1. Hi Prasun! Tell us a little about yourself. When and how did you start writing?

Hi Rrashima, thank you for this interview. Well, professionally I am with my family owned business of pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing. Our company, Marsha Pharma Pvt Ltd, is in the business of ethical healthcare for the last 25 years. Writing has always been a passion for me ever since I was in school. I used to write short stories. Then, in 2013, I wrote my first book for children, Ringo & The Yogi. Destiny connected me with Suhail Mathur of The Book Bakers (Now India’s leading literary agency) and I was so happy that with their help the book got published in 2019. Thereafter, it has been a continuous journey through various genres and diverse subjects over the years.

2. You’re represented by India’s leading literary agency, The Book Bakers. Could you tell us about the role they’ve played in your literary journey?

The Book Bakers have shaped my career from that of an amateur writer who hoped to get published to a successful author who is now respected across the country. I would say that without their help and the personal touch of Suhail Mathur, this was impossible. I owe my entire success to them because being a creative person and an author is one part and publishing a book is a completely different journey that needs professional intervention. The Book Bakers have not only represented my works but also helped in various aspects of getting it across to the readers and bringing on-board multiple AV adaptation deals. So, they have played the role of a complete mentor.

3. In a world that has an overload of information and content, how do you manage to set yourself apart from the rest?

 Well, I don’t aspire to be one of the superstar authors of this country. I aspire to be the storyteller who will be remembered for decades to come. My books tell stories that are visually appealing, even in the Non-Fiction spheres. That is what I think defines the way I write. I choose to use simple language and I choose to tell a story simply so that it remains with the readers for years to come. One more thing that I try to incorporate in my works is the local effect, i.e., I try to bring in the local flavour of places and people and lifestyles within the stories. I think that brings them closer to the hearts of my readers.

4. You’ve dabbled in several genres from children’s books to historical to crime. Do you think authors should stay loyal to one genre, or flirt with opportunity and imagination?

Whenever I work on a book, it has to be about something that I believe in. I have written books across the genres of Fiction and Non-Fiction, YA and Translations, Paranormal, History and Mythology. So, I have never thought about what genre to write in. I believe that the term ‘genre’ is more of a marketing terminology. For me, all my books are stories that I want to tell. And, the stories that I am passionate about are stories that I can write. Any author who has a knack to write a certain kind of story, is able to do justice to it. And that becomes his genre to which he is automatically loyal. For me, it is the story to which I become loyal and thus I can work across genres. So, I think it is a personal choice. If you can tell a story well, people would love it.

5. Your recent book Devi has just been released. Tell us one interesting anecdote that you experienced while writing this book.

“DEVI – Mystery of the Kolkata Murders” is a story that is a race against time to unearth a gory truth that leaves the readers with so many intriguing questions that will keep you hooked  right up to the nail-biting, heart-stopping climax. However, it is also the story of the city of Kolkata and her grandest festival, Durga Puja. I think the USP of the book is that the city and the festival become characters in the storyline too as they play a significant role alongside the protagonist.

One interesting anecdote while I was writing this book was the choice of the locations. It was perhaps the first time when I deliberately chose to visit each and every location within the city and during the festival to note intricate details of the places where the story unfolds throughout the book. Be it visiting the Police Archives or a trip to the Rabindra Sarovar Lake, every location lent me something new to be included in the book. However, my biggest takeaway from these visits was when I found many of my characters (their descriptions, behaviours and even voices) amid the people whom I noticed in all these places.

6. You also run your own pharmaceutical company. How do you strike the delicate balance between work, writing and family? 

I keep my professional and personal schedules completely separate. So, during my office hours, I don’t focus on my writing. However, I do divide the personal time for my writing and for my family. Hence, especially on the days when I am traveling or I am in Vadodara, I dedicate my personal time for my writing. The last 3 years have helped me discipline myself wherein I now follow a thorough routine for my writing. This helps me improve my speed and also keep my mind calm and focused so that the thought process is uninterrupted.

7. Would you like to share some advice for aspiring authors?

I would say, “Follow your heart when you choose to write something and write on topics that you believe in. However, remember that publishing is a different ballgame altogether. So, please seek professional help if you want to shape your career as a successful author. For me, The Book Bakers and Suhail Mathur have played that role with perfect precision and I highly recommend them to all aspiring authors. So, go ahead and fulfil your dreams and don’t wait to tell your stories before somebody else does.”

8. What are you working on now? When can we look forward to your next book?

I am working on multiple projects. One part of my work is dedicated to writing about unsung heroes of India. Apart from that, I am working on translating Bengali classics so that those stories reach a wider readership. I am also working on a few books for children and two on Horror. The year 2024 has an exciting line-up of releases and you can expect to read some of the finest Bengali classics in English.

Rapid Fire Round

Your favourite cuisine and drink?

 Indian Cuisine and a Good Single Malt.

A holiday destination that’s on your bucket?

list: Japan.

Your life shuttles between Kolkatta and Vadodara? Which one is closer to your heart?

 Both, as they are unique in their own flavours.

Mountains or beaches. The place you would escape to write.

 Mountains. (Mussoorie)

Your 3 am go-to person.

My wife, Brinda.

Prasun Roy in one word?

 Storyteller.