Vishal Bhardwaj isn’t just an ardent admirer of Ruskin Bond, he now also happens to be the author’s neighbour in Mussoorie. During a recent conversation, Bond told us that his new neighbour drops in to meet him whenever he manages to visit the hill station between films. “He bought the house last year, I think. Whenever he is in town between his shoots, he drops in occasionally to discuss stories and books.
He hasn’t been around for a while; I think he is busy with his adaptation of Hamlet, a subject I have no expertise in.”
In the past, Vishal has made two films based on Bond’s works —
The Blue Umbrellaand 7 Khoon Maaf. And the association continues. The author told us that Vishal has acquired a couple of more stories from him, including
Mr Oliver’s Diary, which revolves around a school teacher. The director intends to take it up next.