Could you tell us a little about your background and how you became a writer?
If I could trace my past clearly, I’d be able to answer this question thoroughly. To be precise, I became a writer very early in life. I was six when my teacher asked me to write a composition about myself, but I ended up with a blank page and was punished for it. I took it very personally and started reading essays written by third graders. My grandfather used to write; he compiled pamphlets and wrote profound dohas and shayaris on the back of them. I was compelled to ask him about his work, and I ended up writing one myself. That’s how I was introduced to poetry, and I’ll forever be grateful for having observed my grandfather writing.
Could you walk us through your creative process? It doesn’t have to be overly detailed—maybe just your frame of mind or some little rituals?
My creative process is quite intense now. Earlier, it was more of a 'write when you get the spark' approach, but now I create a space to find the spark myself. I visit gardens, roam around different places, and walk through the streets. I know this sounds old-school, but it has worked wonders for me.
How do you choose the subject matter for your work? Do you draw inspiration from your daily life and emotions, or do you look to books, music, or other media? Or is it a mix of both?
I’d say it’s a mix of both. I’ve accepted that nothing I write has ever been completely original, nor will it be, in the sense that everything has been written before—I just write my perspective on it. Instead of striving for originality, I focus on genuineness and honesty, saying what I truly want to say. Books and music have played a major role in shaping me as a writer. From *Jack and Jill* to *Matilda*—both the song and the book by Roald Dahl—have inspired me a lot. Some might say I was too young to read Roald Dahl at that age; I should’ve been reading *Peter Pan*, but I’m glad I read what I did. I wasn’t reading adult books, though—well, except for some Wattpad stories as a teenager.
How do you navigate self-doubt or creative block in your creative journey?
I actually sit with it. If I ignore it, it troubles me more, especially when I’m working on deadlines—that makes things tougher. Instead, I give myself at least a day off and then return to my writing. Surprisingly, I often see my work with fresh eyes afterward.
If your work were an emotion, which one would it be and why?
That’s an amazing question. I’d say my art would be hope if it were an emotion. I’ve read a lot about hope, and I always find a way to incorporate it into my writing, no matter how dark the theme gets. I love letting that one spark of hope flicker throughout my work. To me, hope isn’t just a positive emotion—that would be too limiting for something as diverse as hope. It becomes more consistent and profound with time.
Do you believe art can change the world? If so, how?
I definitely do. There have been revolutions sparked by art. Generations have passed, and we still hold onto the belief that art has power—and it does. We have poems, music, and forms of expression I might not even know about. That diversity is what art is all about. It fosters community, and if it can bring us together, it can definitely change the world. So, if you’re a writer or an artist, please keep up the great work. I see you. I hear you.