Interview : Ishita Bhown (Author : ToGetHer)

“First of all, I want to congrats u for the your success of the NOVEL ToGetHer”

• HARSHA- Ma’am everybody has inspiration..so who inspire u to write…please share with us…??

ISHITA BHOWN- My hobby of reading and the way I lived the characters in the books that I read. It motivated me to write something, which others could relate with. I wanted to touch the lives of people with literary interests. I had a dream to attach other people to my fiction and thus started blogging. The positive response of my blog boosted my confidence and inspired me to write the novel.

• HARSHA- What is the story behind "ISHITA" as a" WRITER"??

ISHITA- I will be very honest with you, I am “a writer by chance”, as was titled by many papers and reviewers. I started writing as a hobby. I never hoped that this hobby would actually make me recognized as an “author”. Even about this debut novel- “ToGetHer”, I started writing it in my class work registers during the boring college lectures, or my leisure time. As the story progressed, I shared it with my close buddies, who encouraged me to get it published.

• HARSHA-The title of your  novel “together” looks very interesting to me.. I want to ask is this three words TO,Get,Her or its TOGETHER… And yeah of course how it comes to your mind…??

ISHITA- hehe. Thanks! I wanted the title to be catchy , as well as self explanatory. ToGetHer-It conveys the story-line perfectly. It’s actually three words- To, get , and her that are written Together.

• HARSHA-As your previous novel is based on engr life…so is there any message to our youngsters who fall in love on each 2nd day and in spite of that they  also have serious crush…??

ISHITA- Yes. Its true. Our generation is a fast paced one. We get involved in relationships too soon, even without totally understanding the other person. We dedicate ourselves to such hurried relationships. But gradually, when there are some difficult times, we lose our cool, and then blame each other. I ampersonally against it. I believe we should give enough time to understand one another completely, and that way, the beauty and strength of lovely relations stays intact forever.

• HARSHA-could you tell something about any of your new upcoming book or any of d PROJECTS??

ISHITA - Being a debundant writer, I was a bit hesitant about the acceptance of my writing, but the positive response of the readers and their affection as well as feedback is definitely motivating me for a second attempt. I have a plot in mind, and hope to get it in the form of a good writing.

• HARSHA-”the adroit ” is here basically to solve the obstacles between publisher and writer. So ma’am we would like to know your journey from “having the story” to “getting it published”…?

ISHITA- In my opinion, getting a publisher is the most difficult part of being an author. Being unaware of the publishing industry, I was totally clueless where to begin from. But thankfully, I found some helping people and did lot of internet research. I contacted many houses and patiently waited for their replies. I was fortunate to be able to get the book published. But there are many aspiring and talented writers who are not as lucky as me. They keep struggling to find the publisher, or give up on the hopes in the initial stage only. I would like to tell them that “have confidence, be realistic and optimistic. Never give up writing, there are people who will appreciate you and recognize your talent.”I am so happy that platform like adroit comes to their rescue. Wish you all the very best, may you provide the right guidance to bring out best and most deserving talents from our country.

• HARSHA-so Ishita ma’am, what’s your favorite genre? And what’s your interests except writing ?

ISHITA-. I like fiction and suspense stories. Besides reading and writing, I am also a passionate blogger and am involved in philately. I work in a software company, and am hardly able to spare time out of office schedule. But in my leisure time, I love to interact and make new friends. I like to keep myself busy.

• HARSHA-Where you see yourself now, from your 1st novel to till date??And hows your experience in this field??

ISHITA- The book is getting overwhelming response from the readers. Since the readers are keener to obtain female perspective about the youth generation of the country, the book catches the reader’s attention instantly. It’s simple language makes them relate easily with the story. As this was my debut novel, I was apprehensive about the readership, but today when strangers congratulate me and recognize me for my work, I feel very happy about it. In the short duration since the release of my book, I have made many good friends from the writer’s fraternity, and was blessed by many good readers, who now share a unique bond with me. I can never forget the day when the book was listed in bestsellers on a leading website, or the day when I got my first fan mail. I got so much love from strangers, who are now as close as friends. This has been a beautiful and cherish able journey so far. 

