The Personality of the month for the month of September is Rashmi Bansal. Author of three books — Connect the Dots, Stay Hungry Stay Foolish and the latest one — I have a dream.
You can read the review of the book, I have a dream here
1. How did you get into Writing?
I started writing when I was in college, My first short humorous piece was published on 9th Auggust 1988 in the ‘Indian Post’ newspaper, and I never looked back after that
2. Why this genre? Have you tried fiction ?
I have been a journalist and also an editor – I love meeting people. Writing non-fiction came naturally to me, and I honestly believe truth is stranger and more interesting than fiction. That said, someday I would like to write a screenplay for a movie.
3. Your next project?
A book focussed on women entrepreneurs,
4. Any particular interview in your book that you cannot forget or were bowled over by?
In ‘I have a dream’ I was deeply moved by the story of Sumita Ghose, whose husband activist Sanjay Ghose was murdered by ULFA militants in Assam. And yet she did not lose her faith in humanity. Through Rangsutra, she continues to do good and work towards development.
5. How do you overcome writers block?
When stuck I just get busy doing something else I enjoy. Watch a fun movie, go to the gym, cook a nice meal. And that way, Ideas and energy suddenly just pop into my head. In fact my best ideas I get while travelling or
6. Your tryst with the publishers?
I have had 2 wonderful publishers – first IIM & Eklavya foundation, then Westland. Both of them believed in me and did a fantastic job of promoting and distributing my books. I thank them for their faith.
7. Message to youngsters
Believe in yourself and your dreams.
8. Your routine on a typical day
Nothing routine, nothing typical. I don’t have a fixed time or duration in which I write, It happens in bursts and I trust that despite the chaos, I will be able to meet my own deadlines and standards.
