Hello Sandeep Sharma and Leepi Agarwal!
Guys, I really enjoyed reading your book. Finished it in one sitting! You have
written a nice book with a unique plotline. I have a few questions for you J
1.
Why
such a unique, eye catching title? Who suggested it?
S.S.-
The
first thing which catches the eye of the reader about the book is its title. I
think title should always be tricky; it should be able to explain the theme of
the book. ‘Hey Dad! Meet my mom’ sounds funny, is having little bit of suspense
and also shows traces of romance as well.
L.A.-
Before this book was offered to me, Sandeep was ready with the title, actually
whenever people interview me, I am much more eager to answer one favourite
question, how did I met my co-author and how this book was offered to me. Well
not opening up the whole matter again, but yes it was decided by my co-author.
2.
The
story itself is based on a lot of assumptions and concepts unheard of. This
makes it all the more exciting. Especially the verses at the start of every
chapter. Can you tell us more about the author (poet)?
S.S.-
I
love to write fiction with some flavour in it. I love to leave the characters
of my book wandering in the situations that are totally unheard of and then I
watch them emerging out of that scenarios. It’s a totally fantastic and
fantasizing process.
The
verses at the start of the chapters, in the first half, are written by Payal
Srivastava. She’s a brilliant poetess and this book is her debut work. I think
everyone’s going to love her work.
L.A.-
Actually I am very fond of poem and haikus, so it was like we both were having
in mind that keeping verses will create more interest in our readers. Also that
will enhance the quality of our writing. One of my favourite verses from the
whole book is, “The world of glamour is not defined by walking with high heels,
it’s defined by walking in front of people with high dreams”. Being into the
world of glamour I knew what the pain of walking with high heels is, and I have
to portray about Roshni who was again a model in our story, so I was trying to
pen my feelings and my feelings are always expressed in terms of verses. And
for the first half, I would also like to mention the name of Payal Srivastava,
who wrote some beautiful verses for us.
3.
Writing
a full story in the first person narrative is a really hard job, especially
maintaining the continuity. Is there any particular reason for writing this in
Puneet’s perspective?
S.S.- I
think, when writing about love, heart should hold the pen. I gave the pen in
the hands of Puneet and let him write about his feelings. I wanted that the
reader should look at the story from one perspective only but they were also free
to assume other’s perspectives. That adds the element of surprise while
reading. I wanted my reader to sense every feeling attached with this character
and witness the turn of events around him only.
L.A.-
First
person narration was a real challenge. Sometimes I used to forget what I am
supposed to write, and then I call up and ask “Arrey Sandeep mein plot bhul
gai”, Sometimes I forget who is Roshni and Myra due to this first person
narration. Thank god that I am co-authoring with Sandeep, someone else would
have kicked me off if I would do silly mistakes like forgetting the plot. I
think while writing the book, whenever we talk with each other everytime he
used to make me remember Leepi, this is the plot. And I was like “Ha baba pata
hai, taunt mat mar ke mein phirse bhul gai.”
4.
Now
to delve a little more into the story. What inspired the character of Rishi?
L.A.-
Hahaha!
Thanks a lot for asking this, even I want to know Sandeep, how this Rishi came
to your mind, today I would like to listen the truth about Rishi. Sometimes I
feel like it’s your own story, like you must be seeing Rishi and used Puneet’s
name!
S.S.-
Actually
no-one in particular. Rishi’s character was a kind of character that needed to
talk and behave like a 10 year old child, but sometimes he should leave
everyone bewildered by his sudden change in character. He was written to adapt
two characters in one, a dual personality of its own kind. He’s the cutest,
horrible and sensible character of our story.
5.
Who
was your favourite character to pen? Mine was Myra. I liked reading about her!
S.S.-
My
favourite was Rishi. I loved to explore this multi-dimensional character. If
ever I had a son in future, I would love him to be like Rishi.
L.A.-
I loved the character of Roshni. That was strong and bold with a soft heart
inside.
6.
Which
part of the book did you enjoy writing the most?
