Madhuri Tamse

1. If you were forced to live the rest of your life as one of the characters from the book, who would it be and why?

If I had to live as one of my characters, it would definitely be Alisha from ‘I Found Love.’ She’s such a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants. I admire how she’s so passionate about her legacy and isn’t afraid to stand up for it, even when it means going head-to-head with the man she’s attracted to. Her resilience is truly inspiring to me.

2. What’s the most challenging part of being a romance writer?

The most challenging part of being a romance writer is dealing with people judging you, especially in Indian families and society. Some folks think writing romance, especially by women, is not respectable. This mindset can make it tough to feel accepted or taken seriously as a writer. But even with these challenges, I keep writing because I believe in the power of storytelling and breaking stereotypes.

3. What role do you think female characters play in empowering readers, particularly young women and girls?

The women characters are like role models. They show strength, toughness, and the ability to make their own choices. Their stories through all these books really connect with readers, especially young women and girls, encouraging them to take charge of their lives and go after what they want without fear.

4. Can you discuss the importance of depicting female characters who are both strong and flawed?

Showing female characters as both strong and flawed is super important in making the stories feel real and relatable. When we see their vulnerabilities and imperfections, it makes them more human. It helps readers connect with them on a deeper level because it shows that being strong doesn’t mean being perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and that’s what makes us who we are.

5. What advice would you give to other female writers who want to create impactful female characters?

To my fellow writers, I want to say, make sure your characters feel real and complex. Don’t be afraid to show their imperfections and vulnerabilities because that’s what makes them strong. Go ahead and challenge stereotypes and expectations. But most importantly, write with all your heart and believe in what you’re doing.

6. Are there any specific traits or qualities you tend to avoid when creating female characters?

When I create female characters, I don’t want them to just fit into clichés or stereotypes. I want them to be real people with all sorts of qualities—good and bad. I make sure they don’t come across as weak. Even if the storyline demands their weakness at the beginning, I make sure they end up showing strength and resilience. This way, readers can learn something valuable from their journey.

7. Can you discuss any instances where real-life women or historical figures have inspired the creation of your female characters?

I get a lot of inspiration for my characters from real-life women, like my late mother. She was always calm and thoughtful, even when things were tough. She’d make strong decisions, even if she felt weak inside. I think every woman has this inner strength—they just need to realize it. In our everyday lives, whether we’re meeting, talking, or chatting with women virtually or in person, they often leave a mark on us. So, even if I’m not directly modelling my characters after them, these women still shape the way I portray my female characters in some way.

8. Can you discuss the role of female friendships and relationships in your stories?

In all my books, whether it’s sisterly bonds (Mr and Mrs Kapoor, No Wedding Bells), mother-daughter relationships (I Found love, One Hellish Passion), or friendships between two women (Feel My Love), these connections are crucial. They’re like the backbone of my stories, offering support, understanding, helping my characters feel comforted, share laughs, and find strength in each other. I believe readers truly relate to and appreciate the support and understanding that stems from these bonds.

9. Do you see any change or development of female characters and writers in the past 10 years?

In the last ten years, I’ve personally seen some big changes in how female characters are shown and how female writers speak up in the romance genre. There are more diverse stories now, with heroines who are complex and have different viewpoints. This shows how the way women are seen and heard is changing, and it’s really empowering for us.

10. Lastly, What’s the one message you want to give to the woman out there?

To all the women reading this, I just want to say: You’re strong and valuable. Embrace all the things that make you who you are. Celebrate your wins, big or small. And never forget how powerful your voice is. You’re more than enough, you deserve everything good, and you can do anything you put your mind to. Happy Women’s Day!