Conversation with Sourabh Mukherjee

Sourabh Mukherjee has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Indian crime fiction, earning accolades from both critics and readers alike. Recognized as one of the front-runners in the genre by Mid-Day and labeled as one of the most popular writers of Indian crime fiction by The Asian Age, Mukherjee has made a significant mark in the literary landscape.

His reputation extends beyond the literary world, as India Today honored him as one of the ten celebrated role models of 2022, and Outlook recognized him as one of the top ten personalities to look up to for inspiration. These acknowledgments underscore Mukherjee's impact not only as a writer but also as a figure of influence and inspiration.

Mukherjee's books have consistently found their place in bestseller lists, both in traditional bookstores and online platforms. Their popularity has sparked interest in potential screen adaptations, further cementing his position as a storyteller with narratives that resonate with a wide audience.

The author has been the recipient of various prestigious awards, showcasing the critical acclaim his work has garnered. Among these honors are the Golden Pen Award in the Sulekha Monsoon Romance Contest (2014), a long-listing in the WordToScreen - Mumbai International Film Festival (2018), the Juggernaut Selects Award (2019), and the Literoma Hall of Fame recognition in The Literoma International Symposium on Literature and Festival (2020). Mukherjee's achievements culminated in the Man of Excellence Award from the Indian Achievers' Forum in 2021.

Despite his success in the literary world, Mukherjee maintains a dual identity as an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, and holds a senior leadership position in a multinational technology company. Beyond his contributions to literature, he is known for his publications on emerging trends in business and technology. Mukherjee is a regular speaker at national and global conferences and technology summits, emphasizing his expertise and thought leadership in the industry.

Additionally, Mukherjee actively participates in the academic realm, serving in the Academic Councils of esteemed Engineering and Technology institutions in India. This multifaceted approach to his professional life reflects a commitment to both literature and technology, showcasing Mukherjee's versatility and intellectual depth.

At the heart of his literary endeavors is Mukherjee's latest work, "The Web of Lies: A Detective Agni Mitra Novel." Positioned as a riveting murder mystery inspired by true events, the book promises to captivate readers with its intriguing narrative and further solidify Sourabh Mukherjee's standing in the realm of Indian crime fiction. With a trajectory marked by acclaim and recognition, Mukherjee continues to be a compelling force in both the literary and technological spheres.

1. Your journey as a writer has been marked by significant recognition, with titles like "one of the front-runners in Indian crime fiction" and "one of the most popular writers of Indian crime fiction." How did you navigate this path, and what inspired you to delve into the crime fiction genre?

Sourabh Mukherjee : As a reader, I am a big fan of crime fiction myself. Therefore, my decision to write in this genre was natural. Over the years, I have told from the heart stories about our relationships, follies and foibles, presented with elements of thrill and suspense. I feel blessed that readers have identified with my stories and embraced them.

2. Your book, "The Web of Lies: A Detective Agni Mitra Novel," is described as a riveting murder mystery inspired by true events. Can you share more about the real-life events that served as inspiration for this novel and how you transformed them into a compelling narrative?

Sourabh Mukherjee : 'The Web of Lies' is inspired by a true event. Anni Ninna Dewani (née Hindocha; 12 March 1982 – 13 November 2010) was a Swedish woman of Indian origin who, while on her honeymoon in South Africa, was murdered in Gugulethu township near Cape Town, after the taxi in which she was travelling was carjacked.

3. Being recognized as one of the "ten celebrated role models of 2022" by India Today is a remarkable achievement. How has this acknowledgment impacted your writing career, and do you feel a sense of responsibility as a role model in the literary world?

Sourabh Mukherjee : A recognition of this magnitude definitely makes me feel more responsible towards my readers and inspires me to work harder on my craft and to keep evolving as a storyteller, breaking new ground with new themes and new narrative styles.

4. Your books have consistently been featured in bestseller lists. What do you believe is the key to creating stories that resonate with a wide audience, and how do you approach the writing process to achieve this level of success?

Sourabh Mukherjee : It is important to touch upon themes that are relevant, to create characters and situations that readers can relate to, to be cognizant about the limited attention span of today's readers and that they are exposed to top-class global contents, and to make sure that one's writing stands out among the large number and variety of choices before people when it comes to consuming stories - not just through books, but also through various audio-visual platforms.

5. Considering that your books are in consideration for screen adaptations, could you share your thoughts on the potential transition from page to screen? Are there any specific challenges or opportunities you anticipate in this process?

Sourabh Mukherjee : Books and audio-visual media are very different. Therefore, the same story needs to be presented differently in different media - in a manner that is appropriate for a certain medium. To that extent, adapting a book for the screen requires imagination, creativity and a knowledge of the target medium.

6. You have received various awards, including the Golden Pen Award and the Juggernaut Selects Award. How do these accolades influence your approach to writing, and do you feel added pressure with each new project to meet or surpass the expectations set by previous works?

Sourabh Mukherjee : Not really. When I write, it is all about telling the story that I want to, at that point in time. During the creative process, I do not allow myself to be pressurized either by my past successes or worrying about the acceptance of my ongoing work.

7. In addition to your achievements in the literary world, you hold a senior leadership position in a technology multinational and have authored publications on emerging trends in business and technology. How do these two aspects of your life, writing, and technology leadership, complement each other, and do they ever influence the themes of your novels?

Sourabh Mukherjee : While these are two completely different personas, my work in an executive leadership position in a global consulting firm allows me to meet a lot of people with their unique quirks, traits and motivations, and to travel across the world when I get to soak in a variety of cultures - all of which influence my thoughts and imagination, and ultimately the stories I tell.

8. Your background as an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer is unique in the literary world. How does your technical expertise inform your writing, particularly in the crime fiction genre?

Sourabh Mukherjee : My background and occupation definitely make my thinking more structured and analytical, which is essential when you are writing crime fiction, especially a police procedural. In today's world, where technology plays an important role not just in our everyday life, but also in investigation methods and the ways in which crimes are committed, a scientific bend of mind and keen interest in technology definitely help.

9. As a frequent guest at book fairs and literary events across the country, how do you engage with your readers and fellow authors? Can you share any memorable experiences or interactions that have left a lasting impact on you as a writer?

Sourabh Mukherjee : Both in my virtual and in-person interactions with readers and fellow authors, I constantly listen to feedback, keep myself abreast of trends and best practices, and make myself easily accessible to those who love my books. Being recognized in public for the first time is always a memorable moment, and it happened to me in an airport when I was on a business trip. Also, recently a reader, currently studying in a college in Southern India, sought my approval for a dissertation on my work.