Author’s Background: Author Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray, is known for his Bengali novel TANISHA as well as his English novella ISHA – MY OBSESSION, and he lives in Alipurduar, an isolated district of West Bengal. The beauty and uniqueness of the natural ambience around him evoked the sense of spirituality and individuality in his chaotic mind. A lack of interest in formal education and a tendency to get bored with any work led him away from the reality at an early age. He detached himself from everything and set off in search of his interest and passion. Soon he developed a passion for reading and storytelling.
Neel Preet: Firstly, Congratulations on your book, “Isha – My Obsession!” Well, can you please share your experience about making your work come into the form of book!
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: Thanks for congratulating me. This story first came to my mind when I was fifteen, then I first dared to write it at the age of seventeen and finished it in just three months. Then I spent a year editing it and luckily published it. The most difficult step in this entire journey was daring to write the story. Other steps were relatively smooth.
Neel Preet: What inspired you to write this romantic title? What was the impetus behind this work of yours?
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: My obsession. I have been obsessed with a visionary girl since my school days. She inspired me to write this romantic title. Moreover, the main impetus behind this work was my critical thinking towards social norms.
Neel Preet: Your book title, ‘Isha – My Obsession’ is definitely a catchy one! So, can you please explain the reasons for going with this book title!
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: Actually I couldn’t find any other name. It’s true. Just before signing the contract paper, I thought of naming the book based on the female protagonist. Besides, the title suggests that the story is about obsession, which revolves around a girl named Isha.
Neel Preet: Well, can you please explain that how is this book different from the other books of the same genre?
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: To be honest, I don’t think this book has a specific genre. I think this book’s unique setting, characters, timesaving descriptions and its bold yet relatable content set this book apart from other books.
Neel Preet: Apart from this romantic fictional category, in which other genres would you like to make your contributions?
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: Maybe science fiction, or crime drama. I don’t really know much about science and crime right now, so maybe I’ll write about independent topics for now.
Neel Preet: Reading the plot of this book, I’m greatly impressed & I want you to explain us, in your version, that how this book will appeal the readers of the present day!
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: I’m glad you’re impressed. Actually, I don’t think about readers when I write. So I can’t be sure that this book will appeal to every reader of present days. But I believe this book will definitely appeal to those who love to read classics and are open-minded.
Neel Preet: Next, I want you to tell us about some of those writers, who had inspired you!
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: There are many. Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and Anne Frank inspired me the most to start writing. I became interested in novellas after reading Ruskin Bond’s books. Currently I am learning a lot from the writings of Haruki Murakami and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Neel Preet: Is there any message that you would like to convey to your readers? Or any piece of advice, which you would like to give to the readers out there!
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: Dear readers, read as many books as you can. And please don’t judge me after reading this book, because I myself do not think much about my works. After all I am young and still learning.
Neel Preet: Are there any other books being worked by you? Please let us know about your future projects.
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: Yes. My debut book is Tanisha. I am currently working on a semi-autobiographical novel.
Neel Preet: Thank you so much for answering all my questions. All the very best to you for future and your book too!
Dhrubajyoti Singha Ray: Thank you too, Neel Preet. I hope we will talk again in the future. Best of luck!
