Arijit Bose / Nishtha Agrawal
Akshay Sharma, an international best-selling author, entrepreneur, and Tamil cinema actor, embodies storytelling across mediums. His debut book, The Flying Dreams, was a national bestseller, while A Writer on a Mission: The Rise of Astraavan achieved global acclaim, selling in 15+ countries. As an actor, Akshay starred in Pathu Thala and contributed to Bhai: Sleeper Cell. A skilled music composer, his works, including The Pain of Ronny, are globally available. He also directed the Coimbatore Literary Awards and heads Mark-Fly Publishers, empowering global artists.
How would you like to sumup your journey?
My journey was a tough one but I am glad that I managed to surpass the challenges and I did well as an author. In 2018, I gave up my job at a top engineering company. At this juncture I was getting a handsome salary. The age was perfect but I felt there was something lacking. The idea was to take risks and grow. When my book The Flying Dreams released I thought the time was right for me to take on a more challenging role in life. The book went viral, it gave me fame and I was being called for award ceremonies. Events in Kolkata and Bengaluru come to mind. Charged by this sudden motivation, I floated Markfly, a Digital Marketing venture. Over a span of 1.5 years the idea expanded to Markfly Publishers. I gradually aced writing, publishing and distribution. I led a strategy to capture spaces like bookstores ensuring a reader connect with a core idea of hardselling literature.
Any specific awards that you would like to highlight as a writer?
There were some projects that came my way. I also organized two editions of the Coimbatore Literary Awards. Gradually I started realizing that awards were too commonplace. Awards were given but the real talent was not getting its due. Anyone with high following and social media reach was getting famous irrespective of the quality. Gradually the focus shifted to giving the deserving support and recognition. I have always believed good authors must be acknowledged because opportunities and returns can be a challenge in this profession. With good feedback, I also tried my hand at acting and cinema dialogue writing.
What are some of your most promising literary works?
My books The Flying Dreams got 50,000 reach with a record 1 million reach. My next A Writer on a Mission got 25 times better response with my work grabbing a spot at Times Square.
What was the feeling like when Amitabh Bachchan had a kind word for you?
My getting a thumbs up from Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was an added bonus, which truly adds value to my resume. As a legend himself, his words add gravitas to my portfolio. My value increases as a writer. When big guns laud your work, you definitely get the impetus to dream big. People gradually relate with you.
How would you like to inspire young writers?
Young writers should not be envious of other’s achievements. They should get inspired and learn. Know the finer nuances of the craft and improve each day to attain perfection. Life has gradually changed for me now. I would initially be awarded, now I am called as the Chief Guest.
As the former Director of Coimbatore Literary Awards, how do you see the rise of literary scene in India? How do you groom young authors?
The change in trends are clearly visible. From book awards, now book fests are the in thing. Now it is not just enough to create good literature. It has to have a selling power. Marketing and branding of your content should be prioritized now. These days anyone with 1M followers and ghostwritten content is gaining fame. People with PR strategy rule the industry. Authors should train writers. Real talent should get its due.
You wear many hats, how do you strike a balance between different attributes ? Your message to aspiring writers?
I always believe that the key to good growth in the writing career is to make best of the opportunity that comes your way. From writing a book, becoming a celebrated author, going to award shows, writing for a film, working as a production executive and also acting I played each part with utmost honesty. Do one thing a time. Do Read
