Meeting Gangaraju Gunnam

 Vinod and I would sit with Gangaraju Gunnam's writing team (I remember Vasu being part of it and don't know if there were any others) when they were writing for Amrutham, the famous comedy serial on TV in the 90s. We may have contributed an idea or two in those days when we were both writing funny pieces for newspapers but were too insecure, naive and vague about how to translate our talent (we were good with ideas) into something productive for both parties. We however did what we could and it remains a nice part of our writing journey.

From 2010 at the 'If You Love Someone..' launch

Gangaraju is without doubt someone who is one of the most creative persons I have met. He is always tinkering with an idea and finding ways how to make it different. He has a great sense of humour, has a huge conviction in what he does and stands up for what he believes upapologetically (and can laugh about it too later). I am always amazed at how he comes up with the most out-of-the box response every time (Congratulations on your second baby,' he said when Anjali was born referring to The Men Within as the first). And so many more like that. He always leaves you with a smile and always makes you feel warm and respected.  

Me, Swathi, Sumanth, Gangaraju and Mohan at the book launch

So when Gangaraju wrote his first novel and sent it to me and I reviewed it, we chatted about how it was time to meet. Gangaraju said we should all meet and wanted Vinod to join as well. Yesterday Vinod and me went to his office at LightBox Media and enjoyed a lovely afternoon with him. Firstly the number of brilliant books that he has around him were enough for us to talk about books on the shelf, then about his book, his homage to Ayn Rand, the book writing and publishing process (he was so meticulous). I shared some of my learning in the book publishing and marketing process with him - reviews, events, traction for the books. 

We wound up after a tea with promises that we should all catch up and work together again on a comedy. I really hope we end up doing that. I feel we can d o more justice to that now.

Thanks Gangaraju for the lunch and the lovely conversation and hope tosee you again. Wishing you the best for the book - 'Vihangam'. Unfortunately, we realised we had not taken any pictures.