True Fiction Project: In Conversation with Satya Saran – Flying High Despite Clipped Wings

Host: Reenita Hora
Episode: S5 Ep 5
Release Date: August 27, 2024
Guest: Satya Saran, Mumbai-based Writer, Editor, and Editorial Consultant for Penguin India

Introduction

In the fifth season of the True Fiction Project, host Reenita Hora welcomes Satya Saran, a distinguished figure in Indian journalism and publishing. Satya's journey from a homemaker to the editor of premier magazines like Femina India and ME Magazine exemplifies resilience and passion in a male-dominated industry. This episode delves into her career trajectory, challenges faced, significant contributions, and her transition into authorship and mentorship.

From Homemaker to Journalism

Satya's foray into journalism began unexpectedly. At 19, she was content as a homemaker until a friend's request led her to manage a Sunday supplement for the newspaper Hitawada in Nagpur.

Satya Saran [00:00]: "I managed to find a job with the competition. And that is where I really encountered chauvinism... I love writing."

Under the mentorship of GT Parande, Satya discovered her passion for writing, overcoming initial uncertainties about producing a four-page supplement. Her dedication quickly transformed the section, leading to increased circulation that surpassed the daily paper.

Facing Adversity in a Male-Dominated Industry

Satya navigated significant challenges as the sole woman editor in her office during the mid-1970s, a time when Indian journalism was predominantly male.

Satya Saran [05:35]: "I was the only editorial person in the office, yes."

She faced chauvinism both as a woman and an outsider from another part of India. Her insistence on quality and integrity often clashed with colleagues who doubted her capabilities due to her background and gender.

Satya Saran [06:28]: "I wanted to prove that I can do whatever is given to me. And I just continued with it and to keep my hand in, because I love writing."

Despite these obstacles, her work ethic and love for writing earned her respect over time, especially as the Sunday magazine began to outperform the main newspaper in circulation.

Transforming Femina India

Satya's pivotal role at Femina India marked a significant turning point in her career. Initially writing for both Femina and Eve's Weekly, she eventually took on the role of editor at Femina, where she initiated transformative changes to align the magazine with evolving societal norms.

Satya Saran [11:46]: "I came to Femina. I was writing for both years and one day I just picked up the phone... I started enjoying myself so much."

Under her leadership, Femina shifted focus to address contemporary issues faced by modern women, such as balancing professional and personal lives, financial independence, and tackling societal taboos like rape and domestic violence. This bold editorial direction not only revitalized the magazine but also resonated deeply with its readership, significantly boosting its circulation.

Satya Saran [16:17]: "We started talking about stories of incest... We talked about Eve teasing. We talked about rape. We talked about divorce."

Her innovative approach transformed Femina into a platform that empowered women, making it a super brand in Indian publishing.

Launching ME Magazine

After a successful 26-year tenure at Femina, Satya faced a career setback when new management sought to replace her. This led her to explore authorship, resulting in her first book about the iconic filmmaker Guru Dutt.

Satya Saran [21:35]: "I felt that even whether I was in Europe or in Costa Rica, I would look at every page of the magazine."

The emotional departure from Femina fueled her passion for writing, leading to the creation of ME Magazine under DNA Daily News and Analysis. ME differentiated itself by targeting a broader audience, including men, and presented content in an engaging, visually appealing format.

Satya Saran [25:18]: "We were hugely successful because I had to break the mould I had created."

ME Magazine's innovative layout and in-depth coverage of critical issues like HIV/AIDS education garnered widespread acclaim and surpassed the circulation of the newspaper itself.

Authorship and Legacy

Transitioning from journalism to authorship, Satya focused on chronicling the lives of influential figures in Indian music and cinema. Her works include detailed biographies and explorations of cultural icons, available on platforms like Amazon.

Satya Saran [28:12]: "But that was my cross over into more serious writing on music."

Beyond writing, Satya dedicates herself to teaching at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, imparting her vast knowledge in fashion journalism and writing to aspiring journalists.

Satya Saran [30:39]: "I teach fashion journalism there and writing... You can't be a journalist without learning to write."

Advice to Minority Storytellers

Satya emphasizes the importance of passion, commitment, and integrity in storytelling, encouraging minority voices to persevere despite challenges.

Satya Saran [31:57]: "If you are genuinely in love with what you do... it will reward you in some way... something wonderful and to the best of your ability. And at the end of it, somewhere, something will happen."

Conclusion

Satya Saran's remarkable journey from overcoming gender and cultural barriers to leading and transforming major publications serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring journalists and storytellers. Her dedication to advancing women's issues, innovating magazine formats, and mentoring the next generation underscores her legacy in the Indian media landscape.

Satya Saran [32:36]: "I have the satisfaction of having done something wonderful and to the best of your ability."

For more insights and compelling stories transformed from non-fiction to fiction, explore the True Fiction Project at reenita.com/podcasts/true-fiction-project.