Akhila Saroha: I would like to begin by congratulating you on the publication of “Anuradha”. How has the response to the book been so far?
M. Murtaza: Thanks for the congratulations. It was a great publishing experience with Bluerose Publishers, New Delhi. Feedbacks, reviews, and responses from readers, although few, are quite persuading.
Akhila Saroha: The book features situations close to life in a delicate manner. What led to the idea of writing “Anuradha”?
M. Murtaza: My first Hindi novel titled Ankur was published back in 1985. Ankur was a serious novel based on contemporary socio-economic problems giving an urgent message of humanity-based life. That inspired me to write a thriller, a little romantic and passionate novel. Those were my days knowing no limits. I was only 36 years of age full of wonderful ideas and imaginations. That became the backdrop of the Hindi thriller Azadi Ka Darpan in 1986. But that book did not see the lights of the day. Later I tended towards spiritual authorship in Urdu and Hindi languages. Now in 2019 after a long 34 years, I planned to fully edit and renew Azadi Ka Darpan and re-titled it Anuradha.
Akhila Saroha: How easy or difficult was it for you to create a plot as a work of fiction and keep it close to life?
M. Murtaza: It is really difficult to work to create and develop a fictional plot. But that is the test of an author as to how he keeps things close to realities. I am happy that you liked reading.
Akhila Saroha: What are your views about present-day writing? Do you think it does complete justice to the different classes and social groups of society?
M. Murtaza: I am satisfied with present-day writings because lots of quality things are coming from different perspectives. One painful concern is the lack of literary beauty, standards, and depth in literary writings.
Akhila Saroha: Are there any authors that you enjoy reading or any books which are your favorites?
M. Murtaza: Yes. Shekhar Ek Jivani by Agyeya, Godaan and short stories of Munshi Premchand, Gandhi’s Experiments with Truth, Maktubaate Sadi/Do Sadi, Dr. Iqbal’s and Dr. Ambedkar’s works are my favorites.
Akhila Saroha: If you have read any present-day writing, what would you like to say about it?
M. Murtaza: Due to issues in eyesight and advice by Doctors, unfortunately, completed none.
Akhila Saroha: Your writing has given a powerful introduction to your potential as a writer. Can the readers expect more from you in the future? Please share about your future projects.
M. Murtaza: Yes, my latest book Bikhre Sapne has got published by Evincepub Publishing very recently. It is a story of poor boy Raajan, his extreme pains, unfulfilled dreams, dilemmas, and paradigm shift. At the climax, the trembling and unconsciousness of Raajan is quite important. The book is worthy to read.
Akhila Saroha: What is the story behind the title of your work, “Anuradha”?
M. Murtaza: As I told you above, the book was initially titled Azadi Ka Darpan in 1986. But in 2019 at the age of 72 years seeing many ups and downs in life; while deciding the title, we considered the flashpoint of the novel. If you examine the story deeply, you may find out that the story takes root in flashbacks from the unfortunate incident with Anuradha, the beloved fiancé of Dheeraj. That is the real flashpoint. The incident transforms shy Dheeraj into shameless Seth Dharmdas setting forth the links with Secret Boss, atrocities on Bharat, Vijay, Sandhya, and transformation of gentle Sandhya into terrific Raani. To make the sincere and pious love of Anuradha and Dheeraj an unforgettable one, as lamented by grieving Dheeraj at the bank of the river, if you remember; the book has been titled Anuradha.
Akhila Saroha: What advice would you like to give to the growing writers based on your experience in writing?
M. Murtaza: I would like to tell the growing writers to keep the spark alive. They should keep the instinct working. Never let the dream die, whatever the circumstances of life are. The morale should be kept high and we should always have a humanitarian approach to life surpassing all boundaries. Humanity is the core value.
Akhila Saroha: Are there any personalities whose writings have inspired you? Can you name them?
M. Murtaza: It is Agyeya. Sachchidanand Hiranand Vatsyayan Agyeya. I saw him in Deo, Aurangabad, Bihar. I heard him speaking. He was quite appealing as a person, as a writer, and as a philosopher. He was a saintly and amazing person.
Akhila Saroha: If you were to describe your book in a few words without giving any spoilers, what would those words be?
M. Murtaza: A message that evil, howsoever charming and powerful it may be or may look, has to fall.
Akhila Saroha: How easy or difficult was it for you to portray two different women characters with different personalities?
M. Murtaza: Hahaha. Yes, it was a tough affair. But both the portrayals I enjoyed.
Akhila Saroha: Thank you very much for sparing your time. I look forward to reading more books by you in the future. All the best.
M. Murtaza: Sure. Thanks a lot.
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