Author's Interview With Rohan Panwala

First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction. 

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? 

My name in Rohan Panwala and I am a full time criminal lawyer but I have a passion for writing, be it shayari or screenplays or novels. 

2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book?

The book is the brain-child of my father and the co-author of this book Mr. Kirit Panwala. He had this plot that we he was percolating and also wrote a draft. We collaborated when both of us got time during Covid and I wrote the whole thing again. 

3. What is the book all about? 

It is a legal murder mystery. A whodunnit with legal drama woven into it. A judge believe thatbthe prevalent requirement of proving guilt of an accused beyond reasonable doubt is redundant and formulates a theory where suspicion is sufficient to prove guilt. It, however, has repurcussions when suspicion creeps into his personal life. 

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book? 

My father and I being criminal lawyers and ardent fans of this genre, writing about crime, investigation and weaving a mystery around it comes naturally to us. So it was the ocvipus choice. 

5. How much time did it take to complete this book?

This book was written in stages. My father had written a loose draft and I was working on it only as a proof reader. But busy as we were, the progress was slow. But we both found time during Covid and did a lot of work then. Later, I took a week long leave and went to Lonaval and changed a considerable portion of the book and finished it for my dad’s approval. Discussing a lot of things back and forth, we finally finished it in early 2023. 

6. What makes your Book Special? 

For us, because it is our creation! For the world, I feel that most people know criminal investigation and court proceedings through movies which shows it utterly wrong. Our book has a very nice blend of mystery, thrill and is close to authenticity. We have not taken liberty with procedure but have simply sensationalised it. 

7. When is your second book coming?

That is a tough question. I am writing a movie right now and my father is working on something which is not up my alley. So let’s see!

8. While writing did you get any writer's block? What is the Tip that you will give others who are facing writer's block?

Not as much as a writer’s block than paucity of time. We both are extremely busy lawyers and I do a lot of other things, writing urdu poetry being one. So switching languages and thought in a snap was a bit difficult at times. But once we got into momentum, it was smooth. For writers, I would say that each one of us has a different approach, but what works for most is to keep writing even if you think it is bad. Most people keep percolating and think about putting it on paper only when it makes sense in the head. That rarely works. Write and keep writing and bang it into shape later. 

9. What are your other hobbies besides being a talented author?

I am an urdu poet and I am a screenplay writer and I make short films and I am a movie buff. I love almost every aspect involving creation of art. 

10. Last but not the least, How did you feel, while giving this interview? 

It is always nice to be asked things. Feels important😀

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