Harsha Jha.

I am a simple and down to earth girl, who is very fun loving and cheerful. My thoughts are a blend of traditional values and modern views. I am enjoying my life with a list of friends while getting my B.Tech degree for Information Technology frm NITRR.. I am a music lover and hate liars...

Contact : jha.harsha52@gmail.com

Interview : Novoneel Chakraborty (Author : How about a sin tonight?)

• Mansi  : Describe your favourite writing space. And what is it that moves you to write?

Novoneel Sir : By space if you mean where exactly I like to sit and write then I don’t have any particular or favourite space as such.  Though I must say I don’t like to write in an open or a well-lighted room.  It should be closed and it should be dark when I’m writing.

• Mansi : Do you have a favourite part of 'A Thing Beyond Forever'? Is there one passage or section that is -- that means so much to you?

Novoneel Sir : My most favourite part of ‘A Thing Beyond Forever’ would be the last scene and the discourse that takes place where Radhika is in the hospital and she personifies her supposed death as her lover Raen.  In my opinion it simply sums up the intensity of the love Radhika felt for Raen all her life. And perhaps beyond. 

• Mansi : Do you base your characters on real people? Why or why not? If not, how do you develop those characters?

Novoneel Sir :Till now I haven’t really based any character of mine on real people.  I personally love to explore people who have shadows within them.  Though ‘A Thing Beyond Forever’ has this classic ‘true-love-story’ set up but with my subsequent books I have tried to explore the shadows that love often in creates people.  I feel it’s easy to write about someone who is one-dimensional. For example a character who loves only one person till death. All one needs is one strong conflict in the story to counter it. But tougher is to develop a character who is aware of his or her options and is willing to choose accordingly and thus at every step create his or her own conflict all the time.  The liberty of making such choices provides a fictional character with the hue of realism.

Development of a character happens from the time I start visualizing them. Something (and it’s not usually the same thing) about a character should haunt me constantly. For example for the character of Pallavi in my second book ‘That Kiss In The Ran’ the thing that made me consider her was: can a girl who sleeps with every guy love someone in a divine manner even if the expression isn’t divine in the traditional sense of the word? For Nishani in my third book it was: can hatred be someone’s sole purpose to live?  Subsequently, I keep asking myself what would a particular character eat, wear, say, work, his or her interest, dislikes, secrets and likewise.  The more I do so, the more traits keep adding on to the character until the character turns into a being in my mind. It’s only then I gradually align the character to the plot and start to write. 

• Mansi  : Ever struggled with writer's block? What are the things that invigorate you when you feel stagnated?

Novoneel Sir : Not as of now. I believe I haven’t written enough to encounter a block as yet. I feel a block happens when one becomes creatively myopic. That’s why one should always learn from everything around and within oneself.

• Mansi : How do you feel your writing style or priorities as a writer have changed after 4 years of your writing career?

 Novoneel Sir : I have never analyzed my writing style or work as such. I feel a writer is bound to grow with time. If that doesn't happen or one keeps writing what he or she wrote once then I personally think that person should stop writing and focus on some other things. One has to be creatively polygamous with his or her creations.

• Mansi : Tell us something about your recent work 'How About a Sin Tonight?'.

Novoneel Sir : ‘How About A Sin Tonight?’ allowed me to explore those corners which I didn’t or couldn’t with my previous two books.  It’s my first character driven novel and I thoroughly enjoyed creating it.  Even though the milieu is the Hindi Film Industry but the story essentially is about the five characters. The ending is experimental in nature and defies, in my opinion, the usual ending we have in popular genre novels.  

• Mansi  : What advice would you give to a new writer just starting out?

 Novoneel Sir : I would suggest them to read a lot. And not limit themselves to their own capsule of life.  Storytellers, I believe, need not necessarily tell their personal stories all the time but say a story in a way that it reads personal to the readers.

