He doesn’t believe in creativity. For playwright and director Manav Kaul, every work of art is a reaction to something. The actor who has penned critically acclaimed plays like Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane, Peele Scooterwala Aadmi and Bali aur Shambhu writes solely for himself. “I like to surprise myself more than anyone else. My work is like an absurd painting. At first glance it doesn’t say anything. You have to look at it closely to understand its essence. I hate linear short stories that have a specific beginning, middle and end.” His love for the absurd prompted Manav to pen Aisa Kehte Hain, a collage of short stories sprinkled with live music, songs and vibrant lyrics, which was staged at the recent Prithvi Festival. He is now scripting Jalebi Se Karele Tak, a humourous play that charts the failures of an obese writer. The actor will be seen on the big screen in Onir’s next venture with Sanjay Suri and Raima Sen.