The Soul of a City, Told Through Time

A Storizen Exclusive Feature

- Pria Raiyani and Swapna Peri

In the heart of every bustling metropolis lies a story—layered, complex, and deeply human. In our April 2025 cover story, acclaimed author and storyteller Roopa Pai takes us on a rich, reflective journey through Bangalore, her beloved hometown. With her trademark blend of historical insight and narrative warmth, Pai’s latest book paints a vivid portrait of a city shaped by visionary kings, progressive administrators, passionate gardeners, and everyday citizens who care deeply for their urban oasis. From tracing the electric roots of India's IT capital to uncovering the quiet revolutions in its literary lanes and garden paths, she invites us to see Bangalore not just as a place—but as a living, breathing idea. In this conversation, she opens up about the delicate dance between fact and folklore, the evolution of civic identity, and why history is, above all, a story worth telling well.

The book blends historical anecdotes with personal reflections. How do you strike a balance between storytelling and historical accuracy?