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| Pratik Kamat |
A mythological
thriller? A fantasy story? I do not know what it is to be called but it has a
little bit of history, world affairs, superheroes, gods, monsters along with a
little bit of love and a few relationships, thrown in and so… what do you call
that? And this author, Pratik Kamat has it all in his book!
An
amalgamation is what this book is. So, take up and buy this one : ‘Svaha : A Battle of Epic Proportions’ and give My Review, a definite read…
Could you describe the journey of ‘Svaha : A
Battle of Epic Proportions’? How did it
begin? What kind of research was put into it?
The journey for Svaha
was quite a long one. I wrote the book back in 2012, it was optioned in 2013
and released in late 2014. The idea for a high-octane thriller was swirling in
my head for a while and one day I just decided to put pen to paper.
A lot of research was done
on a variety of topics that pop up in the book – everything from Indian
mythology to hacking. I love learning about new things so I would say with me
the research is always an on-going process.
How and why
did you choose Slash as your heroine, exactly?
Slash is based on
someone I once knew, although the version in the book is an amalgam of all interesting
women I’ve met in my life.
Women in Indian movies
are used mostly as a well-dressed prop with no real substance to their roles,
and I thought a tough-as-nails girl with a mind of her own would be interesting.
How would you
relate the lives of Slash, Nadar, Soldier X and Rahul Rao to the lives today?
Any similarities?
I think there’s a
common thread that binds all these characters, and that is that they are all
caught in circumstances beyond their control. I don’t think of any of them as
heroes or villains but more like ordinary people stuck in extraordinary
situations.
I think being caught in
something that is much bigger than you is a situation we can all relate to in
our lives.
How do you
think your book is different from everyone else’s?
It’s an exciting book
to read! I think the pace and the combination of mythological and thriller
elements in a contemporary setting is what makes it different.
Also, the lack of too
many unnecessary details that often bog down great books is something quite a
few people have liked. It is also very cinematic in its feel.
Between your storyline and your characters, which takes precedence?
I love my characters but the story gets the first preference, simply
because of the genre it’s in.
A thriller that meanders too much would not be exciting to read.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
Having a full-time job while trying to write is definitely the most
challenging part. Most people equate writers as social butterflies who
party-hop literary festivals and write in a café.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s a strenuous job with little
or no reward for new comers, so yeah, managing work responsibilities with
writing as a hobby is tough.
When would
your next book be out? Is a second part to this story to be expected?
I don’t know if anyone
is waiting for a sequel but yes, there is a sequel underway and it should be
done, from my end at least, by next year.
I’m not contracted for
a sequel, however. Publishing often takes a really long time so I can’t promise
when and if it’ll be out. Story wise the sequel is bigger and far darker than
Svaha, so I’m guessing people who read the first part should definitely check
it out.
Why
do you think there is a sudden surge in stories based on mythology and fantasy,
these days?
Mythology has always
been a part of our lives. I guess as Indians get more and more westernised,
these tales serve as ties to our glorious past. Also these genres offer a great
deal of escapism, and that is something a majority of the middle class cannot
get enough of.
Who are your
favourite authors and why? / Who is you inspiration?
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| Dan Brown |
Dan Brown is my
favourite author, simply because no one can write a thriller like him. I also
love Ian Fleming, John Le Carre, Tom Clancy, Salman Rushdie and Sidney Sheldon.
I also have to mention
Alan Moore as a tremendous influence on me as a writer. All of his works have
inspired me greatly.
Which book
are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading
'Inherent Vice' by Thomas Pynchon.
What do you
do on a day to day basis, besides writing stories?
I work in advertising,
writing and shooting television commercials around the world and make music in
my spare time.
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