Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Arunava Sinha Discusses 100th Translation at Kolkata Literary Meet
Arunava Sinha, a famous translator, talked about his 100th book translation at a big book event in Kolkata.
He shared how he started translating by accident when he translated a book called 'Chowringhee' in 1992.
The manuscript was forgotten for 14 years until a publisher found it.
Sinha explained that translating is like telling a story in another language, and sometimes he has to make choices about how to express certain words or ideas.
He also mentioned that he enjoys translating more than writing his own stories.
He talked about how translating poetry is different from translating regular books because poetry has special sounds and meanings.
Sinha also shared that sometimes the stories he translates might have ideas he doesn't agree with, but he still translates them and explains that he's just sharing the story, not the ideas.
Arunava Sinha discussed his 100th translation, 'Chowringhee', at the Kolkata Literary Meet.
His translation career began 'almost by accident' in 1992, with the manuscript resurfacing 14 years later.
Sinha emphasized that translating living authors allows for occasional clarifications, though such instances are rare.
He highlighted the differences between translating prose and poetry, noting the elliptical nature of poetry and the challenge of capturing its essence.
Sinha chose translation over writing original fiction, finding enjoyment in the process and the positive reception from others.
- Who
- Arunava Sinha, a celebrated translator, and Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee, a theatre director and cultural commentator.
- What
- A discussion about Sinha's 100th published translation and the craft of translating Bengali literature.
- When
- During the Kolkata Literary Meet on Sunday.
- Where
- Kolkata, India.
- Why
- To share insights into Sinha's translation journey and the evolving craft of literary translation.
- Translator
- Arunava Sinha
- 100th Translation
- Chowringhee
- Original Author
- Shankar
- Translation Year
- 1992
- Event
- Kolkata Literary Meet
- Discussion Partner
- Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee
- Translation Career Start
- 1992 (Chowringhee)
- Manuscript Resurfaced
- 2006 (14 years later)