You were studying civil engineering in Benares. What led you to take up writing?
I was always interested in writing. Even through my years at IIT-BHU (1999– 2003), I wrote lots of skits and some plays for various youth festivals and college competitions. My first short story was published at the age of 10—in the children’s monthly magazine Baal Hans (Rajasthan Patrika). I had my sights set on becoming a full-time writer. It’s just that it took me my graduation years to gain some clarity on how to achieve that.
Emotionally, what inspired me to become a writer was the impact of stories I read as a kid and as a young adult— Premchand, Satyajit Ray, Daniel Defoe, Jack London, [Miguel de] Cervantes.
The palpable worlds created simply by [putting] black text on white paper felt magical and unreal back then.
Have you been told to stay away from commenting on politics?
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BOOKS
Books review
STUDIO - Off Lamington Road by Gieve Patel
Oil on Canvas, 54 x 88 in
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICINE
FOODS THAT FIGHT DEMENTIA
TO HELL AND BACK
The Darvaza crater in Turkmenistan is known as the Gates of Hell. I stood on its edge - and lived to tell the tale
THE SNAKE CHARMERS
Invasive Burmese pythons are squeezing the life out of Florida's vast Everglades. An unlikely sisterhood is taking them on
Sisterhood to Last a Lifetime
These college pals teach a master class in how to maintain a friendship for 50-plus years
...TO DIE ON A HOCKEY RINK
ONE MINUTE I WAS PLAYING IN MY BEER LEAGUE, THE NEXT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL
Just Sit Tight
Broken, battered and trapped in a ravine for days, I desperate driver wonders, \"Will anyone find me?\"
Allow Me to Mansplain...
If there's one thing we know, it's this: We're a nation of know-it-alls
THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR (AND SUGAR SUBSTITUTES!)
It's no secret that we have a serious addiction. Here's how to cut back on the sweet stuff, once and for all.
