Meet Karan Bajaj
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Abhijit Bhaduri
A writer is a product of his own experiences. If you lead an interesting life, you will inevitably have a zillion stories within. The trick is perhaps to find a reason to share them with the world. A book becomes a natural outlet to share the author’s inner world with the readers’.
It is always a great moment to see a book being launched. Especially if it is an author’s first book. There is all the excitement of a first time parent. Karan Bajaj, the author of Keep Off the Grass recently launched his debut novel in New Delhi. The book is about the protagonist’s “trip”. I caught up with him post the book launch.
His website explains that the book is about “Samrat’s roller coaster journey in India starts from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bangalore, and almost ends in an Indian prison cell where he is jailed for possession of marijuana. Along the way, he develops a dangerous, all-consuming drug addiction; meditates stoned in the foothills of the Himalayas; encounters flesh-eating Aghoree saints on the banks of the Ganges in Benares; indulges in a bizarre one-night stand with a Danish hippie in Dharamsala; and has many other mystical, surreal Indian adventures.”
1. What is the one thing you hope the reader will say about your book?
That Ruskin Bond was accurate when he said that Keep off the Grass is ‘A racy and entertaining account of a romp through an ever-changing yet timeless India…..Wild, Witty and Wicked!’
2. What is the one feedback you NEVER want to hear.
That the book isn’t original/has nothing new to say.
3. Which other book comes closest to your novel?
Hopefully, none J
4. Which authors writing style inspired you?
Upamanyu Chatterjee (English August), Ruskin Bond (quite a few of his novels), and Winston Groom (Forrest Gump). English August inspired me with its dry, sardonic humor; Ruskin Bond for his simple yet very profound observations; and Forrest Gump with the extraordinary journey of its very ordinary protagonist.
5. Describe the moment when you saw the first copy of the book… where was it … who was around you to share the moment and what did you do to celebrate it?
Unfortunately, it wasn’t very poetic. I got my first copy in a badly-lit restaurant where I could hardly see the cover, and celebrated it over cold tea and soggy chips (because the restaurant had already shut down for the night). The saving grace was a wild after-party I had with a few close friends!
6. First books are best if they are autobiographical. Do you agree?
I believe they should borrow heavily from one’s experiences, but shouldn’t be autobiographical-since commercial fiction should always be more interesting than reality.
7. Describe the reader (in terms of demographics) who would absolutely adore this book.
The Young and the restless- seekers who are on a search they can’t define.
8. If this book became a movie, who would play the protagonist if you had a choice.
The ‘if’ is closer than you think-a movie-deal is actually in the works. If I had a choice (and a time-machine), a much younger Nana Patekar would have been perfect.
9. Which book are you reading now?
Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth, and re-reading Roald Dahl’s short-stories.
10. Advice to aspiring novelists who haven’t found a publisher yet.
Contact a literary agent directly .
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6:02 am
Lettre to Mr. Abhijit Bhaduri
Your talent,intelegent,knowledge makes you a once in a live time legend.
This might sound strange coming from Lebanon, but is it possible,please,please to send me a signed photo,or a signed note,or a signed bookplate.If I receive it it will be the best gift I had ever received.
I am sure you don’t have time for overseas fan but it is worth the try
My Mailing Address:
Mr. Fadi Diri
Tel el Zattar Street Chalhoub Center 9Th floor
Dekweneh Metn
Lebanon
I hope you will not disregard this mail.
Thank You
Sincerely yours Fadi Diri
11:45 pm
“Fadi Diri” sent me the same request for an autograph, verbatim. He requested a bookplate of me too, and I’m not an author.
1:18 pm
Hi Abhijit,
Karan has just launched 2nd book too. https://www.landmarkonthenet.com/Books/Johnny-Gone-Down-Karan-Bajaj/9788172237868
3:47 pm
I read the karan’s keep of the grass. It’s really amazing….He is a gr8 writer….