In an exclusive and deeply insightful interview, we delve into the creative journey of Pranay, a tech enthusiast turned bestselling author. His transition from coding to storytelling is nothing short of inspiring. As Pranay shares the intricate details behind his celebrated Kavaach Trilogy and his profound connection with Lord Shiva, we gain a unique perspective on the fusion of technology and creativity. Amidst his literary accomplishments, including the forthcoming conclusion to the Kavaach Trilogy, Pranay reveals the challenges, surprises, and fan interactions that have shaped his journey. Moreover, he teases upcoming projects, promising even more thrilling narratives on the horizon. Join us as we explore the mind of a storyteller whose passion for writing is as boundless as his imagination.
1) Pranay, shifting gears from coding to crafting stories is quite a leap! What sparked your passion for writing amidst the tech world?
Hey Sameer,
Before I delve into your question, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations on winning the Best Book Reviewer of the Country 2024 award. Your passion for literature and articulate expression of opinions are truly commendable. Your recommendations have enriched my library with many hidden gems.
Now, addressing your question, Sameer, the journey may seem like a significant leap when viewed from a distance, but upon reflection, it reveals itself as a slow and gradual progression.
My initiation into the realm of creativity coincided with my introduction to schooling. It was there that I encountered a teacher who imparted knowledge in a remarkably creative manner, igniting a spark within me. Engaging in various creative endeavors such as plays, dramas, and folk dance events further solidified my affinity for artistic expression.
However, societal norms often prioritize academic achievements over creative pursuits. Consequently, I found myself conforming to these expectations, trading my artistic inclinations for a more conventional path. Before I knew it, I was clad in a crisp white shirt and black pants, seated at a desk in front of a computer screen, tasked with writing code.
Yet, one cannot suppress creativity indefinitely. Eventually, it finds a way to surface, often in unexpected ways. For me, this creativity manifested in the form of technical articles—an outlet born out of frustration and the need for expression. However, this suppression only fueled more frustration, prompting me to reassess my priorities.
It was during this period of introspection that books entered my life, altering the trajectory of my journey entirely. As I immersed myself in the world of literature, everything began to fall into place. Gradually, I uncovered the storyteller within me.
They say books are a person's best friend, and I couldn't agree more. Within the pages of books, I found solace akin to clouds and nourishment akin to rain. It is a poetic experience to be surrounded by books, each one a gateway to a different world. It is within these realms of imagination that my passion for storytelling was born.
While my technical expertise remains a part of me, storytelling has emerged as the driving force behind my endeavors—a passion that I intend to pursue for the rest of my life.
2) The Kavaach Trilogy has captured the imaginations of many. Can you walk us through how this story first came to you?
When my second book, "The Lost World Rises," was released to a positive reception from readers, I felt compelled to explore something different. Despite my background in mythological fiction, I found myself drawn to a new genre: psychological thriller. I began crafting this new story, titling it "VOID," and the initial response from reviewers was overwhelmingly positive. However, after writing around 100 pages, I sensed that something was amiss. Despite my efforts, the story didn't resonate as I had hoped, so I made the decision to put it on hold.
After investing a few months in soul-searching and exploration, I stumbled upon a new concept that sparked my imagination. It was a simple yet profound idea: to create a formidable villain who would challenge conventional notions of good and evil. This concept served as the catalyst for what would become my next project.
Drawing inspiration from literary giants such as Shivaji Sawant and Ranjit Desai, as well as the impactful storytelling of Amish Tripathi's Shiva Trilogy, I embarked on a journey of research and introspection. Through extensive travel and conversations with others, the concept began to take shape, gradually evolving into the framework for what would become the Kavaach Trilogy.
Despite having only a single hook line written down, I immersed myself in the creative process, allowing divine inspiration and a deep connection to the subject matter to guide my writing. The experience felt almost otherworldly, as if I were merely a vessel for the story to flow through.
Reflecting on the creation of the Kavaach Trilogy, I find it challenging to pinpoint the exact ingredients that contributed to its development. Instead, it was a culmination of research, inspiration, and divine intervention—a truly transformative experience from start to finish.
