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Rendezvous with Rajeev Jhaveri - The Author Of I, Romantic

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Rajeev Jhaveri has directed short films; full length features and is the author of the very successful book I, Romantic. The author speaks about his work, life and more in an exclusive interview with us. This is what he has to say:

1. Congratulations on the success of your debut novel. I, Romatic; has been described as a beautifully written tale of human transformation. How would you describe it?
- It transforms an ordinary mediocre individual into a romantic who can envision a world without wars, violence, and hatred. More so, a man who has been pretending and wearing a mask to woo women is forced to show his real self because the woman he is in love with, wants to see the real him. It is all these catalysts that come together and affect the final transformation.

2. Graduate in Physics, post graduate in Journalism followed by a stint in the Indian Army. How has the journey been so far?
- The journey has been quite rewarding although the end - if there is ever any – is quite far. At times it has been hard, frustrating, rewarding. But the vision made me start on the journey – and that is important. To know that you are traveling towards something – not a passenger but the train itself!

3. The story is about a soldier who rediscovers life when he falls in love. So, does it bear resemblance to anyone you know? In short is it autobiographical?
- Yes, it is semi-autobiographical, as most first books are. But in essence it's a fictional story where the facts easily merge into fiction.

4. Any favorite author whose books you would like to read time and again? Has your style of writing been inspired by any of them?
- Yes, James Hadley Chase and Charles Dickens. Among the recent writers Khalid Husseni and Mohsin Hamid have been very engaging. JM Coetzee is another engrossing writer. I hope none of them have affected my writing style consciously. Sub-conscious, we have very little control over!

5. Any all time favorite books:
- Disgrace by Coetzee; Great Expectations by Dickens; The Enemy by Desmond Bagley; Mark Girland series by James Hadley Chase.

6. We also know that you have written and directed short films and full features. Which among the two is more satisfying career-wise?
- Feature length films are always more satisfying because they would have an audience. Plus, in India short films have no budget and no takers, hence it is very difficult to make and then even harder to reach an audience.

7. Tell us more about how you came up with the idea of writing a novel. Are there more books in the works?
- The idea of the book came about from an intrinsic personal desire to tell this story. There was so much to say that when it all started tumbling out I was at least a generation younger! And the next book is right there!

8. Does a degree in journalism help to be a writer or does a flair for writing command an edge over professional training?
- No, no one can teach you what to write - only how to write. And that too not beyond the mechanics of it. I think it is with any medium of telling stories. If the desire to tell the story is strong enough, the hows and whys don't come in the way.

9. What is your take on the rising popularity of campus books? Do you think the Indian audience should read more than the aptly priced, simply written campus literature? Are our readers coming of age?
- I think people should read. Period!

10. Infibeam is promoting your book at the national and international level. What are your thoughts on the initiative?
- It's a great initiative. One should promote reading as much as possible. It's the only way to have a saner world.

11. Any message for your fans and readers of Indian books in English?
- There is a better world out there somewhere, if only you are Romantic enough to look for it!

That was Rajeev Jhaveri, author of I, Romantic, signing off with a sentence that reflects the mood of his debut novel. Here is wishing him the very best in all his future endeavors.


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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 15 July, 2010 11:02:03 AM IST #