Mansi : Thank you sir. :)

A bubbly yet emotional girl, who lives her life on her own terms. Love electronic gadgets, movies, music and chocolates. Troubling my head with programming as I am doing B.Tech in Information Technology from NIT, Raipur. I am amicable and I am truly in love with myself.
Contact : mansijain.nitrr@gmail.com

Interview : Preeti Singh (Author : Flirting With Fate)

•  Harsha : Would  you like to tell our readers more about "Preeti Singh"

   Preeti Ma'am : Am a simple..single mom who believes in living in the NOW…n live into the fullest…coz Kal ho na ho….

• Harsha : The "Flirting With Fate" is your 1st novel.. Share your experience of writing your first book...?

Preeti Ma'am : It took me 5 years to write this book---due to poor health as I am an epileptic by birth and personal problems….most characters are from real life—as and when I met them…lived moments with them….they found a place in my book….

•   Harsha : Being a debut author, what hardships you had to face while writing as well as getting it published?

Preeti Ma'am : Plenty of hardships---but then it's never easy…I knew nothing…absolutely nothing in the publishing world…learnt plenty by making mistakes…stumbling and rising again…so want to help debut authors now---no one should suffer in ignorance—like I did..

•  Harsha : Share something about your book "Flirting With Fate" ...??what exactly it is..?

Preeti Ma'am : I wanted a striking title---n this blended with the youth as well as the older generation—FLIRTING would attract the young people and the elders believe in Fate…

• Harsha : The title of this book is too catchy !! how it comes up to your mind and how u relate this with the story?

Preeti Ma'am : As you read the book,…..you can relate to the title….coz the title means—if you try to mess with fate—you shall pay for it somehow…somewhere but before you die you definitely will reap what you sow….

•  Harsha : How you manage to synchronize your personal and professional life with writing ?

Preeti Ma'am : Parts of me…my life is there in my book…..you can also see my previous works on my website www.writingnaturally.com which has stabilized me as a writer in Chd since last 5 years…

•  Harsha :  "Writing"-- when and how become a part of your life? Who is your favourite authors and which are your favorite books ?

Preeti Ma'am : Writing began at the age of 9 as a hobby….a friendship broke and  a poem I scribbled…I would barely pass in almost all subjects but would excel in English……it was always a hobby…but I made my passion of writing into a profession once I decided to manage my own life…my way . My favourite author is spiritual writer Eckhart Tolle whose penned Power of Now—a book I have read 10 times and try to imbibe in daily life…I read fiction only in college…now I read only self help books.

•  Harsha : Is there any particular age group your are targeting for your novel ?

Preeti Ma'am : Not particularly…I had written with 30plus audience in mind but I am seeing all age groups are liking it now. From 14 yr olds to 84 yr olds are giving positive feedback.

•   Harsha : At last ..any messages which u want to give our youngsters ?? 

Preeti Ma'am : You have one life….fulfil your dreams but follow the clean n truthful path –coz Karma does return .

Thank You so much ma'am for taking out time from your busy schedule.. :)

Harsha Jha.

I am a simple and down to earth girl, who is very fun loving and cheerful. My thoughts are a blend of traditional values and modern views. I am enjoying my life with a list of friends while getting my B.Tech degree for Information Technology frm NITRR.. I am a music lover and hate liars...

Contact : jha.harsha52@gmail.com

Colour Outside The Line..

A candid chat with Sujata Parashar, whose two novels 'In Pursuit of Ecstasy' and 'In Pursuit of Infidelity' are published from Rupa & Co. and a self-published book 'Poetry Out and Loud' and third book is on it's way to release..

Mansi : At what age you started writing?? And which books inspired you to take up writing?

Sujata Ma'am : Thank you for asking me this question. I was never into writing much. I enjoyed reading more.  However, there was a brief phase during my College years, when I dabbled in poetry. Later, I even attempted penning a few essays. To my surprise, most of my poems I had written then were appreciated. A few of them were even published in several magazines and newspapers. Some of my works published during that time –

• Poem titled 'What is life?', published in The Asian Age, Calcutta -Sep 1996

• Poem titled 'The stranger and his son' published in Interglobe (an airline magazine), in 1999, also simultaneously published in an army magazine

• Article titled 'Of the craze called millennium' published in Dainik Bhaskar in 1999.

