AUTHOR’S BIO:
A media professional for over two decades, Rajessh M Iyer is a storyteller and has been a part of many media houses, notable being Magna Publications, Macmillan India, and Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd., in various capacities like Chief Editor, Creative Head, and CEO. He is the author of two books for children: Nanha Natkhat: Tales of Little Krishna and Valiant Warriors. He has also authored five novels: the Amazon India #1 bestseller, Evading the Shadows, a fictional spy thriller set during the Mahabharata; Hari and Friends—A Holi Adventure, a nostalgic, coming-of-age story set in India of the ’80s; Spinner of the Twisted Tale, a wondrous story of a storyteller’s life; Karmic Souls, a love story amidst spiritual awakening; and Mind Whisperer, a fictional retelling of the last four days in the life of Karna during the Mahabharata War. Uncle Pai, the biography of Mr. Anant Pai is his latest book. He lives in Mumbai with his wife, son, and father. For more details on the author, please visit his website: www.rajesshmiyer.com.
1. Who and what inspired you to write?
The remembrance of those wonder years while growing up reading Amar Chitra Katha was the main inspiration. Re-creating that was, subconsciously, the inspiration. Though I must mention here that it didn’t strike me while I worked in ACK Media (Amar Chitra Katha). It also didn’t occur to me when I was writing other books. I must thank Suhail Mathur, my literary agent, who mooted this idea. Despite my initial reluctance, memory of those magical childhood days propelled me to acknowledge the merit in writing this book. I knew I would be reliving those fabulous moments all over again. It proved to be right.
2. What challenges did you face while writing and getting published?
Lack of properly chronicled data. Hardly anything structured is available on such a legend. It was a wake up call to understand as to how shoddily we treat those who have done such yeomen service to the nation and a clarion call to do something constructive now. The book thus doesn’t stop with that alone. It’s a first step towards a movement that will involve everyone who grew up reading Mr. Pai’s creations and get him the recognition long overdue. We’re approaching the Prime Minister so we can talk of the highest honour of the land.
3. How did you come to know about the literary agency THE BOOK BAKERS?
I knew about the agency before I became a full-time writer. Mr. Suhail Mathur, representing The Book Bakers connected with me when we had launched a new books imprint at ACK Media. However, by the time we could ink a deal, I had left the company. Since I branched out as a writer, we connected again and stayed in touch. And, that’s how the book idea came through.
4. How did THE BOOK BAKERS help you and what would you like to say about them ?
Like I mentioned, the idea of the book was suggested by Suhail during a conversation. Initially, I was not interested. Firstly, I wondered who would be interested in reading a simple, staid biography about a person with lived a life without any controversy. Secondly, I felt whatever there was to know about the man who gave us such wonderful moments during our growing up years was there in the public domain. It was only when I started researching that I realised how wrong I was on both counts. Later, pitching to publishers and making sure I get a good deal, The Book Bakers have been rock solid behind me. I think the agency is doing a fabulous job in helping writers see their work getting published and their voices being heard.
5. How do you see literary success for yourself?
Still early days for me, I must say, even though I’m six books old. However, I guess I’m among those writers who taste success later. I’m surely not the runaway hits kind, though I do believe the time’s nigh.
6. When can we expect your next book?
By the end of 2021 or early 2022.
7. Any message or tips for aspiring authors?
I can tell them both as an author and an editor with over two decades of experience. I’ll pass them golden nugget given to me years ago by an elderly gentleman. He told me to remember the 3 Ps in life to succeed as a writer. They are: prayer, patience and perseverance. Over the years I’ve realise this principle works in anything one does in life. Specifically to writers another important tip is to keep writing even when the chips are down (which frankly would be most of the time).
BOOK NAME: UNCLE PAI
PUBLISHER: FINGERPRINT PUBLICATIONS
BOOK SYNOPSIS/BLURB:
Three decades of storytelling, over six hundred comic books, an extremely successful children’s monthly magazine, and millions of readers In India spanning at least four generations... This is the legacy of Uncle Pai, and this is the story of the man often referred to as “India’s master storyteller”.
Children growing up in the India of the 1970s, 1980s, and the 1990s, had one common factor uniting them—their lovely association with Amar Chitra Katha. They bought copies, exchanged them, bound them in sets to proudly display to everyone... And, even flicked them from friends, if they didn't own a particular issue! Growing up reading his creations was an essential rite of passage that escaped no one. And all this fun, frenzy, and madness was thanks to the epoch-making vision of one man: Anant Pai.
From a small village in Karnataka to Mumbai, Anant Pai’s journey and vision, which eventually touched countless lives across many generations, is as interesting as the books he created. Filled with little known stories from the creation of these epochal brands, Uncle Pai by Rajessh M Iyer chalks his journey and serves as a testimony of the man's indomitable spirit that helped millions across India get to know their cultural roots. Little wonder then that we too, like innumerable children, acknowledge his contribution by saying: Thank you, Uncle Pai.
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