3) I noticed you often mention Lord Shiva in your acknowledgments. How does your spirituality weave into your storytelling?
I continue to feel a profound connection with Lord Shiva, as if he's an integral part of my inner being. This connection holds deep significance for me. During a significant period of my life spanning approximately 4 to 5 years, I grappled with mild depression. For two of those years, I was formally diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety disorder. While I may have some understanding of the cause, I consciously avoid delving into it.
Throughout this struggling period, I immersed myself in reading about Lord Shiva. The Shiva Purana was my starting point, followed by several renditions about him. I constantly listened to the Tandav Sotram and Mahamrityunjay mantra. The stories and divine energy attracted me, pulling me out of my depressive phase.
When I visit a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, I bow down and touch my forehead to the Shivalinga. This act brings me peace and energy.
Though there may be a logical explanation behind these experiences, at this moment, they feel like pure emotion to me. Lord Shiva, in my acknowledgment, will remain forever.
I draw inspiration and energy from Lord Shiva to work on my stories. While I don't explicitly include these themes in my writing, they form the backbone of my creative process. It's my personal connection. I believe Lord Shiva must be pleased with my devotion, as he has blessed me to pursue my passion.
Out of gratitude, I've tattooed a Trident on my arm, where the shaft of the trident represents a pen—an author's way of thanking Lord Shiva for his blessings.
4) Seeing those Kindle Unlimited numbers must be a thrill! What was going through your mind the first time you saw those four-digit page reads?
The turn of events took me completely by surprise. While I had a feeling that "The Protectors of Kavaach," the first book in the Kavaach trilogy, would perform well compared to "The Lost World" duology, I never expected it to exceed my wildest expectations. I vividly remember the pinnacle of its success, with Kindle Unlimited numbers reaching an astonishing 656 pages read in a single day. Initially, I attributed it to luck, assuming that the numbers would taper off over time. However, to my amazement, they continued to climb. When I witnessed four-digit figures in a single day for the first time, I took a moment to collect myself and waited for the trend to continue. As the numbers kept growing, I found myself not only elated but also increasingly aware of my growing reader base.
This realization instilled in me a sense of responsibility to deliver an even better book next time. I am grateful to see the positive reviews from readers, but rather than solely celebrating the impressive numbers, I feel a heightened responsibility to produce literature that is both better and more authentic. My appreciation for literature has deepened as I've witnessed this phenomenon unfold over the past year. Surpassing 1 million lifetime page reads for the trilogy humbles me more than it elevates me to cloud nine, as it signifies a larger audience to engage with and more feedback, both positive and critical, to consider. Ultimately, I am grateful for the happiness this success has brought me and for the newfound sense of responsibility instilled in me by my readers.
5) It's got to be a surreal feeling knowing your books are going to be on the screen. What scenes are you most excited to see come to life?
Absolutely, I'm bursting with excitement for this project. Visualizing my work on the big screen is a surreal experience, affirming the value of all the effort poured into it.
However, I'm fully aware that adapting it for film is a labor-intensive journey. The realm of motion pictures is complex, involving a multitude of factors such as economics, talent acquisition, and substantial investment.
As you know, Sameer, my personal aspiration has always been to helm a director's chair one day; it's a dream my close friends are well aware of. Yet, I acknowledge my lack of expertise in that domain.
Nevertheless, if I were to anticipate certain scenes eagerly as an audience member, they would include the intense showdown between Kaal Vashishth and Saharshee Mahant, along with the mesmerizing Shav-Sadhana ritual conducted by the Aghori Sage from the trilogy's second installment.
Additionally, the unveiling of the Trishul's structure and the revelation of Rudra's ultimate form (no spoilers, I promise!) hold immense anticipation.
From the creator's perspective, envisioning pivotal moments such as Kaal's introduction and his ascension, the expansive narrative of the Gondwana empire, Shaurya's journey, the evolution of Shivgarh, and the intricate segments set in Mahant Ashram are particularly thrilling.
I believe these elements possess the potency to significantly enhance the story's on-screen impact. Now, it's all about crossing our fingers and hoping to bring this vision to life.
6) Getting a nod from someone like Amish Tripathi is huge! What does that kind of recognition mean to you?