But frankly, it was only when I joined the Social sector and started writing reports, articles and write up on different social issues et al, that I actually started enjoying writing. Simultaneously, I also wrote on different issues from management to sports for an American website where contributors were rated by readers from around the world. Several of my articles posted on the website attained top spot. It was only then, that I realised many people enjoyed reading my articles. 

  Mansi : Your first book "In pursuit of Infidelity" was published in the year 2009. How is your journey from then to now?

Sujata Ma'am : I would say my journey began after both my books, including ‘In pursuit of ecstasy,’ came out. Till then the feeling; that I had become a writer had not properly sunk in.

However, I consider myself fortunate to have a reputed and well established publisher of the country like Rupa and co., publish both my books. Moreover, my first book became a best seller even before the full year was out and the second book, released early last year has been long listed for the ‘Economist Crossword book,’ award. Both my books continue to do well. I could have never asked for a better beginning. At the same time, there is no denying the fact that I became a writer by chance. Never before had I taken writing so seriously. And so now I need to work hard on myself to deserve being called a great fiction writer. I know it’s going to be a long and arduous journey but I am ready for it.

Mansi : Of course you have a huge fan following. How do you handle criticisms?

Sujata Ma'am : I feel delighted and humbled all at once to be appreciated by my readers. But of course, I have also witnessed my work being shredded to pieces by some of the critics and reviewers. Being an extra sensitive person, I have had a hard time dealing with criticisms. Although, with time I have learnt to either ignore or at least curtail my reactions.

Also, in my opinion, criticism is unhealthy and has a negative impact on all the parties involved. There is always a better way to express, guide or advice, instead of directly pointing out someone’s mistakes or flaws. As members of the human race our prime objective should be to respect other fellow beings and encourage them in what they passionately feel about or believe in. It may be; some will become good runners while others great swimmers. Leave it to the individuals to tap their inner potentials. Don’t discourage/dishearten them even before they can find out what their potential is.

Mansi : When we talk about Sujata.. We talk about a poet, an author, a social worker. Is there any other cherished dream you are running behind?

Sujata Ma'am : You have been asking me some very pertinent questions. Thank you! And yes, I would love to travel around the world. Although, I am again fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to a few European and Southeast Asian countries as I worked for an International airline before I joined the Social sector. The changeover was a conscious decision. But my first job taught me a lot many things about life and people. I have some beautiful memories of that time.


Mansi : Tell us something about your recent work "Poetry Out and Loud". Any incident you remember while writing this book?

Sujata Ma'am : The book of poems - “Poetry Out and Loud” released earlier this year is quite close to my heart. Although, I am recognised as a fiction writer but poetry was always my first love. I have never studied poetry or followed any poet but always loved this form of expression that helps one convey their thoughts or views spontaneously.

My collection was aimed at all those who think poetry is only meant for the literati or serious artists. In fact, I call myself a non poet’s poet. Almost all my poems have been written in free verse and are simple and straightforward in style. Yet, one will find meaning and beauty in them. The entire collection is based on my observations, experiences and thoughts about life, people and nature peppered with a fertile dose of imagination. For example, after reading a College professor’s research paper that explored and studied Mulk Raj Anand’s usage of expletives in his internationally acclaimed novel “Untouchables,” the poem “Pragmatic Analysis of abuses” was born, Actors Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher’s high profile infidelity case caught my attention and the poem “Wandering Eyes” was born. Similarly, I read Flaubert’s classic novel “Madame Bovary” and then wrote the entire story in verse, titled – “That classical lady named Madame Bovary.”  To my delight, my distributors recently informed me the book is doing quite well.  

Mansi : What is Sujata Parashar's next pursuit?

Sujata Ma'am : Well, the next pursuit deals with an important aspect of man - woman relationship. But if you assume it will explore/discuss ‘infidelity,’ just like my first book, let me gently hint, that is not the idea! Also, the MSS of the ‘third pursuit’ is almost ready. It’s with my editor at the moment. After she gives me her ‘go- ahead,’ I will be submitting it for publishing.


Mansi : Trilogy means three related novels. How these three are related and what are makes them different from other two?

