Novelist considers originality and borrowing in literature
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Novelist Amitabha Bagchi responded to Urdu novelist Asha’ar Najmi’s critique of Khalid Javed’s work, which argues that Javed borrowed extensively from Western authors.
Najmi’s essay detailed connections between Javed’s novels and works by writers like Thomas Bernhard and filmmakers like Peter Greenaway. Bagchi noted that all writing builds on previous works, comparing the situation to discovering a popular Indian song borrowed its melody from an American folk tune.
Bagchi distinguished between borrowing in literature and plagiarism in academic writing, explaining that while academic work requires original ideas, literary tradition often involves reinterpretation and adaptation. He pointed out that even ancient epics likely drew on earlier oral traditions, and that readers should evaluate works based on their merit within their time and place, not on a misguided expectation of complete originality.
Bagchi also addressed his role as a judge for the JCB Prize for Literature in 2022, when Khalid Javed’s Paradise of Food won. Najmi questioned whether the jury had noticed Javed’s similarities to Michel Tournier and Henry Kressing, and Bagchi admitted he hadn't read either author, speculating it might have enhanced his appreciation of Javed’s novel. He concluded by advocating for a generous and compassionate approach to reading, free from hero-worship or disdain.
