An evening with Vikas Swarup in Jaipur

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Vikas Swarup, the celebrated author of Q&A, the novel that inspired the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, was recently in the Pink City for an enthralling discussion with the city’s book lovers. Hosted by Coffee Saturdays, a Jaipur based community and 2 Pages, a book club by Rajat Book Corner, at the Hotel Radisson City Center, the event offered a deep dive into Swarup’s literary journey and his latest work.

Exploring New Genres

Swarup’s new book, The Girl with the Seven Lives, marks a significant return to the literary scene after an eleven-year hiatus. This latest endeavor is a social thriller, a genre he felt was underrepresented in Indian English literature. In his own words, “Almost all of the Indian writing in English that I read was about society. There were no thrillers written by Indians in English.” By merging societal themes with thrilling narratives, he aims to create a compelling reading experience that resonates with contemporary issues.

Diplomat Turned Author

With a distinguished career as a retired Indian diplomat, Swarup brings a unique perspective to his writing. He served as the Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs until 2021 and has held various diplomatic roles, including High Commissioner of India in Canada. His experiences abroad have allowed him to view India through a more dispassionate lens, enabling him to capture the nation’s complexities—its stratifications of caste, religion, and culture—in a nuanced manner.

A hallmark of Swarup’s writing philosophy is his commitment to optimism. He believes that despite the tragedies that permeate our lives, literature should offer a glimmer of hope. “There has to be light at the end of the tunnel,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of positive endings in his narratives.

The Impact of AI on Creativity

During the conversation, Swarup also touched upon the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity. He remarked that AI has fundamentally altered the landscape of human expression by mastering language, which he views as both thrilling and daunting. As AI technology evolves, particularly with the emergence of artificial general intelligence, distinguishing between human and AI creativity may become increasingly challenging.

The Democratization of Writing

Swarup’s insights into the democratization of writing reveal his concerns about the current literary landscape. He noted that while self-publishing has opened doors for many aspiring authors, it has also led to a devaluation of literature, likening books to mere products on platforms like Amazon. “There is a need for readers to graduate and choose better books,” he remarked, calling for a renaissance in literary appreciation.

Reflections on Storytelling

Reflecting on his creative process, Swarup revealed that he did not initially envision Q&A as a book, let alone a film. “I approached writing purely from the perspective of a reader,” he explained, highlighting his voracious reading habits as a foundation for his storytelling.

In The Girl with the Seven Lives, Swarup adopts a first-person narrative, a choice he describes as challenging yet rewarding. “The hardest thing in writing is getting the voice of the narrator right,” he noted, emphasizing that a strong narrative voice captivates readers from the outset. He encourages aspiring writers to find their unique story, saying, “Write the story that only you can tell and what’s your USP.”

Swarup shared his disciplined writing routine, emphasizing the importance of compartmentalization between his roles as a writer and diplomat. He usually dedicates the early hours of his day which are sans any distractions —between 5:30 AM and 9 AM—to writing.

Engaging with the Audience

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, during which the audience posed a variety of intriguing questions. Swarup’s thoughtful responses further enriched the experience, leaving attendees inspired and eager to explore his literary works and get them signed by him. During his visit to the Pink City, Swarup also interacted with the students of Jayshree Periwal International School and shared his valuable tips and insights into his writing process, including how he crafts the blueprint of his novels to keep readers engaged.