Sujata Ma'am : I won’t call my ‘pursuits’ a trilogy. However, in all the three novels, I have tried to study and explore certain important aspects of human relationships; especially between Man and woman, and Parent and child (youth). Of course, the common sounding titles of the books make them sound like a trilogy. (If you observe, the last words in both my earlier titles started with the vowels ‘I’ and ‘E’ respectively. Now I leave my readers to guess the vowel that will be used for the third book).

Mansi : Who are the writers you seek to emulate?

Sujata Ma'am : There is no one specific I wish to emulate, although I am inspired by several of them like Enid Blyton, Jane Austen, Khalid Hosseini and Vikram Seth to name a few. Also, I completely admire writers who possess the art of storytelling and write their stories in simple language with a clear and precise style. Personally also, I desist from using flowery language in my novels and even in most of my poems. They are written in direct style. Also, I believe only a great writer can write and present the most mind boggling subject in an easy and fluid style without compromising on its literary value.
Mansi : Thank you Ma'am for giving us your valuable time. :)

    Mansi Jain



A bubbly yet emotional girl, who lives her life on her own terms. Love electronic gadgets, movies, music and chocolates. Troubling my head with programming as I am doing B.Tech in Information Technology from NIT, Raipur. I am amicable and I am truly in love with myself.
Contact : mansijain.nitrr@gmail.com

Interview : Toffee (Author : An Idiot,Placements And IntervYOU)

• First things first- what’s with the idiot...you seem to be obsessed by it?

Well, Yes. I kinda liked the word ‘idiot’ so much. Keeping aside the literary meaning of the word, according to me, idiots are those guys who do what they really love doing, without really caring what the world thinks of them. They are different, unique and don’t follow the herd mentality. They listen to their heart, follow their mind and carve their own niche, just like the character of Aamir Khan in the movie ‘3 Idiots’.

I do feel ‘idiot’ is a cult word. And my definition of I.D.I.O.T. is
I = I’ll
D = do
I = it
O = on my
T = terms

• Tell us about your new book- An Idiot, placement and IntervYOU?

‘An Idiot, Placements and IntervYOU’ is actually a non-fiction self-help book written like a fiction. It is filled with complete infotainment and is the story of every engineering student. Almost everybody will be able to relate themselves with the ‘Idiot’ of the book.
In simple terms, the book is about an average engineering student sharing his journey and experiences in an informal way. Everyone who reads the book would learn something out of those experiences and find them useful in his/her own job interviews. The book is very much like a best friend sitting right beside you and sharing his heart.

• You say you are a writer by chance not by choice...How does this book came about? What inspired to write this book?

Well, I was just another happy-go-lucky guy until I fell in love with a girl. She was my best friend. I proposed to her on one not so fine day and she rejected me.
I felt sad and dejected. And I started writing ‘An Idiot, Placements and IntervYOU’ to help myself forget her. So, in short, ‘love’ has inspired me to write this book.

• Another purpose of reading your book besides the entertainment is the interview knowledge… How do you think it’s going to benefit an engineering student like me? 

Well, I personally faced a lot of problems during my engineering days because of the lack of knowledge related to the placement process. Of course there were seniors and lectures to guide me and a lot of websites to provide information. But all the information was disorganized, and figuring out what actually was needed would eat away a lot of time, energy and resources. There were books in the market about interviews, but they were too generic and boring.
After I joined an MNC, I felt that writing a book on interviews by providing exhaustive and exact information, in an informal way, would be of great help to the students. I deliberately made the book entertaining because I wanted readers to also have fun while reading the book.
Bottom line is that one can get lots of information from the book in a very short time, besides entertainment and nostalgia.

• There are a lot of books available on placements and “IntervYOU’s” as you will say… what’s different about your book?

Ans: Every other interview book available in the market is practical and boring. But ‘An Idiot, Placements and IntervYOU’ is completely different. It’s funny, entertaining and informative at the same time.
Many a times, the book has emotional stuff that touches readers' hearts.
The presentation is different and the style of narration is interesting. Instead of focusing on dos and don’ts, the book focuses on story-telling, there by infusing the information on placements and interviews in the minds of readers subliminally.

