feminism gave me. But to help others, one has to gain the others’ trust which I could do by working on feminism professionally. Working with SheThePeople and Shaili Chopra gave me the window or the outlet for my rebellion and validated it as trustworthy.

As a Ph.D. scholar researching literature, how do you balance academic rigor with creative expression in your poetry and journalism?

Ans It is true that academic writing is completely different from creative writing. It is a work of extreme responsibility, creating something new without using imagination. But, both academic writing and creative writing require perspective, thoughts and research. So for me, sometimes academic writing research becomes the parent of some of my poetry. While sometimes poems and their unfiltered imagination help me dig deep into academic research and explore a lot of possibilities. As far as journalism is concerned, it is an intersection of both academic and creative writing, with the logic of the former and the appealing nature of the latter.

You’ve been featured on prominent media platforms and podcasts. How do you ensure your voice stays authentic amid the noise of digital media?

Ans. I have always wanted my work to at least impact one person’s life. The best way is to tap into the inner experience and path of pain. My podcasts and news features are not quite the glamour of being writers but the reality check with no filters. It has been difficult for me to speak the truth because, like every family, mine too was not comfortable with me sharing about my life to the public. But, I still do it because there are many women like me hailing from small towns and never learning to break the silence. So rather than obsessing over personal branding, I have always wanted to speak about the truth so that I can push other women to break their boundaries.

Your interests include watching movies and reading content on social issues. Has any particular film or book significantly shaped your views on feminism or activism?

 

Ans: Yes, of course. The spark of working on women’s empowerment came from Kamala Das’s poetry, “Introduction”. It worked as my introduction to feminism. I was also inspired by other women poets like Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickinson. They opened a new world for me and made me see things that I had ignored as “normal”.

 

As someone who enjoys solo travel and nature walks, how do these experiences influence your writing and emotional clarity?

Ans. Nature is the best muse. It taps on creativity even when the mind is blocked. I mirror my poetry in nature. I use metaphors from nature. However, my metaphors are not just the sky and the moon. When I am out, I observe everything. From the cool breeze to the men sitting around a tea corner and owning the right to litter and loiter which women don’t have.

 

What advice would you give to young women writers who are just beginning their journey in the world of literature and social commentary?

Ans My advice is to never stop writing. Even if the work seems very bad and makes no sense, keep writing. The fact that you are writing means that you have that passion. Not everyone can write- even if it is bad writing. As far as working on social issues is concerned, it can be difficult for women to be that outspoken. I also faced difficulties. But, if you know what is wrong, don’t stay quiet. Not everyone has the passion to look critically at things. As Sylvia Plath said, “I write because there is a voice in me that won’t be still.”

 

Links to my book: https://amzn.in/d/7fFA76S

Social media: https://www.instagram.com/reticentsdiary?igsh=MWIwN2lleHFya3loNQ==

 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudrani-gupta-38b762185