Dec 21, 2021
TV actor-producer turned politician Smriti Irani has now turned an author with her debut novel 'Lal Salaam', a crime thriller. It follows the protagonist Vikram Pratap Singh, a young officer, as he faces challenges while working in a system which is steeped in politics and corruption.
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Smriti Irani's book was launched at a gala event in Delhi on December 18. Here's what she revealed about her debut novel and writing journey:
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She said that the story was ready in her mind and she only had to put down her thoughts on paper. "I wrote this book in eight months. Insomnia helps!," she joked.
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Smriti Irani shared that she mainly writes at night or when she is traveling. "One of my best writing instruments has been my phone," she added.
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Smriti Irani credited former RAW chief Vikram Sood as her mentor. She also shared that a few senior government officers helped her with the research for her debut novel.
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"TV teaches you to live everyday on the edge. Every episode needed to end on a high and so does every page you turn in the book. That TV journey and living on the edge as a creator did help me in writing the book," Smriti said at the event.
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Smriti revealed that her debut novel 'Lal Salaam' will be available in regional languages soon. Meanwhile, her publisher said that there might be more books in the series.
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Talking about her love for books, Smriti revealed that she didn't have many friends while growing up and that she spent her time reading books. "I didn't have friends and all I did was read... I started from reading Hardy Boys to Archie comics. I didn't like Wilbur Smith, though my father hates me for saying this, but I used to read everything under the sun... I hated all those Mill & Boon!," she said at the event.
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The politician-turned-author revealed that she is also working on a non-fiction book.
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