Readers and fans of Novoneel Chakraborty were well aware that the author bears a remarkable resemblance to the protagonist of his latest work, Black Suits You, during its launch at Starmark, South City Mall, on December 3.
Novoneel’s eighth book revolves around the writer of a bestselling erotic thriller trilogy and a reader who becomes obsessed with him.
Clad in black from head to toe, the 30-year-old Bengali boy from Mumbai caused quite a flutter among his young audience with the statement, “Everybody’s love story sucks, I guess. I wanted to write something relatable.”
His relatability only puts him in greater favour with his fans, especially his confession that he cries while writing. “I was heartbroken and depressed while writing the last scenes of the Stranger Trilogy (which concluded earlier this year). I have the passionate energy of Shah Rukh Khan in Darr, and I want this energy to hit my reader,” said the alumnus of the International School of Business & Media in Salt Lake.
When questioned by a fan why all his characters seem to have a penchant for revenge, the best-selling author displayed a sense of humour, much to the delight of the crowd.
“I’m a Scorpio, so I’m a revengeful person and this is reflected in my characters. It’s good to forgive but if my characters did any such thing, I wouldn’t have a plot or a proper ending!”
Novoneel will be adding another feather to his cap soon, branching out into the film industry. He shared with his fans plans of venturing into short films next year.
But he’s not done with books, of course. As a teaser for his next novel, he hinted at the possibility of a romance between an 18-year-old and an older man. “How bold,” said someone from the audience.
The young author who was born in Silchar and raised in Calcutta and Lucknow, heaped praise on Calcutta.
“I love the streets and by-lanes of this city, every house and corner has a story to tell. I’ve featured Calcutta in Black Suits You. People are always curious here, so I think it is a wonderful setting for modern thrillers like mine.” He also mentioned that the Bengali translation of The Stranger Trilogy will be published in 2017.
Text: Bulbul Rajagopal
Pictures: B. Halder
