What’s your happiest memory from childhood?
My happiest memory from childhood is visiting India Gate park back in New Delhi, going boating with my siblings and my parents, and having Cassata ice cream from the street vendor later.
How has your childhood shaped who you are today?
My two brothers are my siblings. One was two years younger than me and a sturdy, long-limbed boy who would punch me in the gut when our fights became violent. I’d go crying to my mother, who would be the mediator of our skirmishes, but one day my mom said, “Go hit him back. You’re going to live in a world of men. You need to know how to deal with them.” That made me who I am today: a former litigator determined to win in a fight. That lesson served me well when I wound up in the query trenches and spent seven years trying to get traditionally published.
Do you remember the first book you ever wrote?
The first book I ever wrote was an illustrated book for my grandfather on the life and teachings of Baba Budha Singh (1506-1631). He is recognized as one of the closest companions of Guru Nanak (the first Guru of Sikhism) and was the first priest of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. I’d forgotten all about this old relic until my brother found it in a heap of dusty, ancient records and presented it to me.
What are some lesser-known sights to see when visiting New Delhi?
Light & Sound show at Red Fort
Chandni Chowk Bazaar
Sis Ganj Sahib Gurudwara
What fears did you have while publishing your novel, THE RUMMY CLUB?
That readers wouldn’t find the story engaging or unique.
What inspired you to write the novel, THE AWAKENING OF MEENA RAWAT?
I wanted to write about this cancer of Indian society, which is untouchability that still persists in small towns and villages even though it is deemed unconstitutional. But, because it is a heavy and intense subject, I decided to explore this theme in the shape of a love story.
What challenges did you face while developing the romance between Meena and Ramu?
The challenge I faced in developing Ramu and Meena’s love story was how to portray Meena’s decision to leave her daughter Maya with Bhavesh. Since Meena is convinced Bhavesh is a great Dad, and she wants to not take Maya away from him, I had to give it the twist ending I finally did. Also, whether or not to include the backstory on Ramu’s failed marriage. One editor told me to get rid of it because it slowed the plot down, but I believed it was essential for readers to understand his motivations and growth as a man, so I stuck to my guns and left it in.
Is the character of Meena Rawat based on someone you personally know?
No
What is the significance of the title of your novel, The Rummy Club?
The four friends who make up the universe of The Rummy Club used to play the card game rummy when they were attending a boarding (high) school located in the Himalayas. So when they meet again in the SF-Bay Area, they decide to form a weekly rummy club to reconnect and reignite old ties.
Did you expect THE RUMMY CLUB to win the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award? What was your reaction?
No, I did not. I was ecstatic and felt extremely grateful to the jury.
What book title represents your life?
I don’t think there’s any out there.
Who are 5 well known women who you admire or are inspired by?
Priyanka Chopra
Michelle Obama
Kamala Harris
Liane Moriarty
Reese Witherspoon
What is the weirdest trend in your country?
The weirdest trend in my country, the USA, are those ugly crocs women wear or the fanny pack for men.
Which is the next book you are working on? Give us an insight into it.
A romance between a Hindu woman and a Muslim man in Allahabad, India, that goes horribly wrong. The woman is pregnant and escapes an angry mob. She gives up her daughter and flees to America, where she forms a new identity and a new family for herself. She’s happy and content . . . until the secret she’s kept hidden for twenty years comes barreling back into her life.
How were you first introduced to AllAuthor? Do you have any feedback?
I was introduced to All Author by my publisher, Black Rose Writing. I’ve loved the marketing and publicity they’ve given my novels.