• You are new to the writing field …How does it feel to be called an author, an artist…How as life changed for DELL employee after his first book?

I personally don’t see myself as an author yet. I have just shared my life experiences in an interesting way hoping it would help a lot of students out there. 

• I think everyone who read the first five pages of the book would have had tears in their eyes...you are that good at writing emotional stuff…. any plans for an emotional fiction?

Well, Yes and No. I do have a good story in mind. It’s just that I am occupied with other important priorities in life and I am not really sure if I would be disciplined enough to attach my bum to the chair and write another book. Let’s see. Only time will tell.

• You came from a non- writing background..What would your advice be to any young budding writers? 

Honestly, I am too ordinary a guy to give any advice. But if you put a knife to my throat and ask me to give advice, all I would say to young writers is – “Don’t write for fame, money or appreciation. Write to touch hearts and to share a beautiful story with the world.”

Naman Sharma

Interview : Nitya Prakash (Author - Little LuckNow)

1.      Starting conversation with your latest project-Little LuckNow, Sir Please tell our readers about the same.

‘Little LuckNow’ is a Child Psychological Fiction and it revolves around the city of Nawabs, Lucknow. “Can a kid fall in Love and actually mean it?” is the theme of the novel. Love comes in so many different levels, that it doesn't appear to be the same emotion at all, but it is. There is so much to love. It can tear people apart and make us do irrational things to bringing together entire nations. What can this emotion not do? It's hard to tell, but there is a lot it can. Love is that one emotion that makes enemies into friends and friends into enemies. So many legends surround this emotion, from the goddess of love to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. There's a very thin line between being thrilled and being terrified, when a child falls in love. Kapil, an eleven year old boy is passing through a similar phase. ‘Little Lucknow’ explains what goes through a child’s mind, when he/she falls in love.

2.     The news is that Little LuckNow will launch in a grand Ceremony in Jaipur. Tell us about this.

‘Little Lucknow’ is scheduled to launch on 25th July, 2012 in a grand launch ceremony at Vesta Maurya Palace, Jaipur by the honorable chief guests- Brig. Pradeep Siwach(Manipal University, Jaipur) and Mr. Sartaj Narayan Mathur(Sr. Theatre Artist).

3.     When we talk about Nitya Prakash’s novels, we are sure about two things: a new and gripping story and a perfect use of English. What more should we expect from Little LuckNow?

I always experiment. The thing about experimentation is I can’t accurately predict the outcome. I might think I know how trying something new will turn out, but the reality is that I just won’t know until I try it. And Little LuckNow is about one such experiment: looking at Love like a Kid.

4.    This book is the first project of Parlance Publishers of Jaipur and they are already making buzz in the market. Please tell us about them.

Ritesh Agarwal (Director, Parlance Publishers) read ‘Dear, I Hate You’ and ‘In the name of Love, R.I.P.’ and then contacted me with a proposal to publish my next novel with them. I appreciated the directness of his approach and frankly Parlance’s team is a terrific team to work with. I am sure they will be the trailblazers in the field of literature.

5.     How is the response to Little LuckNow for Pre-orders?

To this point, the response is terrific with almost 8000+ copies pre-ordered so far.  I am sure it will be a bestseller even before its official launch on 25^th of July.

6.    What after Little LuckNow?

At present, I am at the trail of my 4^th Novel, Maya. It is a paranormal thriller based on the ghost town of Bhangarh, Rajasthan. Maya will be the first novel ever written on Bhangarh.

7.     Anything more you want to inform the readers about the novel, something that we have missed?

Yes, I am also working with few major production houses in Bollywood and Hollywood on Screen Writing Project. I would like to thank all my readers for their unconditional love and support.

Thank You so much Sir for giving your time.

Harsha Jha

Interview : Ishaan Lalit (Author - Hexagon)

Hi Ishaan Sir..!! How are you ?

> I am great, how are you?

A. Your new book Hexagon is a story of two artifact thieves Rahul & Riya … How did you come up with the idea of the book ?

