Quick take: Amish Tripathi

Popularly known as ‘India’s First Literary Popstar’, Amish Tripathi is known for his Shiva Trilogy comprising The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas and The Oath of the Vayuputras, and the Ram Chandra series including the Scion of Ikshvaku and Sita – Warrior of Mithila.

This 42-year-old was born in Mumbai and grew up near Rourkela, Odisha. An alumnus of St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and the IIM Calcutta, he was a banker before donning the author’s role. Excerpts from an interview:

In two words, ‘Sita – Warrior of Mithila’ is about?

The title makes the subject clear!

Your favourite authors...

Too many to list. I like Sanjeev Sanyal, Shashi Tharoor and Meenakshi Jain.

What music helps you write?

Any music. The mood of the music has to match the mood of the scene I’m writing.

What are you most proud of writing?

I’m proud that I’ve written anything at all. As I child, I had never dreamt that I would be a writer.

If your life was a book, what would the title be?

My life is not interesting enough to be recorded in a book.

What novel would you give children to introduce them to literature?

The Ramayan and the Mahabharat. In that order.

Who is your perfect reader?

Any reader is a perfect reader. Reading is one of the coolest habits to have. Everyone should read.

Your heroes in real life?

My family.

What are you scared of?

Darkness.

If you could own any painting, what would it be?

Any painting of Jamini Roy.

In two words, what does it mean to be a writer?

Absolute privilege!

Your favourite place in the world?

Home.

Your worst habit?

A weakness for sweets.

What keeps you awake at night?

Nothing keeps me awake at night. I sleep very soundly.

Five favourite things...

Writing, reading, travelling, listening to music, spending time with my family.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?

“This is a nice idea. You should write a book on it.” This advice was given to me by my sister and twin brother, when they encouraged me to write my first book, The Immortals of Meluha.

Your idea of happiness?

A calm and peaceful mind.

The quality you most like in people...

Strength of character.

Life, in two words?

Forty Two (refer to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).

Your most cherished dream...

I am living my dream.