‘Writing & telling stories has been our forte’

Writer Vivek Khatri, great grandson of Babu Devki Nandan Khatri, author of celebrated novel ‘Chandrakanta’ and other great epics, said writing of sorts is in his blood. “I belong to a family where writing and telling stories has been our forte. I remember how my father used to make me write letters to be posted to various people in and around the country. That was my first experience of writing and soon I grasped the craft of playing with words,” he said

Telling more about his work, the writer from Varanasi, adds, “My great grandfather not only wrote ‘Chandrakanta’, but added more to it with ‘Chandrakanta Santati’ along with five other novels followed by ‘Bhoothnath’ and ‘Rohtasmath’ novels that were written in continuation of ‘Chandrakanta Santati’ by my grandfather Babu Durga Prasad Khatri, a freedom fighter. Then I took over and added six parts to the series. So, today the epic novel is 61-part series including my six novels.” His first novel was ‘Heeron ki Ghati’ (2008).

Vivek was quick to add that he and his family were not happy with the TV adaptation of the novel.

“I remember my father’s friend and an eminent writer Kamleshwar took permission to make a show based on the novel and later sold it to Nirja Guleri. Also, few parts of the novel had no copyright as it had crossed more than 60 years. Though the show was a mega hit but it was not the real story from the book though my great grandfather was given the credit in the show. We now plan to make a show based on the real story very soon and this has brought me to Mumbai.”

Currently, Vivek is coming up with his own streaming platform besides writing more scripts and novels. “I have written a TV show ‘Rannbhheri’. Also, I’m busy with my novel ‘Sher Singh’ (six-part series) which is in continuation of ‘Chandrakanta’ and will be published around Diwali this year. Then, I plan to write more webshows for my platform like ‘Pari’, ‘The Next Ball’ and I’m also scripting a film based on my novel ‘Vansh’,” he added.

CFinancially, you are likely to discover many more avenues of earning. A prestigious project may help showcase your talents. Setting up a new house is on the cards and will give sense of satisfaction.

LOVE FOCUS: A misunderstanding on the romantic front can leave you tensed.

LUCKY NUMBER: 17 LUCKY COLOUR: Bottle Green

Vivek Khatri