‘Not talking about my next book helps me concentrate’

Author Vikram Seth, who was in Mussoorie over the weekend to attend a private function, says he doesn’t like talking about his next

book

, the much anticipated sequel to his 1994 bestseller ‘A Suitable Boy.’ “All my focus right now is on my book. All the characters, all the situations, are always in my mind but I prefer not to talk about them. The more I don’t, the more it helps me concentrate,” says Seth smiling his famous lopsided smile.

Dressed in a blue pullover, a spring green scarf, and brown trousers, Seth, who was visiting his brother Shantum Seth, a Buddhist scholar, who stays in Mussoorie, says “it’s just brilliant to just sit outside and feel the peace.” “It’s a wonderful break from Delhi for sure.” Ask him if the Mussoorie air, well known to inspire many authors, has helped him to get inspired as well and he replies calmly, not disclosing much, ”Well, it is beautiful here and you have some fabulous authors here.”

Seth incidentally studied in The Doon School but never visited the Sister’s Bazar area of Landour, what many term “the real Mussoorie.” “It’s so different from what I have seen on the MaIl road side”, admits the

author

who was staying in a beautiful cottage owned by another author, Zarina Bhatty.

So will the real Mussoorie be inspiring him for his next book? “May be I will write a travelogue for children after I am done with the present book,” he says.

May be it will have the hill town in it?

“May be”, he says with a twinkle in his eyes.