S.S.-
I
think, the most enjoyable part was the climax. Leepi and I had to think a lot
about it to make it convincing. The whole story unfolds pretty drastically and
it was a huge task to maintain the balance between the characters. We had 3
possible endings for the book and it was pretty difficult to go for the most
promising one. We had pretty long discussions and then finally, I think, we got
the one.
L.A.-
I loved the part which I wrote, that is the part where Roshni’s life unfolds.
7.
They
say that every story ever written is based on a true event. Is this the case
with HDM3? If so, can you share it with us?
L.A.-
Sandeep,
now please accept that you too saw your future son, because when you narrated
me the story same question what she asked was in my mind. Today lets clarify
this and yes it would remain a secret that “Gangadhar hi Shaktimaan hai”. I
hope people would have come across this and would relate me what I am trying to
say.
S.S.-
*Laughing*
no, it’s purely fictional.
8.
According
to you which would be the best environment to write? Calm solitude or crowded
hustle?
S.S.-
I
love to write at nights. When every sound around us lowers down, the heart
begins to speak and I love to pen down those voices.
L.A.-
I am a peace lover. So I generally prefer a calm environment where its only me
and my world of imagination.
9.
Are
there any more books in the pipeline?
S.S.-
I
am currently writing a crime cum historical fiction based on the history/origin
of Chess named ‘Let the game begin!’ We are also working on the sequel of HDM3
and hopefully we will come up with yet another entertainer.
L.A.-
Yes, we are planning a sequel of HDM3, hoping that my office timings don’t
become a barrier.
10.
Any
tips for first time writers?
S.S.-
Have
patience and keep on working hard. The right things will happen at the right
times.
L.A.-
Whether
you are a first time writer or not, what matters is how you can pen down your
imagination. So keep on trying and keep on writing.
Now for some quick fire questions to
both of you…
(Please
feel free to answer in a word or two!)
Favourite hobby?
S.S.-
Reading
and Writing.
L.A.- Sleeping :P
How do you unwind?
S.S.-
By
spending time with parents.
L.A.-
By
sleeping.
Music preference?
S.S.-
Bollywood
love songs.
L.A.-
Sufi
and rock too (Mismatched combination, don’t mind I am little weird).
Favourite singer / band?
S.S.- Arijit Singh
L.A.-
My
Father, and one of my brother.
Your favourite books?
L.A.-
Have
not yet read any full book till today!
One book you feel is totally
underrated?
S.S.- Embers
of Light (Abhi)
One book that is over rated?
S.S.-
Half
Girlfriend
One book you would suggest all of us to
read?
S.S.-
Of
course, ‘Hey Dad! Meet My Mom…’
L.A.-
HDM3
One author who inspired you?
S.S.-
Sorry
but I have three names here; Suhail Mathur, Mallika Nawal and Vishwas Mudagal.
L.A.-
Ivan
Reubens ( The Director of my school)
Three words that you use often?
S.S.-
Let
me think.
L.A.-
Oh,
okay, cool, ssup
Your favourite movies?
S.S.-
Lord
of the rings (series), Harry Potter (series)
L.A.-
Aashiqui
2, Ye Jawani Hai Deewani, 2 states
CCD or Pizza Hut? (yes, this is a
pointed question! :P )
S.S.-
Hahaha…. Whatever you like.
L.A.-
(yes,
this is a pointed question! :P ) Obviously my CCD.
Your most defining character?
S.S.-
Silent
Observer.
L.A.-
Chatter
box
Are spectacles the perfect accessory
for the nerdy look?
S.S.-
Nope
but a foolish smile over lips is.
L.A.-
Yes!
Where can we find you on a sunny day /
rainy day?
S.S.-
In
both scenarios, I’ll be in my room behind my Laptop screen or a novel.
L.A.-
My
college campus, the most romantic place TO BE IN ANY MOOD OR ANY SEASON, (I
guess you have read about St Xaviers college in HDM3)
Thank you guys for your excellent answers!
Watch the exciting Trailer of the book here!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Not a SPAM comment! :)