Vikas Swarup
Vikas Swarup
Vikas Swarup is an Indian writer and diplomat who is currently serving as the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India. He is best known as the author of the novel Q & A, adapted in film as Slumdog Millionaire, the winner of Best Film for the year 2009 at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards...
NationalityIndian
ProfessionNovelist
CountryIndia
bounce cities disasters genes man manner move respond sets suburbia whether
It is in the genes of cities to bounce back from disasters - whether natural or man made. The denizens of suburbia have no choice but to survive and move on. But it is the manner in which different cities respond to emergencies that sets them apart.
changed commercial cricket dose dynamics ground india massive money quiz rules shows wants
India may be the soul of world cricket, but IPL is its commercial heart. Just as 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' changed the ground rules for quiz shows by injecting a massive dose of money into the equation, IPL has changed the dynamics of the cricket economy.
common educated education formal knowledge mean preserve wisdom
Knowledge is not just the preserve of the educated elite. Just because someone has not had a formal education, that does not mean he does not have wisdom and common sense.
characters plot surprise takes
I write fast. But it takes me a while to get going. It's very important for me to see my whole plot. I have to see the end first because I like a surprise in the end. Which is why I let characters and plot gestate in my mind.
elements filmmaker medium provided recognize writers
All I can say is that I am not one of those writers who want 100% of their book in the film. I recognize that film is a different medium and the filmmaker must have the right to bring some new elements to the table, provided the soul of the book is preserved.
book people challenges
My books are about ordinary people placed in extraordinary situations who are able to draw upon their inner reserves to challenge the status-quo in life and navigate compelling human relationships.
might whiskey advertising
The one conclusion I have reached is that whiskey is a great leveler. You might be a hotshot advertising executive or a lowly foundry worker, but if you cannot hold your drink, you are just a drunkard.
inspiration reading modern-india
I am very interested in human-interest stories emerging from modern India. I get my inspiration and daily dose by reading the Hindustan Times.
firsts desperate closets
The first thing you have to understand is that I was not desperate to be a writer. I was never a closet writer filing away notes in a cupboard.
mind world interiors
The writer's is an interior world, a world of the mind.
real different life-is
And I realized again that real life is different from reel life.
desire poverty wonder
I wonder what it feels like to have no desires left because you have satisfied them all, smothered them with money even before they are born. Is an existence without desire very desirable? And is the poverty of desire better than rank poverty itself?
girl mother believe
I want to show that the underdog can win. I believe were all the same: you, a slum girl, my mother.
men judging action
Never judge a man's actions until you know his motives