He is from IIT, She is from BITS

In an Exclusive interview with Saumil Shrivastava, an IIT Bombay graduate and Author of  “A Roller Coaster Ride – When an IITian Met a BITSian Girl” talks to Pankaj Batra about writing, life and other non-literary things.

Congratulations on your debut novel. How ‘roller coaster-like’, has your stint with writing been?
Thanks a lot. Well, being my first novel “roller coaster ride” is close to my heart. In-fact, the journey of writing the book has been indeed a roller coaster where in I actually lived a life of each and every character in the book. Many times I got stuck but luckily I always had few mentors to guide me through. It was really a challenging task but I am happy the story has a mass appeal, and it has an emotional touch for both male and female readers. It is not limited to sub-30 age group.

From metallurgical engineering, to the IIT and now to writing; what has the journey been like?
Admission in IIT was a result of sheer hard work; B.Tech in metallurgical engineering was by chance; but becoming a writer was by choice. Post IIT after working for about 1.8 years, I left my job to start my own venture. But thanks to my partners, who didn’t support me well, I had close down my company in its initial stages. In the same year the job scenario became dismal due to global recession. It was then I decided to pen down my thoughts and fulfill my long standing dream. I had all the time to think and write.

Any inspiration for your book, in short, is it autobiographical?
This is my first stint as an author and it is inspired by some real life incidents. The story is made out of different characters that I have met during my college days and while I was working in Gurgaon. But it is not autobiographical in nature, although some part of the story does reflect about my life.

Your book hit the stands a week back. What do you think of the response? Is it encouraging?
Well, it’s too early to say how the response is because the book is yet to hit all the book stores across India. But the response has been really encouraging, one common feedback that I have got from different section of readers is: that the novel is “Interesting and Gripping”. So I must say for my debut novel I am pretty much satisfied for now. Definitely, there are some loop holes and some scope of improvement. I would try to improve with every book I write further.

What are your passions besides writing?
I am quite interested in singing. It’s in my blood. My Mom and my sister they are among the best singers in my home town. One fine day I definitely wish to improve my skills in this area.
I have also been associated with a World Peace Organization, NGO for the past 4 yrs, as I strongly believe when you succeed you should share it with others. So, community service is the best option. It is just a small attempt to return to the society I live in.

Indian writers particularly from the elite institutes are known to have come of age. What is your take on that?
India has always boasted of some great literary work. From RK Narayan, Vikram Seth and Ruskin Bond to Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushie, Amitav Ghosh and Jhumpa Lahiri, India has produced legends in the literary world. Of late, there is a new breed of writers who are selling their story in a simple language which has mass appeal. There writing is a breath of fresh air and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Also, now writers have become more open to experimentation and are bold in choosing their topics.

Any special message for your fans and readers of Indian literature in general?
I would just say be open to experimentation, as you never know what you may like. Also one must respect other’s opinion and since we are living in a democracy everyone has a freedom of expression. If the masses understand this, then we will not have cases like Taslima Nasrin and MF Hussain anymore.

The book is available in major book stores such as Om Book Shop and Landmark. You can also order it online from Flipkart and Infibeam.

Note from Author :
I maintain my website, write articles and reply comments because of my interest/hobby to share information and knowledge.

If you liked the post, Please
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/pankajbatracom
Join My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pankajbatra.blog
Join me on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/batrapankaj
Or subscribe to updates by Email by clicking here

No related posts.