This event holds immense significance for me, as it holds a tale within. I have long been an ardent admirer of Amish sir's literary creations. From his captivating Shiva Trilogy to his enthralling Ramchandra series, I've been deeply enamoured by his boundless imagination and creative prowess.
When his War of Lanka, book four of the Ramchandra series, was released, he was scheduled to visit the BooksNMore store in Balewadi. Being his admirer, I eagerly anticipated meeting him, especially since the store is conveniently located near my office and home. However, due to a meeting, I arrived at the venue late. Meeting the bookstore owner, Mr. Sharan Biradar, he informed me that Amish Tripathi had already departed for his next destination. Naturally, I felt disheartened, as I believed it was my sole opportunity to meet him. My office colleagues, aware of my fervent fandom of Amish, tried to console me. One friend reassured me, saying, "Abey, Tension mat le, wo ek din khud teri kitab hatho me lekar tere sath photo khinchenge. Kya ro raha hai...." (Hey, don't worry, one day he'll hold your book in his hands and pose for a photo with you. Why are you crying....) I appreciated their kind words, although I suspected they were merely trying to uplift my spirits.
In the midst of my disappointment, I had completely overlooked the fact that I had already published a book—the inaugural installment of the Kavaach Trilogy. Determined to seize the moment, I returned home, redesigned the book cover, prepared a pitch deck for the trilogy, and headed back to the bookstore. Pitching the book and the entire trilogy to Sharan, we engaged in a captivating conversation, and he immediately expressed interest in the narrative. Though uncertain if I would ever meet Amish Tripathi, I found solace in the newfound friendship with Mr. Sharan.
While in Delhi, I received an unexpected call from Sharan, who informed me of Amish's upcoming visit to the store and offered me the opportunity to host the event. Without hesitation, I accepted the invitation. From that moment onward, I immersed myself in event planning, coordinating logistics, and ensuring the success of the occasion. Sharan thoughtfully advised me to bring extra copies of my book, as we had sold out in the store. He ensured I had ample time and positioned me as a genuine host of the event.
As Amish sir signed his books, he had no knowledge of me or my work. However, as we conversed, he listened attentively. Even Bhavna Roy, Amish Tripathi's elder sister and author of Dharma and Idols, showed interest in my story and concept. Amish appreciated the narrative and concept. Bhavna Roy, upon learning that my story heavily relied on Karna's divine armour, likened me to Shivaji Sawant, as we both hail from the same land. However, I respectfully declined the comparison, later realizing she was testing my reaction. I offered them copies of The Protectors of Kavaach and The Protected Rakshasa Kaal. Amish admired the cover of Kaal and requested that I sign copies for him.
We then posed for a photograph, with Amish Tripathi holding my book, Bhavna Roy holding Kaal, and I holding Idols. I shared the photographs with my office colleagues and everyone at home, bringing joy to all. Sometimes, I believe the universe conspires for you to be in the right place at the right time, allowing you to meet someone you admire. It was fitting to miss meeting him during the War of Lanka event and instead meet him in person, converse with him at the same table, gift him my signed books, and capture photographs, all while being a bit more seasoned in the literary world. I believe it was destined to happen.
7) Your readers can hardly wait for the third book of the Kavaach Trilogy. Without giving too much away, what should they brace themselves for?
I'm well aware of the anticipation my readers have for the third book. I'm closely following all their comments, emails, and the buzz surrounding its release. Let me assure my readers first: yes, the third book is on its way, and it's coming this year. I'm paying attention to all your requests, and work is underway. Just bear with me a little longer.
As for what to expect from the final book, I won't divulge too much, but brace yourselves for an epic clash between the superheroes. The narrative will delve into the divine transformation of Rudra, conclude Kaal's story, and address all the lingering questions from the first two books.
This installment will be intense and action-packed, filled with violence and pivotal moments. I'd advise you to prepare for something fresh, something that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the cover to the very last page. We're crafting something truly exceptional.
But before I reveal any more, Sameer, let's move on to the next question. :P
8) Writing a duology and then a trilogy must feel quite different. Could you share some challenges and surprises you encountered along the way?
