“Sometimes, we do not get a chance to thank each one who has helped us in our journey.”  Let the readers get a chance to know about all the important people who have played a part in this Author Journey of yours.

I believe it takes a great team to write a book. I am grateful to have my family and friends on my team- they support me every step of the way and it would not have been possible without them.

My publisher also has been very patient and supportive in this journey, so here’s to the team at Hay House India. You guys rock.

When and how did the idea of authoring ‘The Teachings of Bhagavad Gita’ come to you? Can you tell us a bit about your book?

For the longest time, I used to think that someone should write a book on the Gita and make it simple, relatable and relevant for the lay person. But I never thought it could be me! I know so many people who have tried reading it but given up due to its perceived complexity, language barrier etc. 

A couple of years ago, I actually started making brief notes on it as my family was interested to know more. But after some time, I thought if the notes were drafted better, maybe others could also read and benefit from them. That’s how the whole process started.

My book attempts to present the Gita’s treasure trove of wisdom in a clear and easy to-understand manner. It explains all the verses in a simple way so people can bring the teachings into their lives. 

It elaborates on how we can use its core message to navigate the challenges of living through a pandemic, which has clearly been the worst of times. As we come out of the devastating second wave, I believe it can offer the readers a bit of hope, solace and strength. 

What kind of research have you done before writing such a sacred book? Also, what are the struggles you faced in writing something which was explored several times before? How different is this book compared to the others available in the market?

I was taught the Gita from a young age by my granddad, who was an eminent scholar and prolific author. He and my mother were blessed to have learnt its essence from their Guru. 

Growing up, as a family we attended a lot of Gita and spiritual classes, talks and lectures, so it has always been a part of our lives.

The research has been long and intense for sure, but more than that a book of this nature can only be written if one has devotion and humility. 

So I approached it with faith, like a student and with the blessings of my elders. I did struggle for months initially, but once I started working with faith, things became simpler.

The last part, I will leave to my readers. I don’t know how unique it will be, but not many women have written on it, so hopefully it will have a perspective which is different and not common.

How long on average does it take you to write a book? What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

I think it takes a couple of years for anyone to write a book. 

The most difficult part is getting the idea and convincing yourself that it can work. You have to live with it for a while– sometimes the creativity just flows. Other times, it’s you staring at a blank computer screen for months (been there, done that).

Once I had the idea for my debut book, I had to visualise it in my mind in terms of content, flow, presentation etc. When that was finished, the rest is execution, which is also difficult, but at least by then you know where you are going. 

According to you which are the 5 books, everyone should read and also who are your top 3 Authors and what impact they had in your journey as a writer?

I don’t know exactly which book everyone should read- but definitely read as much and as diverse as possible. 

Growing up, I used to read a lot of detective stories and would be transported to their world of adventure, intrigue and fun. So I’m very impressed by writers who can create new worlds, strong characters and interesting plot lines. 

And also by writers like Deepak Chopra, Stephen Covey, Louise Hay and so many more whose books have the power to help millions of people. 

Tell us a bit about your family, likes and dislikes as a person.

Well, we are a simple family- we love traveling, playing sports, watching movies and eating out. 

Personally, I like being creative- whether I’m writing, dancing or cooking. Going to new places, learning or reading something new, playing tennis etc- that’s interesting and inspires me.

Could you share a few tips for Young Authors?

Dear Young Authors, just keep reading and writing. Magic will happen along the way. It’s not your age to worry or get stressed- leave that to us. The whole process is a lot of fun, so you might as well enjoy it. Write what comes naturally and always give your 100%. Remember, hard work and discipline are never optional. 

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I am working on some poems currently. I already have a few ready (which were written over the years), so hopefully one day in the near future, I will be able to compile all of them into a book.

Please share with us about your amazing journey from a Marketing and Communication Professional to an Author?

Wow, I never looked at it this way. It’s been an incredible journey for sure. I have always followed my passion and I am grateful for the opportunities that came my way. Some things worked out, some didn’t- but I learnt from all of them and didn’t give up even when things were not going well. 

At any job, it’s important to do your best and leave the rest. I try to live by this advice.

How can a writer keep the mental block or writer’s block away from his/her creativity?

Well, every writer faces a writer’s block which is natural. It’s in the name. But there’s no need to worry about it. It’s easier said than done, I know, but once you accept that it’s there, you don’t need to wrestle with it. You just have to face it, period. Or better still, use that time to finish off some other work. 

Don’t quit, just take a break.

At Sharing Stories, we have an ongoing campaign ‘Let’s Empower Our Youth’. Please suggest some books which you think every child should read before the age of 15 (mostly the character-defining age) which will teach them life lessons. Things like empathy, sympathy, relationships, etc.

There are so many fabulous books by so many great writers, it’s really difficult to pick 5 but maybe these can be a good start-

• Seven habits of Highly Effective people by Stephen Covey 
• How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
• Rich dad, poor dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter 
• Something about your culture and heritage like the Gita, Bible etc
• Biographies like I am Malala, Wings of Fire by APJ Kalam, Becoming by Michelle Obama and other inspiring personalities.   

Rapid Fire Round

This is turning out to be a stress interview!

1. Favourite Place, Person, Food, beverage….

Home. 

I can’t take one name, guys! So, I’ll say my family.

All fast food. 

Cold coffee

2. Your other Talents….

I am the Jill of all sports- love playing all of them.

3. Your First Love….

Food. 

4. Favourite Quote…..

Be the change you want to see in the world.

5. Favourite Character from a book…

Sherlock Holmes.

What if Round 

1. What if you had to live with only three things all your life, what would the three things be?

My family, friends and a magic lamp.

2. What if you were given the power to change one thing from this world, what would you change?

Remove poverty. And world peace?

3. What if you had all the money in this world, what would you do first?

Start traveling immediately. 

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