Author Tejaswini Apte-Rahm’s debut novel ‘The Secret of More’ is historical fiction set in early 20th century Mumbai, with a large part of the novel taking place within the silent film industry of that era. At our Online Talk #SilenceIsGolden, she introduces us to the world of Indian silent films - the emergence of magic lanterns, the first feature films in India, the role of Dadasaheb Phalke in the emergence of the silent film industry, early use of special effects, the use of ‘sound’ in silent films, and more. She will also talk about the research needed to write historical fiction with reference to her book.

About the speaker

Tejaswini Apte-Rahm is a Mumbai-born writer. She worked as a journalist and environmental researcher, and has written for Screen, Hindustan Times, the Times of India and the Asian Age. Her fiction has appeared in various publications including Helter Skelter, BLink and Himal Southasian. Her short story collection, These Circuses That Sweep Through the Landscape, was shortlisted in 2017 for the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize and the Tata-Nexon Literature Live! First Book Award. She has co-authored an environmental education book for children, The Poop Book!, shortlisted for the Jarul Book Award 2021-22. The Secret of More is her first novel, published in September 2022.