Interview with Abhijit Bhattacharya

Having read the impressive Some Of The Whole I couldn’t wait to know more about the author – Abhijit Bhattacharya.

Enter Google.
The author is a Marketing professional in the field of broadcast media for more than 9 years now and has worked for media conglomerates like NDTV Media, CNBC-TV18, The Times Group and Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. (MTV).
He was born in Kolkata; attended St. Augustine’s School; headed to Delhi to graduate in Economics from Hindu College, post which he completed his MBA from Mumbai University.

He has written for The Times of India and various other esteemed publications like Discover India for over 3 years.

Impressed?
Wait there’s more…
His poem on 9/11 made it to the finals of the International Poetry Forum in 2005.

So now, how could we miss out on an opportunity to “talk” to this true Bengali (and a word-player) who loves his share of fried food and has a shoe-fetish.



In a nut shell, tell us something about Abhijit Bhattacharya.
Abhijit Bhattacharya is not what he seems. He looks like he is an ogre but actually, he is an angel (laughs).  On a serious note, Abhijit Bhattacharya is physically lazy, mentally sharp and emotionally weak. That is it.

You come from a marketing background. When and how did you take up writing? 
I have always believed in keeping my profession separate from my passion. Never mix ’em up, said my parents, long time back. I have stuck to that. Media marketing is my profession and writing is my passion. But that does not mean that I do not do my day job with passion or that I write for free (guffaws).  It is just that I am happy with this arrangement.

 

Your First Latest book – Some Of The Whole is a collection of 10 short stories in a very contemporary setting. What brought about the selection of the title and the entire ideation?
I was born and brought up in Kolkata. Then, I lived in Delhi for more than seven years and then moved to Mumbai, where I have been living for a while. The three cities that I have lived in and the kind of people that I have met in them have inspired me to write these stories. I wrote keeping them in my mind. Literature fanatics may find my book simple or ‘lacking depth’. But that is the idea — my book is for the youth — for the people who love 10 minute episodes on TV versus three -hour-long movies; for those who love snacks and not a long, healthy brunch. My book has uncomplicated plots, characters that you and I will be readily identifying in the streets and simple language. My stories are targeted at youth, who incidentally represent more than 60 percent of the country. And hence the contemporary set-up.

 

You’ve used a very interesting way of naming the different chapters. Any reason behind choosing song titles as chapter names?
My wife is a music fanatic. So, while I was thinking of titles for my stories, she suggested an innovative approach – song titles to be used for the stories. Initially, I thought that was ludicrous (the pun was unintended). But when I started fitting them to the stories, they gelled like Adam and Eve. So then.

Short stories vs. full length novel. What would be your first choice now?
I may write a full length novel someday – but I have grown up on Maupassant, Saki and O’Henry – thus, limiting my thoughts to short stories.



We heard there’s a movie in the making (based on your book). Can you give us some more details on that?
I did not realize that my short stories would become so popular. Yes, a couple of independent film-makers have approached me to make a series of short-films out of a few of my stories. I still haven’t decided. But what I have already gone ahead and done is blasphemous – I have written a short-film script and screenplay and planning to direct it soon. I have even auditioned and met actors for the same. Currently, am seeking a producer who would shell out some money for this non-magnum opus. Once that is done, then I can sit back quietly and let people direct my stories into films.

Given a choice, would you play any of the characters in the movie? If yes, Who? Why?
I am a decent actor but would hate to be directed by myself in my film. I am a very strict director – a perfectionist of a sort. So, I would never cast myself in my own film. I would hate to take orders from my alter-ego.

Name one book (or author) that has had the most impact on you?
Emily Bronte. Wuthering Heights.
Heathcliff, the protagonist from the book, is one character I would want to play on screen one day.

What next do we see from your desk?
My film. Watch out for that. If you guys thought that some of my stories made you jump out of your chair, the film will definitely do more to you than just jumping out of your chair.
I am also looking out for a weekly column in a daily or a magazine – just waiting for a few responses.


What is it that you like doing the most, apart from writing?
Playing. Get the idea?


If you had a book club, what would you name it?
“Book Yourself Here. Or maybe, “Mummy, book lagi hai.”(laughs out loud)


What is the first word that pops in your head when you hear:
Abhijit Bhattacharya – Simple
UTV – Encourages
Holiday – Beaches

For those who haven't already checked out the book, read the Book review and pick it ip now!