AN AUTHOR AMALGAMATING CRICKET FRENZY WITH FICTION

Author Interview : Pradeep Kapoor

Pradeep Kapoor is a paediatrician by profession and a writer by passion. He lives in Bhopal. He has authored several bestselling books which have been translated into many languages. He has recently come out with the book “The Last Ball Six”, which is a fiction based on cricket. In a candid chat with Chirdeep Malhotra, he talks about his latest book, his writing journey, his favourite books and authors, and much more.


Please tell us more about Pradeep Kapoor as a person.

I am a Paediatrician by profession but a writer by passion. My grandparents used to bring story books for me during summer vacations. That probably was the catalyst that initiated the chemical reaction of reading. During my schooling at The Scindia School, Gwalior, we had a wonderful library which also helped me in developing the reading habit. I love to be with friends and enjoy get togethers. But you can't call me a party animal as I spend a lot of time writing and simply thinking about future projects.


Has writing always been a part of your life? Or did you chance upon it later on and then instantly fell in love with it?

I can say it has always been a part of my life. My first story was published in the platinum jubilee issue of my school magazine. There was a gap of several years while I was studying for my M.B.B.S. and then M.D. Paediatrics. I was the topper and gold medalist of the batch. After starting my practice I turned to writing again. Initially I wrote articles on parenting, then short stories and satire. I have written for all leading newspapers and magazines including The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Femina, Woman's era, etc. My first book “Make Your Child A Winner” was published by Rupa Publications. It became an instant hit and has now been translated into six languages. This was followed by several more till the latest “The Last Ball Six”. Here's a list of my books.
I have published following books with Rupa Publications, New Delhi- “FOSLA – Frustrated One Sided Lovers’ Association – Loving and Living in a Medical College”, “Make Your Child A Winner”, “Commonsense Parenting”(With Dr Neelkamal Kapoor), “101 Health Problems of Children – A Practical Guide for Parents”, “Smart Parents Smarter Kids” (With Dr Neelkamal Kapoor), “Ultimate Guide to Modern Parenting” (With Dr Neelkamal Kapoor).
I have published following books with other publishers- “A Tale Of Two Nights – a gripping novel based on MIC gas tragedy and Babri riots”, “Hoppy the Hitchhiker”, “The Last Ball Six”.


Can you tell us more about your book “The Last Ball Six”?

There have been several biographies of cricketers but very little fiction based on cricket. This is strange for a cricket crazy nation. I decided to write the story of an Indian cricket fan. “The Last Ball Six” is a hilarious saga of a mad, mad Indian cricket fan which takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of most milestones of Indian cricket. It's not a book of statistics but Titu Tuteja's love story - his love for cricket and for Tilottama. The ending is most unpredictable and unique. I can't reveal more as I want you to find it out for yourself.


How has the response of readers been to your book?

You can read various reviews appearing on Amazon and Goodreads. Readers have loved it! Most have discovered Titu in themselves.


What type of research went into writing this book?

It took me two years to write the book. Six months research, one year in finishing the first draft and another six months in fine tuning it. I read a lot of books on cricket and of course used Google too.


In terms of the complexity of the character and the nuances of the dialogues, the character development of whom was the most difficult in this book?

Writing is a lonely job and you tend to draw a lot from your own experiences. This may leave you drained. Thankfully I have always been surrounded by cricket crazy friends and family. This helped a lot. I generally write in a humorous manner and the book is sure to leave you in splits. The protagonist Titu Tuteja was living in my cerebrum for several years. The rest of the characters fell into place gradually and voila the collage was complete.


What do you think is the literary scenario in contemporary Indian English fiction?

In the fiction category we have broadly three segments- mythology based books, love stories and crime thrillers. I feel the reading habits have been compromised due to the relentless onslaught of social media. But I am sure a good book will always find its readers or you can say readers will never fail to support good writing.


What are your favourite books? Can you share with our esteemed readers about the genres that you like and your favourite authors?

A good book is a good book. It may belong to any genre. I won't name some authors and leave some, because I respect and love so many of them. My list of 10 must read books (in no particular order)- “Roots”, “Papillon”, “Exodus”, “The Siege”, “Unbroken”, “Shantaram”, “The Alchemist”, “Gone With the Wind”, “A Suitable Boy”, “The Kite Runner”. Which ones have you read?


What are your other interests apart from writing?

I love films, travel, cricket and tennis. Of course reading is my lifeline.


There are many new writers and poets who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them?

Read, read and then read some more. You can't write if you are not well read. In my case I had read almost a thousand books before I attempted writing my first. Revise, revise and then revise some more prior to sending your manuscript to a publisher. Always read the submission guidelines of the publisher before submitting your work. If you don't adhere to them you will severely compromise your chances of getting published. Learn to write a good query letter, several examples are available on the net. Try to avoid using complex words. Never try to discombobulate (ha, ha) your readers.


Can you share with our readers a motivational quote that keeps you going?

These are- “A nation that doesn't read, doesn't lead.” And “To become a successful author, you need to become possessed and remain possessed."
Updated On 8/3/2019 4:24:38 PM