YouTube Interview Notes : VED PRAKASH KAMBOJ

Detective Novelist

creens shot

video link: https://youtu.be/CWYChWuT0Dc?si=g-oBax4E7sqakAqQ

Main Points and Learnings from the Interview

1. Purpose of Writing Novels

• Some readers seek entertainment rather than education through novels. This preference influenced the creative direction of authors like Ved Prakash Kamboj.

1. Early Beginnings

• Ved Prakash Kamboj started writing novels at a young age (17–18 years old), inspired by his love for reading and a challenge to try writing after a conversation with a stranger.

1. First Novel Success

• His first novel was published by a magazine named Jasoos and received an encouraging response, which motivated him to continue writing.

1. Influences and Development of Characters

• Early writings were influenced by notable authors like Ibne Safi and his characters (e.g., Arun, Imran). Over time, Kamboj developed his own unique characters like Vijay and Raghunath.

1. Advice from Seniors

• Senior authors encouraged Kamboj to step out of the shadow of his inspirations and develop his distinctive style, which led to creating memorable characters like “Singhi.”

1. Writing Style and Process

• Kamboj described himself as a curious observer rather than a born writer. He wrote based on public demand and readership trends, often delivering multiple novels in a month.

1. Publishing Practices

• Publishers at the time were primarily business-oriented, focusing on sales rather than literary quality. Many didn’t even read the scripts before publishing.

1. Piracy and Recognition

• Fake copies of Kamboj’s novels were widely distributed, which reflected the popularity of his work. To differentiate authentic books, publishers began printing his photograph on the back covers.

1. Timeless Narrative Themes

• Kamboj noted that the core narrative structure of stories — hero, heroine, and villain — remains consistent across eras, whether in novels or films.

1. Creative Challenges

• Writing on demand was a challenge, but Kamboj relied on his “reservoir of ideas.” He emphasized that crafting compelling stories often required balancing creativity with public expectations.

Key Learnings

• The popularity of pulp fiction lies in its ability to entertain and resonate with everyday readers.
• Successful writers often evolve by finding their unique voice while respecting market demands.
• Piracy, though a challenge, can also indicate an author’s cultural impact and popularity.
• The core elements of storytelling — conflict, characters, and resolution — are timeless and adaptable.

This part of interview highlights the life and career of Ved Prakash Kamboj, emphasizing the blend of creativity, practicality, and resilience required to thrive in the pulp fiction industry.

— — — — — — — — — — -

This part of conversation provides insights into the creative process of a writer, their experiences, and the development of their characters. Below are the main points and key learnings:

1. Imagination and Creativity:

• The writer was inspired by a news story about a brain transplant potentially altering identity. This idea was woven into the characters and narratives of their novels.
• Characters like Alpha and Vijay were developed by combining different stories and scenarios, sometimes changing a male character to female or modifying their role entirely.

2. Skill in Engaging Readers:

• Mystery and murder stories were crafted like reverse narratives, where the story begins with a murder, but by the end, the reader sympathizes with the murderer.
• Plots were interconnected creatively, with the stories and characters being carried forward across works.

3. Improving Writing Through Practice and Guidance:

• The writer learned from established authors like Surender Mohan Pathak, who advised reading English novels to enhance storytelling techniques.
• By translating English works and using a dictionary, the writer honed their language and style.

4. Incorporating Historical and Cultural Contexts:

• Historical elements, such as an antique shop in Red Fort or ancient religious conflicts, were skillfully integrated into the narratives.
• Local anecdotes, like tales of street vendors and old Delhi’s unique culture, added realism and depth to the stories.

5. Character Development and Adaptation:

• The character Vijay was inspired by Imran but infused with unique traits like humor and witty banter to make him distinct.
• Names and attributes of characters were often drawn from real-life encounters and references.

6. Publishing Landscape:

• During earlier times, places like Khari Baoli and Allahabad were significant hubs for literary publishing.
• While established authors were in demand, emerging writers had to seek opportunities with publishers.
• Meerut became a literary center due to individuals like Om Prakash Sharma.

7. Philosophy and Perspective:

• The writer believed that no one is entirely “original.” In literature and art, acknowledging the contributions of predecessors and peers is essential.
• Their success was attributed to collaboration, learning from others, and blessings from mentors.

