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Dubai-based RJ launches his debut book

RJ Hansraj, famous for hosting the late-night retro show 'Yaadein', turns author with his first book titled, Page - The City of Gilt

Listeners who have been tuning in to Hindi radio channels in the UAE must surely have heard him on air. His booming baritone voice used to light up the late night retro show Yaadein that he used to present daily.
The multi-talented Hansraj Shetty, who has done more than 5,000 live shows as well as acted on the local stage and worked in the Zee TV serial, Parwaaz, has taken up yet another vocation. He has just turned a full-fledged writer and is all geared up for the launch of his book titled, Pages - From the City of Gilt on Amazon Kindle.
The book, features few stories from his own play Pages - Kuch Pannay Zindagi Kay, and some from his life experiences. We speak to Hanraj to know more about his maiden book.
Tell us a bit about your journey so far, how did it all begin?
As a young boy, I was never into sports. Boys from my locality in Mumbai would call me to play cricket, but instead of joining them, I would be glued to my VHS (video) watching movies. I was, and I still am, mad about movies of all genres and languages. I started writing poetry at the age of 16, the same time when I started working as a door-to-door salesman after school hours. I did that to support my expenses. After joining a call center as a tele agent, my colleagues and seniors thought I had the voice for radio. I then participated in an on-air talent hunt contest, where I was the runner up. After that, I was on air, hosting the evening drive time, working as a freelance voice over artiste, imaging and writing commercial scripts for the station, working 20 hours for days at stretch. A year later, an opportunity knocked at my door and I landed in the UAE on April 27, 2005 and started my journey as an RJ here.
What is Pages - From the City of Gilt all about?
Pages - From the City of Gilt is a collage of human emotions, of entities from different walks of life. When two strangers bump into each other, what is the possibility of that unplanned rendezvous turning into something intriguing, surprising, shocking, just to name a few? The thought of opening up to someone you don't know or hardly know, is not common, but sometimes a stranger might open up to you like a book, probably because there is no fear of being judged. Well, it has happened to me. Pages is a result of such memorable and intriguing rendezvous that I had with strangers and the interactions I had with them at different junctures of my life. Readers are bound to find a connecting factor in every chapter.
What is the inspiration behind the book?
I had written a Hindi play, Pages - Kuch Pannay Zindagi Kay, which was staged in December 2017 at The Junction. The show won the Best Original Script Award in the yearly edition of The Junction Theatre Festival. Then, I thought, 'how about adapting the play into a book?' That's when I started working on it, in 2019. Even if you have watched the play, this book is going to be a new experience for you as a reader, as a bit of the play has been adapted and a lot more has been added to make the reading experience worthwhile.
What does it take to be writer?
The same it takes to be anything you aspire for. First have a dream! Then follow the simple mantra, "Just go for it. Do it, damn it." There is a story in every nook and corner around you, an idea floating right above you, words flying in front of you, characters in abundance visible to you. Pick all of these in right proportions, blend them tenderly with love, cook them with honesty, and serve it up with confidence. Your intent will decide your future. Don't give up.
After having worked in different forms of media, does writing  give you the most satisfaction now?
Without an iota of hesitation, I say, Yes! The thought of reaching out to readers through my words and audiences through my screenplay and dialogues, gives me utmost relish mentally. I aspire to venture into acting again, but will hold on till I establish myself as a writer. Out of the 25 short movie scripts I had written, the first will be going on floor soon, to be aired on a popular OTT platform. 
Which is the most memorable radio slot you've hosted until now?
Yaadein. I got to show my prowess in the retro genre in this show. My listeners still ask me when I will be back on air.
If given a chance to interview a top celebrity on radio, who would you choose?
Let me admit my greed on this, as just one wouldn't be enough. Amitabh Bachchan, Al Pacino, Quentin Tarantino, Anurag Kashyap, Vidya Balan, Taapsee, Gulzaar Saab and... ok I will stop now.
Should art be viewed separately and not by the reputation or background of the artist?
Art is no human to differentiate a beggar, who's an ace narrator, from a banker who's bled words from his heart on paper. Reputation is a fake silhouette blinding the world about the artist. What's art got to do with the artist. Art in itself is too pure to be biased to its possessor.
What are your impressions on the local theatre scene, what more needs to be done to make it appealing to audiences who into digital entertainment?
Gautam, Rashmi and Arjun from The Junction are leaving no stone unturned in bringing the best of plays in all languages. Social media and digital online platforms are not playing hindrance in luring the viewers mind. It's just the mindset of entertainment being served at the click of a button in the comfort of your couch, that needs to be changed. Theatre is no less than an exciting adventure; a safari of emotions that you travel through, with different characters. That too, live, right in front of your eyes. Beautiful, isn't it? People need to venture out, away from their comfort zone to experience the art of acting in live form.
I think people need to be educated about the beauty of this art.
What's your advice for budding writers?
Be prepared, there will be ones who will appreciate your hard work, but not everyone out there is going to love your work. There will be some, who will rip you apart, some who will claim to be your appreciators and friends, but will laugh behind your back. Not everyone will be your fan. Writing is not easy and neither is the process you undergo after you write. In my cases, my partner Charu, is the driving force behind the rigorous efforts that have gone to get this book out. But trust me, it's worth every bit of effort to see your dream take flight. I would advise my upcoming counterparts, adulation or criticism, don't take either to your head or heart. Just follow your passion and the world will follow you one day.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing pandemic?
I have made a mention of it in my book, "There will be good times, there will be bad times, there will be testing times, but nothing's gonna last a lifetime." That's what I would say about the current time. No point in cribbing about the situation and becoming self proclaimed astrologers predicting the future of the world. This too shall pass.
michael@khaleejtimes.com