Does the Rs 5 crore advance put a lot of pressure on you?
When I’m writing, I am lost in my book. Except family and close friends, I don’t care about what critics, publishers or readers might think.
Will the next set of books also be on Indian mythology?
Mythology and history are my passion. I grew up in a religious family and learnt about our scriptures and philosophies. It’s the language I’m comfortable with.
Why does mythology sell?
Myths are part of our DNA. We're a civilisation with a continuous culture. The effort to modernise it keeps it alive. Readers connect with it.
Critics say what you write is a simplistic account of our myths.
Everyone has a right to their opinion, but I’ll do exactly what I like. That’s my karma.
You think you could have made so much money as a banker?
Money can’t buy you happiness. I couldn’t have been as happy for sure.
You think your success would inspire aspiring Indian writers?
If your purpose is to make money, you shouldn’t get into writing.
Don’t you think the market for regional languages should be given a fillip?
It’s appalling that major litfests don’t have regional language programmes. Our rich literature needs to be popularised and translated well.
Is betting so big on an author a risk?
When you fall in love, is it not a risk? Everything in life is. But it should be calculated.
What else are you passionate about?
Climate science, genetic science, philosophy, my family and Lord Shiva.
What do you plan to do with Rs 5 crore?
I don’t like talking about money. I just want to do things that make me happy.