CHENNAI – Write & Watch

This space was supposed to be filled with a review of her first book “YOU ME AND A SECRET”. Having read the book I can say without a shadow of doubt that she deserves all the accolades for a wonderful start as an author. But she deserves a pat on the back for something else.

I do not know her on a personal level. The only common connections between us are “NAMMA CHENNAI” and CBC until the issue happened. Her plot was plagiarized by a so called reputed author a shocking real life situation which would have pulled most of us down. But she stood for what is right. She chose to take a stand and that meant more to me than her 120 page debut.

It took me back to my school days. I was denied a seat in a reputed school for the flimsiest of reasons – I was differently abled and don’t belong with the normal kids. Right from that point till today I have been fighting against the society’s ill conceived perceptions. The initial days were a little hard. I surrendered meekly to the whims and fancies of the so called society. Over the years I have managed to fight back and take a stand and it’s given me my space in this big bad world.

Ganga’s stand against plagiarism gave me an important life lesson ” Never be afraid to stand up for what is right. It doesn’t matter how mighty your opponent is or how tough the battlefield is fight your battles the way you want to“. Thank you Ganga for re-affirming my faith in my own convictions. You are a rock star. Waiting for an impressive follow up.

Let me begin with a confession. I was coaxed into attending this launch by a fellow blogger friend otherwise this one would have been one of my many missed events. I like to keep a low profile and let my words do all the talking. What followed on that eventful day gave me a jolt.

I went in half an hour early just to get a feel of the atmosphere. Ravi Subramanian was everywhere. His books kept staring at me from every nook and corner of STARMARK. He walks in just like you and me. No starry airs or the usual tantrums that accompany a celebrity.

A question crosses my mind – Should I or should I not ? He hardly knows my work ? What if I goof up ? Too many questions and the usual nervousness sets in. Somehow I find my strength and approach him for that elusive autograph. Name please – SALESH and trust me I could barely hear my own voice. His autograph adorns my book and I walk back with a lovely little curve on my lips.

The Q & A session was insightful and provided a tiny glimpse into the kind of book that God is a Gamer is. There was humour too in light doses which made the session all the more enjoyable. Mohan V Raman made sure that the routine mundane questions were avoided.

The final few minutes were set aside aside for the audience. The mike was inviting but I decided to wait it out. Final question ” Oh come on SALESH give it a shot” Who needs a mike ? I blurt out a question which has haunted me for long ” WHY IS THERE A HESITANCY TO ADAPT INDIAN NOVELS TO THE BIG SCREEN “. A question which brought forth honest answers from both the guests.

A day well spent and hopefully the first of many such book launches. RAVI SUBRAMANIAN and MOHAN V RAMAN thank you for the wonderful evening.

PS: RAVI SUBRAMANIAN – A single evening won’t suffice to answer all my queries with regards to your book