When did you find your calling in writing?
I started writing 12-13 years ago. The Shiva Trilogy had begun as a philosophy thesis which later got converted into an adventure/thriller, with the philosophy at its core.
Is Scion of Ikshvaku, your new book, going to be a part of a series?
Yes. It’s the first book of the Ram Chandra Series.
The book has a reference to Sita’s agni-pariksha. What’s your interpretation of it?
You will have to wait to read my books for that.
Mythology is a sensitive topic in India.
The tradition of interpreting and modernising myths is a many millennia-old tradition in India. And frankly, most controversies are created by authors themselves for publicity.
How did you choose religious retelling?
I didn’t even want to be a writer. My writing career is due to Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Tell us about your research before writing based on mythology.
I learnt a lot about scriptures and myths from my family; my grandfather was a pandit in Benares; both my parents are religious. I also read a lot.
Did the trilogy make you a Shiva devotee?
Yes. I rediscovered faith through this story.
So far you’ve written in the adventure-thriller genre. What other genres do you want to experiment with?
Most of my ideas are in the mythology/adventure-thriller/philosophy genre. I have enough ideas to keep me busy for the next 20-25 years.
Who are your favourite authors in Indian literature?
I read too much to have all-time favourites. In recent years, I’ve loved reading Dr Ambedkar and Sam Harris. I am enjoying Bhima by M.T. Vasudevan Nair.
Do you ever feel like going back to being a banker?
No. But if my next book flops, I may be forced to go back to earn a living!
