Maktub

In today’s digital age, we often find ourselves trapped in the endless cycle of smartphones and social media. That’s why I believe open mics and workshops are great opportunities to connect with like-minded people. After all, we’re all living stories, waiting to be shared. With this thought in mind, I launched “The Creative Zindagi Podcast” in mid-2023. My goal was to build a platform and community for people who’ve managed to nurture their artistic spirit, even while juggling busy personal and professional lives.

Recently, I attended a few open mics in the city and met some truly fascinating people from all walks of life—ranging from school kids and college grads to working professionals and retired enthusiasts. During one of these events, I met Ronin, also known as Shubhang—a man in his early thirties with a sparkle in his eyes, eager to share his stories. He’s already published a short novel and is currently navigating two contrasting worlds: Toronto, Canada, and Patna, the capital of Bihar, India.

The writer and podcaster in me couldn’t resist diving into his story. Here’s a glimpse of our conversation. In other words – The Story of a Storyteller!

Gaurav: Let’s take a trip down memory lane—can you tell us about your childhood and what sparked your journey into the world of literature?

Ronin: I’ve been reading since I was a kid, devouring magazines like Nandan, Champak, and Nanhe Samrat. Comic books like Chacha Chowdhary, Pinki, and Billu were my favorites. The annual book fair in Patna was a game-changer. That’s where I first discovered Premchand and fell in love with Hindi literature.

Gaurav: Absolutely! Those comic characters are pure nostalgia. Your novel Yaadon Ki Aawaz, Aur Tum is written in Hindi, but you also write in English, right?

Ronin: I transitioned to English literature with Adventure Island by RL Stevenson, but it was the Harry Potter series that truly captivated me. I’ve been influenced by authors like Dan Brown, Hilary Mantel, C.S. Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, and Arvind Adiga.

Gaurav: That’s quite an interesting lineup of authors! You’re currently working in digital media—does that tie into your educational background?

Ronin: Yes, I did my BFA in Fine Arts in Pune, where I met some incredible artists and creators. After that, I pursued a post-graduation diploma in multimedia journalism in Bangalore. I’ve worked as a journalist and public relations officer in Bangalore and Mumbai.

Gaurav: Great, so not another typical engineer-turned-artist story! You’ve lived in Canada—what other places have left a significant impact on your personality and life so far?

Ronin: Patna and Delhi have been a huge influence on my writing. I’ve dedicated my first novel to these cities. Delhi has always fascinated me, and I’m so glad I finally moved there. Exploring its rich cultural history deepened my love for poetry and Urdu literature. While in Toronto, Canada, I delved deeper into English literature and poetry. Classic writers like Shakespeare, HG Wells, Robert Frost, and Charles Dickens became my new favorites.

Gaurav: You’ve recently moved back to Patna. Transitioning from a fast-paced city like Toronto to the more laid-back vibe of Patna must be quite the change. How has the experience been for you so far?

Ronin: Since returning to Patna, I’ve been attending open mic events and meeting amazing writers and poets. I’m currently working on my longest novel yet, and I’m so excited about it. My passion for writing and reading new worlds and new people keeps me going.

Gaurav: Glad to hear that! Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. Any final thoughts or words of wisdom you’d like to share?

Ronin: Literature has played a significant role in my life. It’s shaped my perspective and helped me understand the world. I’m grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I’ve had. I hope to continue writing and learning for as long as I can.

• You can connect with Ronin on Instagram Id https://www.instagram.com/ronin.xe/
• His Blogs, Poems and Stories – https://shubhangpoems.blogspot.com/
• His Book – Yaadon Ki Aawaaz, Aur Tum https://amzn.in/d/5j8xnXk