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Interview with the Author:
How did you come up with the idea for your current story?
It was a chance encounter with a eunuch in a local train in Kolkata. We used to meet every Monday morning and have casual tete-a-tete. To my surprise, it didn’t really go well with the people around. That thought kind of stayed with me for many years. Many years later I tweaked that sentiment into a fiction and gave it the form of a book. The idea is to propagate a thought that it doesn’t take much to be a nice and warm to a fellow human being regardless of their orientation or background. For many, a book on social equality may sound dreary, but you really have to read it to understand that how the story is catering even to college going students. Most of my fan mails have been from people between the age group of 18-40. They have told that how it has influenced their thought process and inspired them to better as a human being. I think that’s the high you are looking forward as a writer.
Are there some stories tucked away in some drawer that was written before and never saw the light of the day?
I started with a story way back in 2007. I was half through it when I read “I love you…till I find someone better”. I was awestruck with the uncanny resemblance to the basic storyline. That’s when I decided that there is no point in chasing an already fleshed out story. I dropped that idea and waited for another inspiration to sweep me off my feet. I started with my blog Ruminations of Mind and it did fairly well. Then gradually The Paradox of Vantage Point started nudging my mind.
What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
It has to be the laundry scene. The scene where the protagonist Anwesha reduces her eunuch friend Raghubir to a laundry man in front of her other friends. That will always be the closest moment to me as a creative person.
Did any of your characters inherit some of your own quirks?
(Laughs) You know I have heard this from majority of my friends that Anwesha is me. I am not sure. (Laughs again) May be yes. May be No. Actually when you are writing, a part of you always reflect in your writing. So may be Anwesha is an extension of me, but not exactly me.
What would be the Dream Cast for you book if it was to be turned into a movie?
Great question. Let me think. Ummmm…I think I would like to see Parineeti Chopra as Anwesha. She has that kind of quirkiness as well as depth to add to the character. Randeep Hooda would be the best Raghubir Kishor. Look at his brooding eyes man! He is the one. And for the character of Vikram Madane, Varun Dhawan can be a good pick.
If you were to be stranded on the famous deserted island, what three things would you carry?
If I know that I am going to be there for a while, I would carry my phone, a pair of t-shirt and denim and a big box full of Gajar ka Halwa. I need something to eat after every 3 hours. (Laughs)
How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?
Travelling is my second biggest passion after writing. Instead of investing my money on unnecessary girly shopping, I like to channelize everything towards travelling. If given a chance I would travel 6 months a year. It’s like an opium for my emotions. Many of us don’t harbour a travelling streak as we keep on looking for a reason to set out on a journey. The fact is, there is not always a reason to do things that make you happy and connect to your genesis.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
Ahhh..there are many. I want to learn playing guitar; Visit all seven continents; drink beer at beer at oktaberfest; party on new year’s eve at Times Square; mentor a needy child…there are many. Hope someday it happens.
Tell us four fun facts about yourself.
• I have a dry sense of humour. I can say the wickedest things with a straight face. Only the person close to me can understand this.
• I can take bullet for a friend and go to any extent but the person on the other side has to be deserving
• I like breaking rules. It’s the most tempting thing on earth for me.
• I am a good mimic. But I don’t mimic artists. I observe people around me and later have a good laugh about it.
About the Book:
This falls true for Anwesha Nair- a writer on temporary leave to complete her half-written book. All hell breaks loose when she has to, under unavoidable circumstances, share her room with a eunuch. Yes, that’s true. But, this eunuch is not like what normal people assume them to be. He is different. The friction and anomaly between them is apparent. Enter Vikram, the happy go lucky guy, with the simple philosophy of “let’s eat and have fun”. How are these 3 different entities going to stay together? Will there ever be a bond of friendship between them? How easy it is to address eunuch as your acquaintances in real life, forget friends? How far will you go in your trial to overcome the angst and be a better human being?
The Paradox of Vantage Point is the journey of Anwesha Nair, Raghubir Kishor and Vikram Madane from being compassion-deficient to acquiring a deeper analysis of life. It is their story of surviving the battle and ultimately painting the canvas of life with positivity and gleefulness.
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