Author’s Background: Author Alekhya Talapatra, a XLRI alumnus is a consultant in the technology industry and has been a professional for the last three decades. He is an avid reader and writer, apart from being an accomplished painter. He stays in Johannesburg, which is a beautiful city in South Africa.

Questionnaires:

Neel Preet: Firstly, Congratulations on your book, “The Art Of Plunder!

Neel Preet: ” What responses are you getting from this book of yours? Please share your experience about this book.

Alekhya Talapatra: The themes developed on their own momentum and got intertwined while writing this. Initial responses are encouraging.

Neel Preet: The stories in your book comes under the category of tragic historical fiction so, what made you choose such a genre for this book of yours?

Alekhya Talapatra:It is a crime thriller about art heists. Its an old theme and still relevant.

Neel Preet: You’ve given a very interesting title to your book, which is very catchy too so, what made you go for this title for your book?

Alekhya Talapatra: The art dealers have made ‘ Plunder’ to an art form and perfected it.

Neel Preet: What was your mind-set, while working on this book? What was the impetus behind this work of yours?

Alekhya Talapatra:
My solitude gives me enough time to think, rethink, write and re-write. Love doing this.

Neel Preet: Well, my next question to you is that what keeps you fuelled to carry on your writing journey?

Alekhya Talapatra: My passion.

Neel Preet: What are some of the learnings that you gained from writing this book of yours?

Alekhya Talapatra:
If this book can inculcate some serious reading habits then am successful. That’s the thought behind writing this. That itself will be a learning.

Neel Preet: Your writing seemed to be impeccable & you were bold with the stories in your book, which I really appreciate. Therefore, I want you to tell us about some of those writers, who had inspired you and whom you follow!

Alekhya Talapatra:
I read a lot of thrillers, starting from Agatha Christie to Classics, Sidney Sheldon, David Baldacci to Keigo. Also in Bengali…All of them influence me.

Neel Preet: Is there any message which you would like to convey to your readers? Or any piece of advice, which you would like to give to the readers out there!

Alekhya Talapatra:
Protect our art and artifacts . Be aware of sophisticated plunderers.

Neel Preet: Are there any other books being worked by you? Please let us know about your future projects.

Alekhya Talapatra:
Short stories of thriller genre on themes of select Bengal artists.

Neel Preet: Thank you so much for answering all my questions. All the very best to you for future and your book too!

Alekhya Talapatra: