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Oct 18, 2012 |
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On her book 'Drop Dead'
Swati Kaushal's Drop Dead is a thrilling crime story about Rak Mehta's murder and the directions into which it leads the investigation. It's quite exciting to follow Niki Marwah, the Superintendent of Police, right up to the point she solves the mystery.
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- Are you from IIM Calcutta regular program or distance education? Asked by: Dhawan
- PGDM; which is regular, 2 year residential program...? Am not aware of the distance program, but what a marvel modern technology is!
- are you planning to write a second Niki book? Asked by: Jeremy
- Oh yeah!!!!
- What inspires you when you're down and out? Asked by: Aarzoo
- What a great question, thanks Arzoo! I have to say, it's the people who love me....
- A little out of the way, but what's your favourite cuisine? It's quite a yummy description you've written about the dinner at la Scuola! Asked by: Priya
- Oh my God, thanks for asking, I looooove food! My favorite cuisine is street food. Kathi rolls, paani poori, paapri chaat, kachoris...mmmmm!
- As is the norm these days. Any plans of a movie or TV deal? Asked by: Kuttu
- Hey Kuttu! I'd love to see Drop Dead as a movie or TV show....wouldn't you?
- Is Niki an inspired story> Asked by: Kuttu
- All stories are inspired in some way or other, I suppose. Niki is certainly the kind of heroine I love and admire
- You said you can't wait to see Niki on screen. Who according to you should play Niki? Asked by: Anu
- Priyanka, Kareena, Deepika...what do you think?
- What do you feel about this trend of IIM graduates leaving management and becoming authors? Do you think this is like brain drain? Shouldn't the government impose a tax on such people especially given the subsidised fees at IIMs? Asked by: Dhawan
- Nice joke, man!
- Which IIM are you froma nd which batch? Asked by: SBH
- IIM Cal...you figure out which batch!
- Why did you choose a woman cop as your protagonist? Asked by: Firdauz
- Firdauz, I think we need to see more women cops. More women in charge. Then maybe there will be less crimes against women?
- Really? Wow! What's the next one about? Asked by: Priya
- Sweet Cyanide is about a high profile murder in the middle of a reality show. It is also about Niki and some surprising personal developments...
- Given your good looks, have you considered acting? Would you like to play the role of Niki Marwah? Asked by: Dhawan
- No acting for me; we authors like to write the stories! I would like to be like Niki in real life though!
- How are you going to celebrate the success of your book? Asked by: Glinfy
- I was just in a wildlife sanctuary staring at an owl...felt sublime!
- while I bought this book, intended it to be like "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" but the story line is much intense,should say edgy! Asked by: Sameer
- Hope you like it, sameer!
- So what's next for Niki Marwah? Asked by: Divya
- Hey Divya! Expect more dead bodies, high heels, and hot guys!!!
- If your book was to be made in to a movie, whom would you like it to direct it and who would play niikis role better? (bollywood actress) Asked by: kavita
- Farhan Akhtar for director and Shankar Sahay; Priyanka or Deepika for Niki!
- Who are your favourite crime writers? Asked by: Arvind
- Well, just answered that, but forgot to mention Janet Evanovich who writes crime and is so very funny!!!
- You are drop dead gorgeous! Asked by: SBH
- Awwwww, thanks!!
- I completely agree with the 'masala in a classy way!'...saw it on the niki facebook page also Asked by: Smita
- Hey thanks Smita!
- Will this book make it to the top 10 best sellers list? Asked by: simran
- With your help Simran!!!!
- I have heard you intend using the character Nikki MArwah in all your books. Why? Won't in be playing multiple roles in all books.... that would not give you a chance to talk about different personlaites... Asked by: reshma khanna
- Reshma, Niki is growing as the series is growing. One of the fun things about writing a series is to see how a character evolves. It's like going through school with your best friend!
- Have you already started planning your next book? Asked by: Priya
- You bet, Priya!
- If you were to explain Niki Marwah's character in one word, what would it be? Asked by: Nishanth
- Hmmm, one word for Niki??? It would have to be WOW!!!
- Which drink do you think would go best with your book? Asked by: Glinfy
- Nimbu paani all the way!!! Or, like Shankar would say, anything, with a twist of whisky, vodka and rum!
- Just curious, what gave you the idea of setting the murder against the backdrop of the publishing industry? Asked by: Chandni
- Aah, nice question! I love my publishers, and wanted to have a little fun with them...luckily no one minded :-)
- did u get a job after IIM? Asked by: SBH
- Yup; worked at Nestle and Nokia!
- What is your book about? Is it like 50 shaded of grey? Asked by: SBH
- Sigh....no dear. More like 50 shades of entertainment!
- Full disclosure: I have read the book and very intrigued by the Niki - Ram romance angle. Do we see more of that in the next book? Asked by: Divya
- Yes, yes, yes!!! Hang in there Divya!
- Is it avilable online? send me an abstract Asked by: SBH
- Soon, very soon...but you will also enjoy the print version available anywhere, SBH!
- Hi MAm, You look gorgeous... Where has the inspiration of the character niki come from... Asked by: rajeev
- Hey thanks Rajeev! I always wanted to have a have a friend like Niki. Tough woman cop. The ultimate symbol of girl power???
- Given the fact that you have been educated in top colleges, don't you think that you should be writing on more cerebral or serious subjects? Do you think you have succumbed to the ChetanBhagatesque style of masala fiction? Asked by: Dhawan
- I like to write about young, independent, strong people. Guys and girls like you and me. I like to write about people we can relate to; but in a classy way. And what is life without masala, yaar?
- I have read the book and its lovely.... Love the way you have bout out the character of nikki... So what's next? Asked by: reshma khanna
- Reshma thanks so much! I'm so glad you loved Niki; she's a remarkable woman! In the next book, i think you'll find out more about how Niki became a cop and what she plans to do with the delectable Captain Mathur!!!
- Which authors do you love to read? Asked by: Priya
- Austen, Dickens, Ian McEwan, Ondaatje, Ishiguro, and in mystery Agatha Christie, Lee Child, Tana French, Louise Penny, and Indian Amitava Ghosh, Vikram Seth, and many of the great new authors!
- When 'Drop Dead' is made into a movie, who, according to you, is best suited to play the role of Niki Marwah? Asked by: Dhawan
- Don't want to play favorites, but there are so many actresses who would do a great job! Off the top of my hat, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukone...
- Was your family supportive while you were writing this book? Asked by: Dhawan
- Extremely so, thank God!
- Ma'am, firstly congrats. Do you have any advice for budding writers? Asked by: Jeril Nadar
- Thank you Jeril; what a loevly name by the way! Budding writers...go for it! Be fearless, take a risk, follow your dream and your passion!
- Why are so many IIM graduates becoming authors? Asked by: Dhawan
- Don't know about the others, Dhawan, but I became an author because I had a story I wanted to share....such fun chatting with you!
- Your name 'Swati' means 'a star'. Do you think you have truly become a star with the launch of this book? Asked by: Dhawan
- The launch of this book has been very important to me. But I think I have always considered myself to be blessed, thanks!
- Your book is priced at Rs. 250. One reason of Chetan Bhagat's popularity is because his books are priced at the Rs 100 mark. Do you think the comparitively higher price of your book will prevent young readers from enjoying it? Asked by: Dhawan
- I think 250 is a good price when you compare with other forms of entertainment and also other books. But I would encourage readers to look out for deals and contests and promotions...there are plenty of ways to find a good bargain!
- Books like yours have always made great scripts for popular movies. Have you sold the rights to your book yet? Asked by: Dhawan
- In the works; can't wait to see Niki Marwah on screen!
- You are still a young author. How does it feel when a section of the media compares you with Jhumpa Lahiri and Arundhati Roy? Asked by: Dhawan
- Like a million buck Dhawan! They are both staggering talents
- I haven't read your book but I did go through the gist online. Looks every bit of a thriller. Though young, I am an editor and I feel good to read about authors and their work. So, wishing you luck for your 'Drop Dead' and the emission of 'Gorgeous' can be supplied to you :) Asked by: Sandeep Rao
- What a nice way to begin! Thank you Sandeep and all the best to you!!!
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