Nobody Likes An Outsider! That’s the title of your debut novel. It’s such a strong statement too. What is this book about?

Well at some point, most of us have been Outsiders to one or more industries. No matter how hard we struggle, it isn’t easy to break in and make a mark. Nobody Likes An Outsider is the story of India’s most promising young politician. After years of struggle, he starts making waves in the political scene, only to be killed in a road accident. The CBI led by the young YohanTytler along with SukumarAzhagu and IlaQureshi are entrusted with the investigation. Before they reach the scene of the investigation, another murder happens. Soon, they are trapped in a quagmire consisting of politicians, powerful businessmen, intellectual mafia, religious leaders, journalists and more. As they start investigating, the team finds the murders are connected to the modern history of India and Bihar.  It is an out and out investigative political thriller that will keep the readers guessing. If you love the whole detective game, this one is definitely for you.

“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.

Honestly, this is a very long list. I have dedicated an entire page at the beginning of my novel to thank most of the people. I have missed out on a lot of people and I intend to add their names in the second book of the YohanTytler series. See, this is the benefit when you write a series 😉

To sum it up, my lovely family and friends.  Furthermore, I absolutely loved college life in both Madras Christian College and AzimPremji University. I think I owe a lot to my friends, batchmates, and professors. Even today, when they see me write an anecdote or an article, they would pick up the phone and call me or drop me a message. They have been a part of every minor and major event in my life. Some of my school friends too.  Absolute sweethearts!  It takes a lot of heart for someone to find happiness in the accomplishments of others. I have been blessed with plenty of such people.

When and how did the idea of writing stories with ‘Birbal’ as the main character come to you? Can you tell a bit about the kind of stories you have written and share a few lines from any of them?

So Birbal was part of my third short story i.e The Legend of Birbal’s Bull. I am in awe of the magic realism genre and Midnight’s Children and The Big Fish are two of my favorite novels. This short story was an attempt to experiment in this genre. Prior to this, I have written two short stories –  Alternate Identities (Suspense Thriller) and From The Land Of Palaces ( Romance/Drama). My plan was simple – write short stories and learn the flow of writing before attempting a novel. The feedback and experience of writing these stories really helped me when I was writing ‘Nobody Likes An Outsider’.

Why Birbal? The conflict that the lead characters faced needed a solution that wasn’t just temporary but one that holds but is also smart and witty. The last two words personify the great Birbal.

You have tried to touch the sensitive issue of abuse against women in one of your stories called ‘The Legend of Birbal’s Bull’ without actually creating any female lead character. You drew a parallel from the animal world. How difficult was it to build a story like this carrying a message in itself?

One of the greatest books I have read is Animal Farm.  It is also one of the best examples of allegory. The characters in the book are a bunch of animals but the book is a brilliant depiction of political power play and oppression – things that are a reality even today.  Even though it was written in the 1940s using the backdrop of the Russian revolution, the premise still stands relevant. My short story is nowhere close to that classic but it is an honest attempt to speak about abuse against women without using any women characters. I guess I was too impressed with Orwell’s allegory and the magic realism genre. I attempted a mix of the two with one of India’s favouritemantris – Birbal! It was an extremely challenging experience and I wish I could have added more humour to it. It was on Amazon’s top 10 for several days but I know I can make that story even better. It addresses a relevant issue and it is a storyteller’s responsibility to pass on the message to the society in the best possible packaging.

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

Yes. Currently, I am working on two projects. There is the second installment of the Yohan series. I have already given a sneak peek into that at the end of the first book.  I am developing the plot now. Apart from this, I am working on a political love story. It is a very different approach on love and what lovers have to do in the 21st century to beat social barriers and unite. I am also vetting a script for a film. That is very exciting and the discussions are absolutely enriching. I think among all of this, the second part of Yohan will come out first followed by the political and satirical love story.  Fingers crossed.

According to you which are the 5 books, everyone should read and also who are your top 3 Authors?

I love numbers but I am not a ‘rank guy’. My favorites keep fluctuating. At this point in my life, I believe five books that people should read are –

1. To Kill A Mocking Bird
2. 100 Years Of Solitude
3. Midnight’s Children
4. 1984
5. Animal Farm

Again, these are the books I could think of at this point.  Also, there are two George Orwell books in the list so I suppose he is in the Top 3. I like Gabriel Garcia Marquez too.  The third… ummm… I am going to mention Agatha Christie.  What a wonderful range of characters she has given us from Hercule Poirot to Miss Marple to Harley Quin, I have always been in awe of her writing.  There are many more authors I adore both Indian and International and that’s why it’s so difficult to pick even a Top 10.

