For the Love of Food

I’m a compulsive writer. I should probably feel like a veteran after 19 published books. But I feel like an eager enthusiastic, excited newbie each time I have a book out. That feeling, it never gets old.

Here’s how it all began. I was bitten by the writing bug very early in life. Like everything else in life, I blame it on my genes. My late grandfather, the late Shri Vishnu Kant Shastri, was an academic, Sanskrit scholar, and a prolific writer. And my parents, avid readers! I grew up surrounded by books (and hailing from Kolkata, yummy food). Initially, all I wanted to do was eat. And of course, beat my cousins at eating competitions.

But despite my best intentions, my family’s love for the written word rubbed off on me. When my grandfather passed away, I decided to translate his work on the Ishaavaasya Upanishad. After that, there was no looking back.

One thing that didn’t change, however, was my love for food. Desserts in particular. And that’s how my latest book for children (for ages 8-100!) came about. Like every story, it has a backstory.

It was one of those days. I was looking forward to devouring the dessert buffet yet again. But, oh, the guilt. Enter the best excuse in the world. Research for my new book. And voila, Pinkoo Shergill Pastry Chef was born. Yes, all diets were harmed in the making of this book!

It’s the story of sweet, smart, spirited ten-year-old boy Pinkoo. He dreams of becoming a pastry chef, but – and it’s a big BUT – his stern Papaji wants him to become a shooting champion, much like his grandfather (and maybe even win an Olympic gold medal). Besides, Papaji thinks the kitchen is no place for a boy. Poor Pinkoo has no choice but to carry on behind Papaji’s back.

But when he finds out that the Great Junior Bake-a-thon is coming to town, he can’t keep calm! To make his dream come true, he decides to participate in the baking competition. But mum’s the word, because Papaji must never know. For this huge task, he enlists the help of his blabbermouth cousin Tutu, his best friend Manu and, ahem, his biggest enemy Nimrat, whose father owns the best coffee shop in town.

Does Pinkoo manage to fulfil his dream, win the competition and become a pastry chef? Or does Papaji catch him red, er, white handed and slam the brakes on his dream? Well, I am not going to give the ending away! You will just have to read the book to find out.

Now, if you will excuse me, I’ll go help myself to a drool worthy dessert or two!