ChitChat With Author Sukhmani Gandhi
She is beautiful, she is stylish, Sophisticated in her writing style – But still she is sober and charming – Yes, she is Sukhmani Gandhi who believes that learning is a never ending process. We are proud to present this talent of author’s world. Take a look at what she shared with us…..
Its a pleasure to have you on this platform of Indiacafe24.com. Our readers would surely want to have a sneak peak on your background and family?
I come from a family where my parents gave importance to my education, co- curricular activities and also were determined to build my character. They made sure I was aware of the harsh realities of life and at the same time left me to experience life at my own terms. If, I have to phrase it in my father’s words it would be “Life is learning and learning is a never ending process.
When and how you decide to pen down a novel?
Honestly, I never thought of writing a novel. I wanted to write a research paper on the ‘rape culture’ in India. When I was half way through it I decided to bring fictional characters to which people can relate to and come up with a utilitarian perspective for the society.
Which genre of book you love to read and prefer to write?
I believe as a reader/author it’s important that one should not restrict himself/herself to a particular genre. A person needs to diversify his opinions and writings in order to have a better understanding and also the same helps an author in way that the reader can apprehend his point of view.
Very recently your novel ‘The Shadow of the Dark Soul’ got published. So how you are feeling ? What sort of reviews you are getting?
It was not easy. The Shadow of The Dark Soul deals with a very sensitive topic. I didn’t want to exploit basic essence of the book. I had to be careful with every minute detail I mentioned. Further, since it was a dedication to Jyoti Singh Pandey, I wanted it as a book that would once again ignite the fire of change. I had to make sure that it didn’t harm the emotional sentiments of anyone. Moreover, when you are dealing with something that has already gained so much limelight, then (I guess) there is also a sense of responsibility that comes on the writer.
Regarding the reviews, the response of the people has been phenomenal. They have understood the basic essence of the book. I have also come across critical reviews but I guess that’s what makes a writer better.
Share a brief of the story
The Shadow of the Dark Soul is the story of Zayesha who is a twenty something journalist working in Delhi. Sensitive and compassionate she is a league apart from her contemporaries, who believe in the mantra of manufacturing or milking news. Cornered by her boss, she fights against time to work on the Nirbhaya case in order to save her job. Synchronicity plays a crucial, life- altering role in her life when a series of events make her question herself. During this phase, Zayesha comes across The Shadow of The Dark Soul, thanks to her next door neighbor. Nothing stays the same afterwards as Zayesha is made to reassess everything. Will she manage to finish her report on the Nirbhaya case on time? How far will she go to step far will she go to step from armchair activism into the realities of life? Will she win in the end? The questions are many, but the answers lie within from armchair activism into the realities of life? Will she win in the end? The answers lie within ‘The Shadow of the Dark Soul’
How you reacted when you saw your first copy of debut Novel ‘The Shadow of the Dark Soul’
Honestly this was my reaction: Yes! I did it.
Yes. That was my first reaction. There was a sense of satisfaction inside me. The moment I came to know it would be a book; I was on cloud nine because this book is a medium to reach out to all the people. It would make them see the other side of the story. It’s not just about women and their issues, but a lot of other things too.
The conflict between the publishers and authors is very common. Have you faced such problem while finding publisher for your book?
No, In fact Cypher publishers and their entire team was very supportive throughout this journey.
When you first realized that you have the spark of becoming an author?
I don’t know about the spark but I guess I like it when people respect my perspective and they find it realistic enough to be incorporated in their lives. So, I want to write because words are eternal. There is a magical quality in words that connects people and I guess that connection make me realize that I can be an author.
What are your other passions in life?
‘Wanderlust’
This is because I come across various people, exotic people and innumerable stories. Every story has its something in its nature that drives me to pen the narrative into written word
What are your future plans?
I am working on my second book as well as doing various internships as a columnist and assistant editor and I guess right now I just want to gain experience of any and everything that connects me to the world of words.
What next in pipeline and of what genre?
My next book is going to be chick literature but one changes the definition of romance and friendship in the life of people.
Which authors inspired you in life?
Paulo Coelho and Rabindranath Tagore
Any suggestion to budding authors?
Just one small thing: do not write to gratify people. Just follow your heart. It doesn’t matter whether it’s going to be a success or a failure. What is important is the fact that you have the power of pen… so, use it for yourself. Just pen down anything…random thoughts, moments or memories. You don’t always need a rhyme scheme to write poetry. I would just say ‘write’, that’s all…no matter what it is and how it is.
Define Sukhmani Gandhi the author in One line?
The cosmos might be colossal but I am the cause; Annihilation is natural but I am the chaperon.
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