Creating both a duology and a trilogy presented unique challenges and surprises. For The Lost World Duology, one of the main challenges was ensuring that the story arc felt complete within just two books. It required careful planning and concise storytelling to introduce and resolve conflicts, develop characters, and tie up loose ends within a limited framework. Additionally, maintaining consistency and coherence throughout both books while still delivering a satisfying narrative was crucial.
Surprisingly, Sameer, I found that the shorter format of a duology allowed for a more focused and streamlined storytelling approach. It forced me to prioritize essential plot points and character development, resulting in a tightly woven narrative that kept readers engaged from beginning to end.
On the other hand, crafting a trilogy presented its own set of challenges and surprises. Expanding the story over three books provided more space for world-building, character arcs, and plot complexity. However, it also required meticulous planning to ensure continuity and coherence across multiple installments.
One of the challenges of writing a trilogy was maintaining momentum and keeping readers invested in the story over a more extended period. Each book needed to build upon the previous one while still offering fresh twists and revelations with thematic exploration to keep readers hooked.
Surprisingly, I discovered that the trilogy format allowed for more extensive exploration of themes, subplots, and relationship dynamics. It provided the opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of the story world and develop more nuanced character arcs.
In both cases, balancing the pacing, plot development, and character growth across multiple books was a significant challenge. However, it was also incredibly rewarding to see the story unfold and evolve throughout either two or three books, creating a rich and immersive reading experience for audiences.
9) It sounds like you've got some amazing interactions with your fans. What’s one piece of feedback that really stuck with you?
I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to engage with some of my readers and fans. Connecting with them has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. Establishing and nurturing this bond with my audience has always been a priority for me, and I'm committed to further strengthening it.
Whether through emails, messages, comments, podcasts, live streams, or college conferences, interacting with my readers has been immensely fulfilling. I've received a wealth of feedback about my stories, ranging from expressions of love for the work to constructive suggestions for improvement—which I value greatly. However, there was one particular piece of feedback that resonated deeply with me.
A reader expressed that my books inspired them to embark on their own writing journey. Knowing that my work has sparked creativity and motivation in others fills me with immense joy. It serves as a reminder that my storytelling has a positive impact and can inspire others to pursue their passions.
10) For all the aspiring writers out there, what's one piece of advice you'd give based on your own journey to becoming a bestselling author?
If you're considering delving into storytelling, congratulations—you've already distinguished yourself from the crowd. However, it's essential to recognize that you're now entering a vast and competitive arena. Each year, thousands, if not millions, of books are published, and only a select few rise to prominence. I don't mean to discourage aspiring authors but rather to offer a glimpse of reality.
The truth is, you can't control the reception of your book or ensure its ascent to success. What you can control, though, is your writing and your engagement with literature. Focus on honing your craft and immerse yourself in reading. Let your writing speak for itself, and allow readers to experience your work first-hand.
Respect every piece of feedback, and use it as fuel for improvement. Be open to criticism and take the time to research the market. And perhaps most importantly, never stop reading. Continuously refine your skills and keep pushing yourself to grow as a writer.
11) And lastly, with the Kavaach Trilogy wrapping up soon, do you have any new adventures or projects brewing that you can share a sneak peek about?
Finishing a series always weighs heavily on me emotionally. It's like losing a part of myself. I've poured four years of my life into developing the Kavaach trilogy, spending every day immersed in its world. But soon, with the release of the third book, this journey will come to an end. I'll no longer be consumed by thoughts of the characters or the story's progression. The door to the Kavaach trilogy will close, at least in terms of further development. However, as one door closes, new ones open with fresh concepts waiting to be explored.
As a writer, I'm already brewing some new ideas. One of them has been taking shape for over a year now. It's another venture into mythological fiction, but this time as a standalone book, offering a reflection on current societal norms with ancient roots. The second concept, older than the Kavaach trilogy itself, is a gritty thriller set against the backdrop of Kashmir. It's intense, gripping, and promises to be quite violent and bloody. Yet, I'm not delving too deeply into these concepts just yet. My primary focus remains on completing the Kavaach trilogy and delivering the much-anticipated third book to my fans.
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