I have revealed you a few weeks back itself that the biography of Superstar - "The Name is Rajinikanth" by Dr.Gayathri Sreekanth is a best seller of 2008 in non-fiction category.
http://onlysuperstar.blogspot.com/2008/03/best-seller-much-elated-creator.html
Now over to today's The Hindu article.....
- Sundar
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http://www.hindu.com/rp/2008/04/13/stories/2008041350080200.htm
| The Superstar’s recent bio has been selling well despite the criticism on the writing, style and presentation… The writer Dr Gayathri Sreekanth explains why, even as we look at how the book has fared in retail |
What’s in a name, wrote the bard but when the name is Rajnikanth, there’s a lot more to it than just alphabets! Dr Gayathri Sreekanth recently launched the biography of namma superstar at a glittering function where the book was received by his daughter Soundarya. The debut writer has put in more than a year of her life, taking a sabbatical from her work to research and write this book. But the bio is receiving a lot of flak from various quarters – not the least about the quality of the work. However, despite the criticism the book seems to be a success, selling around 20,000 copies the world over. What is the problem critics have with the book and what makes it a huge retail opportunity despite the glitches?
Dr. Gayathri is clearly flustered with some of the comments she has received. But she is quick to acknowledge some of the mistakes in the book and gives her side of the picture. “There are typographical errors. But one of the main reasons for that is the short time we had for editing the book. My editor had to undergo a heart surgery just a few weeks before the launch so it was a hectic job proofing the book in within a few days for us,” she reveals. She gives us more inside information as well. “There were over a 100 trivia and Rajniisms that I had included apart from interviews with important associates and co-stars of Rajni. But the book was just growing in size so we had to abandon them,” she rues. She smiles, adding, “But of course, if some people do not agree with my style of writing, they are free to have their opinion.”
Ajay Mago, Publisher of Om Books corroborates what she says and adds, “We will be printing the errata in the next edition. We had a very short time to proofread this book and the editor was in hospital as well. But the book is a runaway success.” Mago says the figures speak for themselves. “20,000 books were printed and 7,000 more are in the offing. Bookstores, fan clubs, online sales and other vendors make up for the bulk of sales. Landmark in Chennai has sold its first batch of 1,080 copies and has ordered 500 more. Pantaloons stores have sold around 2,300 copies through the Big Bazaar outlets in India. Odyssey makes up for 1,500 copies in Chennai.”
Mago adds that even some fans and and readers gave valid pointers about the errors which have now been taken care of in the second edition. Mago is optimistic about sales in Japan and US soon. The good news is that Gayathri will be bringing out a full version of the original in Tamil. “It will be a more soulful book and carry all the information that could not be used in the first edition,” she says.
Looks like the Name is Rajnikanth is a draw with the public, the writing notwithstanding.
