At the launch of the book 'The Rise of Sivagami', a prequel to the movie 'Baahubali-The Beginning', Rajamouli today said that Sivagami, to him, is not a fictional character. "I have so much respect for her," he added. Asked about any inputs he may have given the author Anand Neelakantan, the director said that he only had the character to give him, while it took wings thanks to Anand's imaginative thinking. "After reading the book, I was moved by it and I love how Anand has taken the story ahead," Rajamouli added.

The author, who is penning a three-book series titled 'Baahubali: Before The Beginning' (of which the Sivagami book is the first one), said that Katappa is an exciting character in the book. "Sivagami resembles Sita and is an epitome of Indian Motherhood. Sivagami is the true hero of the movie and that's why I wrote the book," he said.

The book was released at the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival. Reportedly, the Baahubali event drew the highest number of crowds among all events at the Fest.

The book will be available from March 7th.