Lucknow: Renowned author and former diplomat Vikas Swarup graced the city of Lucknow with his presence, engaging in a captivating conversation with Diksha Bisla. Dressed in a traditional Lucknowi Chikankari kurta, Swarup exuded a sense of comfort and belonging.
Reflecting on his illustrious diplomatic career, Swarup shared how the transition to private life afforded him the opportunity to fully immerse himself in the world of writing. He revealed his daily writing routine, which often exceeds a thousand words.
During the discussion, Swarup delved into the portrayal of female characters in his novels, emphasizing his keen interest in exploring the female perspective. He highlighted the intriguing connection between the character Devi from his earlier work, Q&A and her further development in his latest novel.
Despite the success of his work being adapted into an Oscar-winning film, “Slumdog Millionaire,” Swarup clarified that his primary motivation for writing is his creative passion and storytelling. He expressed a strong preference for the solitary nature of novel writing, distancing himself from the collaborative process of screenplay writing. He further emphasized that screenplay writing often involves numerous inputs from various individuals, which can limit a writer’s creative freedom.
In a Q&A session, Swarup revealed that he conducts extensive research, both primary and secondary, to accurately portray characters from underprivileged backgrounds. His commitment to authenticity and detail adds depth and credibility to his narratives.