I am a geek and so is my brother. We both were sitting one day and staring at the moon and discussing the gravitational pull of the heavenly body. When I asked the question, "what if there were six moons around the earth?" I immediately corrected my statement by coming up with "what if there were six earths?" and that was the inception of Hexagon. I came up with the characters of Rahul and Riya, the art thieves because I wanted realism in the book. The kind of obstacles they are facing cannot be survived by a normal man. Plus a normal good guy sucks!!!

B. Hexagon is a sci-fi fiction… it’s quite fresh because all we are getting these days are immature love story but don’t you think sci-fi has restricted readers? Yet you continued on this field?

I don't think so. Sci-fi hasn't really been done in India and so nobody knows the potential of it in our country. I believe that a book is sold on a good story and I believe Hexagon is an amazing story. I loved writing it and I hope people love reading it.I don't know how many times I have said this, I have a contemptuous dislike for love stories and although the love stories have given our industry a boost but I feel our young authors need to evolve out of it and into other genres. 

C. It must have been very exhausting to write a book like Hexagon … any particular moment you remember while writing the book?

Yeah it was very exhausting. The whole book is in staccato style which is like a rapid fire of action and while I was writing the last 6 chapters I would pray that the book would finish that day but it wouldn't. Which almost drove me insane.

D. With Hexagon your writing is being compared to Dan Brown … now that’s pretty big … how do you respond to that?

It's kind of nerve wracking, that is a very big statement to live up to. I try not to think about it because I feel if I keep thinking about it my head will explode (laughs) but I hope it brings a lot of readers to read the book. 

E. How did you come up with idea of trailers for the book..? Was it your own creativity or was it someone from the marketing section?

I came up with the book trailers and made them myself. I was having so much fun with Hexagon that I couldn't stop.

F. Were you satisfied with the response to your first novel- The Bracelet..?

We all have one book where we know we could have done better, my first book was that to me. Although it got a decent reception and gathered pretty good reviews I still wish it could have done better.

G. You have a very interesting resume-A Gemologist, a pilot, an adventure junkie …how has life changed when an author was added to it?

I have been writing for a very long time but as soon as I turned to it professionally the whole experience has changed. I now read everyday and watch every new movie, not for entertainment but for the narration. I now look at the world differently continuously bouncing ideas around in my head to the point where everybody thinks that I am going crazy.

H. you are an inspiration for all the young writers who want to write something other than Chick lit Love Stories ….. Any advice to them?

Just keep believing and keep writing. I know its hard to break into the market with work which doesn't involve selling out your soul but you can do it. Remember if I can do it, so can you.

I. You have just penned down the Hexagon … so it will be very cruel to ask you for your upcoming projects but we are still going to ask…. Any new book you are working on ?

Yeah I have finished a new book called Dinner Date. It is a romantic comedy. It is my take on a love story. It has a very different writing style and narration. I was challenged by someone that I couldn't write a normal love story and it seems like they won.

Thank You So much Sir...

Naman Sharma

Walkie Talkie with Aabhas K Maldahiyar (Author of Restart)

As I read about Aabhas sir, I am dumbstruck to see a long list of his interests. He is an artist in blood. I am hopeful of learning from him and am sure all the readers appreciate his work. I am trying to figure out the real Aabhas behind this architect.

Niharika- Sir what has ‘Restart’ to give its readers, different in the bookshelf ?

Aabhas sir-‘Restart’ is a book on hope and attempt to convert failures into opportunities. It also presents an insight of an Architecture Student’s life, which remains anonymous to major part of crowd even today. At times, even the parents and guardians of an Archi are unable to feel, discern happenings related to him. ‘Restart’ also reflects the bridge between real architecture and society we live in. An attempt is also made to inspire youth to be part of political system, with an urge to replace the existing dirty system as the yeild point has arrived, we can’t rectify it anymore.

Niharika- Indeed.. Why the name of the book is ‘Restart’? I mean where is the ‘Start’?

Aabhas sir-The name of the book is ‘Restart’ as it is a story about emerging post to a death nearing pause. The protagonist starts his life on a very normal mode with lots of promises within, the disgraces of the education system, personal life and innocence drags him inside virtual graveyard. But soon, learning from society, populace and issues around teaches him bundles of lesson, making him realize the worth of dues. He makes an unanticipated restart with full force and never stops by then, finally landing up at the Parliament House.

