1. Tell us all about your childhood and where you grew up. How was life different, then? What were your hobbies, early influences, mentors?
I grew up in Kanpur. I was the most mischiei kid. I did all sorts of things and my parents were fed up with me. Like once I ran away from my home when I was 11 years old.
I never had a hobby as such but I had interest in mythology and current affairs. I started reading newspaper at a very young age. Also, I used to read and listen stories from Indian mythology alot.
I have a big influence of my father and grandmother on me.
2. You suited up as a Poet, Writer rather early, with your poetry and writing. What inspired you to take this up? And what was your aim?
Nothing inspired me to take this up. This is something I love to do. I had no particular aim in mind. I just wrote what I felt. I didn't even have an audience then. Most of my work remained in diaries.
3. What impact has your poetry had on the community?
Honestly, I don't know.
4. When and why did you pick up the quill? How much time did you devote to it, and did you keep your job alongside? How did you juggle both?
I started writing at a very young age but it wasn't very regular. I became serious about my writing only in past few years. I am a freelancer so I have a lot of time to read and improve my writing.
5. Who is Your favorite Poet/ inspiration and why?
It's very tough for me to name just one favourite. Every poet has a different style, set of thoughts, range of emotions etc. But still, if I have to name just one, I would say Agyeya. I admire his short poems alot and his ability to say alot using just a few words.
6. Mention the success you have experienced.
I don't believe in success and failure.
7. Do you have any particular audience in mind when you write, an ideal reader?
Actually, I write for myself.
8. What are the greatest lessons you have learned from your journey?
Expecting HATKE answers from you, with crazy anecdotes! :)
I think the most amazing lessons in this part of my life. I have learnt that how we are all different but still similar. We are always taught this thing in our childhood but I am experiencing it right now.
For eg, how a person could relate to my poem even when he us not from my place, has lived a totally different life and is ten years younger to me.
Sometimes a twenty year old comes to me starts reciting Lord Ram in Court and I think, "This person wasn't even born when the riots happened!"
9: What are your future plans?
Read, write and make a living out of it.
10: Your message for fellow Poets
Read alot, explore yourself. Write when there is not other option left.
11: Anything you want to share about Kavishala.
I have attended one Kavishala meetup in Delhi and it was a very good experience. The poets which were there were great.
Kavishala's meetup are very different from the open mic scene happening elsewhere. It's a community of more mature and refined poets.
Also, what Kavishala is doing through its website is great. I think it's founder Ankur's genuine interest in poetry makes Kavishala stand out from what is happening elsewhere in the scene.