An Interview With The Indian William Wordsworth

 ANCHOR - Friends, about today's guest all I can say, is that - He sits. Pencil in one hand, Chin in the other. He thinks. Ideas in his mind. Pictures on the page. He writes. And the heavens unfold. Welcoming one of the greatest writers of India!!! Also known as the "INDIAN WILLIAM WORDSWORTH" Ruskin Bond!!!!!! For decades, Ruskin Bond has never failed to impress with his collection of works, especially his books for children. We bring you an exclusive interview with the famous author. Get ready to be charmed!!!

RUSKIN BOND - Thank You So Much, Everyone!

 ANCHOR - Mr. Bond, as everybody knows you are an inspiring children's book writer! Tell us about your childhood?

RUSKIN BOND - During my childhood, My mother and stepfather raised me. I wanted to be a tap dancer when I was young. And, I did most of my schooling at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla.

 ANCHOR - When did you decide you would write for children?

RUSKIN BOND - I was 40 when I wrote a short novel that my publishers in England thought was too short to be a novel for adults. But, they said it would make a great children's story if I changed it a bit to make it more appealing. It was called Angry River. So you see, my writing for children started purely for practical reasons.

 ANCHOR - I distinctly remember when my class in school was introduced to a collection of short stories written by an author named Ruskin Bond! What do children look for in a book?

RUSKIN BOND - Young readers want to identify with the main character. They like the supporting characters to be funny. One of my most popular characters is Uncle Ken, who always gets into trouble and makes a fool of himself. Children love to read about an adult who is an idiot!

 ANCHOR - The beginning of the book's completion must be quite a process. Tell us about it.

RUSKIN BOND - Yes, it is. The idea can come from anywhere - other people, their experiences, something I hear or read about. Before I put pen to paper, I have the entire story written in my head. Then, I write at a small desk near my bedroom window. I still write by hand. I am done in a day or two if it's a short story. Novels can take a few months. Sometimes, I write poems on the spur of the moment.

 ANCHOR - Mr Bond, keeping all my questions aside, there's a question that affects me the most! Do Writers have any other interests?

RUSKIN BOND - (Haha) Yes, of course! I used to trek a lot. Now, I take short walks in the hills. When I lived in Delhi in the 60s, I used to walk from Connaught Place to Rajouri Garden. The best way to get to know a city is to walk through it. But you won't see me walking around Delhi now. I would get knocked over by a vehicle.

(Audience Laughing and Cheering)

 ANCHOR - (Haha) I am satisfied now! Sir, since we have your considerable fans in the studio today, I am sure there would be many who would want to ask you something about your life. Anybody?

PERSON 1 - Hello Mr Bond! I have always been a great fan of your writing; everyone knows you live in Mussorie. How do you deal with fans?

RUSKIN BOND -  An excellent question! (Haha) Sometimes, I have to go underground. I have too many people knocking on my door every single day. But I like a bit of a warning. I don't want people catching me in a banyan (vest) or when I am mid-siesta. I can get grumpy! I go to a local bookshop once a week to meet readers, though.

PERSON 1 - Which role do you enjoy better? A father or a grandfather?

RUSKIN BOND -  That of a great grandfather! Yes, I am a great-grandfather now. The smaller the children, the more appealing they are! Haha.

 ANCHOR - Thank you for your valuable time and for those enlightening excerpts of your life, Sir. So, this was Ruskin Bond from the foothills of Uttarakhand with his life stories. And for all, you authors of tomorrow here is a bond tip you must follow: "Book readers are special people, and they will always turn to books as the ultimate pressure. Those who do not read are the unfortunate ones. There's nothing wrong with them, but they are missing out on one of life's compensations and rewards. A great book is a friend that never lets you down." Until we meet again, Take Care! Bye! Bye! Keep Reading! Keep Smiling!