The name ‘Restart’ has been also taken considering ram reign as the most ideal system, as the last line of book clearly justifies, it says- ‘The saturation state has arrived. System can’t be rectified anymore. We simply need to replace it....I believe, that day is not far, when someone among you wearing T-Shirt & Jeans will be unfurling The Tricolour on the auspicious day of August 15 at The Red Fort........and that will be The RESTART of Ram’s Reign yet again......................’

Niharika- Great.. Sir do you see this book as a glimpse of your own life?

Aabhas sir- Yes, this book is partially a glimpse of my own life, though it is indeed a work of fiction. The protoganist is almost replica of my own character.

Niharika- Hmm.. What inspires you to write? Is there a muse you hold?

Aabhas sir- Indeed it’s my failure what inspires me to do all including writing. My failure to learn and write poems, question-answers during tests of primary schooling made me do poetry and create answers during examination just to fill spaces and atleast gain passing marks. Evils of society also shoves me to write, credit goes to my dad who brought me up bowing head in front of temple, Mosque, Gurudwara, and follow religion of humanity and rebel. I have always felt the worth of pen as weapon and seems to be the best of all, for fulfilling my dream to replace the patchy system.

Niharika- Okay, now shifting our gear, I read that you have interests in all the art forms starting from music, sketching , painting to designing, writing and even political analysis. How do you manage all of it?

Aabhas sir- Yeah, I’m interested in all art forms. Painting and sketching is oldest among all, gradually all came up in the bunch. One thing is very common in each and every one, they are outcome of creativity. I feel no difference in configuring words, alloting pencil grades, stroking colour brush or even bargaining the space creating building forms. Being an Architect, I feel no design come up until melody passes by one’s ear drum, so there is no way to keep music aside. The two quotes by world famous Architect F.L.Wright justifies it so well. He said, “’Architecture is frozen music,’ and ‘Architecture is mother of all art.’” Political analysis helps me know our system very well, and hence it becomes essential part of my mission to correct the system we live in.

Niharika- Ya creativity is the weapon. But among all the interests you hold. Where do you see Aabhas at his best?

Aabhas sir- It is a very tough question to answer. Normally it is said, ‘you are the best judge of yourself,’ but in my perception, the day we know ourself, success will be attire by then, which seems so away from me as of now. As an answer to this I would say-I see Aabhas at his best when he paints and sketch.

Niharika- We would love to see that too. One more thing. What are your steps towards your dream about refining the current educational system?

Aabhas sir-This book is opening step towards making my dream come true. To add on, I initiated with Architecture education itself, I have derived a completely new curriculum which is to be tabled soon for discussion. I have also conceptualised a fresh configuration for whole education system, which lets degree remain only a mode to aquire knowledge in a streamline while apptitude tests becomes key to be named as some professional. This configuration also proposes Indian Teaching Services as mere key to be a teacher. When this configuration is brought into place, concept of coaching classes and private tutorials automatically flushes away, innovation makes a way as fundametal parameter to aquire knowledge.

Niharika- Really great And What are your upcoming projects?

Aabhas sir- I ‘m working on my second book ‘The Coldfire’, this story is a sequel of ‘Restart’ where upon Aditya is one of the cabinet ministers. This book presents insight of political system, brutality of professionalism, family concerned issues of a rebel and reasons behind naxalism.

The configuration of education system talked about in past question, is presented in this book in form of a bill which is presented by Aditya in the Lok Sabha.

I sense this book causing lots of revolutionary sparks in the young cerebrum and much needed learnings for so many elders as well.

Niharika- It was really nice talking to you sir, a writer cum artist cum architect surely has put mark with his quill. I now know more behind the archi man.  I wish the youth of this country remove the dust from covered covers of educational system and not just a mere battle of relationships..switching off my walkie talkie.

A girl who is simple as you think and complicated as you make.
Public speaking, writing, reading, creativity, adds to her domain though small but a cherry on the top.

Contact : niharika_25aug@yahoo.com