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A quest for answers
Manoj Jain, who is often coined as an author of “Taboo” has recently released his third book ‘Balraj’. Manoj earlier authored ‘The BNO’ and ‘The THC’ and explored the dark side of relationships. In ‘Balraj’ the author has forayed into something deeper, psychological and spiritual.
The book ‘Balraj’ by Manoj Jain, explores an extraordinary journey of a common man
Manoj Jain, who is often coined as an author of “Taboo” has recently released his third book ‘Balraj’. Manoj earlier authored ‘The BNO’ and ‘The THC’ and explored the dark side of relationships. In ‘Balraj’ the author has forayed into something deeper, psychological and spiritual.
Excerpts
Tell us about your book ‘Balraj’?
‘Balraj’ is a story of every man and woman. There comes a time in one’s life that a person wants to chuck everything and start life anew. You start young with dreams and aspirations, knowing what will make you happy – but over time, one gets caught up in the daily struggles and agendas of life and one loses oneself. ‘Balraj’ is a story of a middle-aged man who decides to leave everything he knows and start life under a new identity with the sole purpose of finding his happiness.
What inspired you to write this book?
As a student of psychology, I see more and more people facing ennui and boredom in life. The idea came to me and would not leave my mind till I wrote the story. Once I started, the story seemed to roll on its own without impediments, somewhat like Balraj’s journey.
How much time did you take to pen this book?
I wrote this book in 40 days. Like all my books, this one is short too. The book was written as fast as I could see the book like a running movie in front of me, so a reader will find the book quite visual.
What is the theme of the book?
The theme is essentially about finding happiness. The first two chapters of the book are about the issues and angst that a person feels, the pile up of everyday problems that pull down a person, whether it is job dissatisfaction, a failing marriage or midlife crisis.
How do you juggle between your passion and daily chores?
I have always said that when you have passion, it is easy to pursue it. I enjoy both occupations: my garment export business which takes most of my working hours and my writing which is usually done during travel and on weekends and after work. My source of happiness is doing both things that keep my mind and spirit buoyant and excited.
Any projects in the pipeline?
I have ideas for another three books but ‘Balraj’ has taken a lot of my energies. After ‘Balraj’, I do not feel like writing the earlier genre… I think there will be more books and I hope each will be better than the earlier one. The books will always be based on human relationships and human thought process, about characters that people can identify with, stories that are positive and reassuring.
