Madhav Mathur
writer, 26

Hometown: Delhi

So far: Apart from a job as consumer banker in Singapore, the December release of my first novel, The Diary of an Unreasonable Man; writing, directing and starring in The Insomniac, which is still playing in theatres in Singapore.

On what inspired Diary...’s Anarchists: My protagonist is a ballsier version of who I am. The story is born out of a fear that started in my last year of university, of becoming one of those guys who forget what they grew up with.

On the ideal reader: I always write for myself.

On Anurag Kashyap adapting the novel: I approached him. I’d seen Black Friday and No Smoking and liked them for breaking the rules. The first time I met him I handed him 230 pages of the manuscript in 10-point font. He gave me a draft of Dev D. to read. And once he finished reading, he said he would make this.

Best piece of criticism so far: ‘Your work is necessary,’ from a complete stranger online.

Favourite writers: Jack Kerouac, Henry D. Thoreau, Franz Kafka, Albert Camus.

A book you wish had never been written: ‘Good living ’ guides.

Three songs on your personal soundtrack: Elephants by Them Crooked Vultures, Just Breathe by Pearl Jam, Be Somebody by Kings of Leon.

Next on the cards: Another book, a new film and hopefully a painting exhibition.

One thing that makes you laugh: Joking around with friends.

One thing that makes you cry: Why cry when you can plot?

Subscribe to Verve Magazine or buy the Verve issue on stands now!