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

So my book, Nobody Likes An Outsider is about someone who didn’t ‘belong to’ a space but managed to get inside and ofcourse a murder mystery follows. My father, Jaleel is the first ‘Outsider’ I have ever witnessed. I mean from where he started to what he has achieved in his life is truly an inspiration for me. I have seen him break the glass ceiling in his profession multiple times and he still continues to do so. My mother, Nasseera is a fighter. I probably get my go-getter attitude from her. She has been that person who taught me to go behind something and put my heart and soul into achieving it. Even though I grew up in Bahrain, she always put the “Indian spirit” in me and I always wanted to come back to India and live my life here. My brother, Isa is an amazing guy. He is 10 years younger than I am but can give me a tough fight when it comes to sports and discussions around it. He is going to start college this year and I am super excited for his new phase

A good story or great marketing; what do you feel actually works when it comes to turning a book into a ‘commercial success’?

Well, it has to be a great story and great marketing. These days, writing is only half the job or even lesser. We are in a very competitive industry with quite a few big names that attract a great readership. We owe it to the readers to spring innovative stories that add value to them as well as entertains them. But then how can we reach these readers? I think a writer has to think through the whole process. You may have the greatest story in the world but if it doesn’t reach the reader then what is the point? Of course, there are agencies that can help authors these days. However, the author needs to plan an outline because who knows your book and audience better than you. Thankfully, I have been blessed with the right people who have innovative marketing ideas. As I speak, my friends Nitin and Philip are ensuring that even this time is used for marketing and sales. Not just them, a lot of people are showing their love and I think I have been blessed with an amazing set of friends and family. Also, I am a brand and marketing guy by profession so that helps (I guess) (wink)

Could you share few tips for young authors?

I have always believed that advice and tips are subjective. Every writer has a unique journey and there is a certain kick you get in following that. However, here are some basic things that could help authors –

• Write every day. Just let words flow. You can always edit later
• Have a set of friends who review your work regularly. The ones who are blunt with feedback. I love my gang for this
• Think of marketing while you write it.
• Let your circle know that you are writing. Give them reasons to look forward to it
• This one is personal – Don’t get too attached to your story. I agree it is your baby but please don’t see it as one. Every parent loves their child beyond the flaws. Don’t be that person. Treat it like a product that can be optimized further.

If young authors want to chat before writing, I am happy to do that. Hit me up on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

At Sharing Stories, we have an ongoing campaign ‘Empowering Our Kids’ where we are trying to encourage and inculcate reading habit from a young age. We are trying to pick up 20 to 30 must read books for children and try and make them available at our library in Jaipur, also take this initiative across the globe. Please suggest some books which you think every child should read before the age of 15 (mostly the character defining age).

I think kids can start with basic comic books. Once they get the hang of reading, some of the books I would suggest are – Oliver Twist, The adventures of Tom Sawyer, the Feluda Series, Ruskin Bond and Sudha Murthy’s books, Sherlock Holmes, The Alchemist, of course Roald Dahl’s books and Treasure Island.

Rapid Fire Round

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

Place – Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai

Person – Rahul Dravid

Food – Dal Chawal. Give this to me for life

Beverage –  Peach Iced Tea

2.Your other Talents…. I genuinely don’t know. I enjoy a bit of everything.

3.Your First Love….  I don’t think I ve been in love multiple times. First Crush – School

4.Favorite Quote…..  JFK telling the Americans – “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country”.  I think it’s applicable to us too.

5.Favorite Character from a book… Umm. There are many. Let’s say Dr. Watson for now

What if Round

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

Books, Movies, and Food. I am assuming the tea is complimentary 😉

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

Why are you guys allowing only single-digit options in your questions 😉

If I had to pick one thing, the set of ‘gender roles’ that have been passed on to women and men for generations now. It’s the 21st century for heaven’s sake.

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

At this point, market my book (haha – kidding). I am a believer in social enterprises. I would want to create an international network of small-scale local businesses and ensure a viable selling model for these products. Ofcourse, the larger goal is to increase jobs, quality of life, and thereby pull lakhs of people above the poverty line.