8. Social Relevance and Versatility:

• The writer’s works spanned genres, from social novels to thrillers, demonstrating versatility.
• Stories and characters were adapted to fit the context of time and place.

This part of conversation offers a deep glimpse into how a writer blends imagination, experience, and societal elements to create compelling literature. It highlights the evolution of their craft, the inspiration behind their stories, and their views on originality and collaboration.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Learnings and Key Points:

1. Popularity of “Jhagjhag” in Literature:

• In earlier times, novels were often purchased and read more for their flashy titles (“jhagjhag”) than for the stories themselves.
• These titles followed a predictable rhyme pattern and sometimes included borrowed poetry, which was not always original.
• While once considered trendy, these styles are now outdated and sometimes ridiculed.

2. Evolution of Reader Preferences:

• Readers developed deep emotional connections with characters, often identifying with them and expressing strong opinions about their actions.
• Feedback included both praise and criticism, showing how readers engaged with the characters on a personal level.

3. Character Continuity Across Authors:

• Borrowing or continuing characters from one writer to another was common, especially in pulp fiction.
• Readers often expected consistency in these characters’ personalities and story arcs, though some writers adapted them to suit their own narratives.

4. Climactic Twists and Reader Reactions:

• Writers experimented with unexpected endings, such as killing off a beloved character. This sometimes led to reader backlash but also kept the audience engaged.
• For instance, the death of a character named “Ashraf” led to intense reactions from readers, mirroring earlier controversies faced by prominent writers like Munshi Premchand.

5. Fantastical Settings and Innovation:

• Fantasy elements, such as setting a story on Venus, were introduced to captivate readers. This experimentation often blended imagination with limited scientific knowledge of the time.
• Such novels were highly successful and created significant demand, with some requiring immediate reprints.

6. Balancing Writing with a Day Job:

• The writer managed their craft alongside running a shop at the Red Fort, often writing in breaks or during downtime.
• Early exposure to literature and covertly reading novels while managing family expectations shaped their passion for storytelling.

7. Exploring Various Genres:

• The writer ventured into social novels, exploring themes like relationships and societal issues, but ultimately returned to crime thrillers due to reader demand and better commercial success.

8. Publishing Dynamics:

• Publishers often dictated titles and designed book covers based on market appeal rather than story relevance.
• Authors sometimes wrote under pseudonyms, and several worked collaboratively or ghost wrote for others.
• The popularity of an author’s name became a significant factor in book sales, making branding as important as the writing itself.

9. The Role of Trade Names and Collaboration:

• Trade names and pseudonyms were used widely in pulp fiction to capitalize on market trends.
• Publishers and authors had a complex relationship, with financial negotiations influencing how works were promoted and distributed.

10. Literary Influence and Legacy:

• Authors like Ved Prakash Sharma and Om Prakash Sharma were instrumental in shaping the pulp fiction landscape in India.
• The literary hubs of Meerut and Delhi became centers for publishing and writing, fostering a community of prolific authors.

11. Cultural and Historical Context:

• The stories often reflected the cultural and social environment of the time, incorporating elements like tourist attractions (e.g., the Red Fort) and popular themes of romance and intrigue.
• These novels captured the imagination of a broad audience, providing both entertainment and a mirror to society.

12. Innovation in Narrative Structure:

• Experiments with chapter openings using couplets or poetic verses added a unique flavor to the novels.
• The use of memorable and catchy titles ensured marketability, even if they weren’t directly related to the plot.

This discussion highlights the blend of creativity, market-driven decisions, and cultural relevance that shaped the writer’s work and the broader pulp fiction genre in India. It also underscores the dynamic relationship between authors, publishers, and readers during the golden era of paperback literature.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

Key Points:

1. Trade Names and Publishing Politics:

• The concept of “trade names” was widely used by publishers to establish brands, sometimes overshadowing the original writers. Talented authors were often under financial constraints, leading them to compromise on their creative rights.

1. Collaboration and Loyalty:

• The speaker emphasized the strong partnership between writers and publishers. Trust was a cornerstone; if one writer made a commitment, the other would honor it as well. This gave them leverage in negotiations.

1. Challenges in Publishing:

• Publishers occasionally tried to pit authors against each other for monetary gain. Writers like Om Prakash Sharma resisted such tactics creatively by making private offers public to maintain fair treatment.

1. The Evolution of Popular Literature:

• Over time, popular literature evolved, and the expectations of readers changed. Some genres that were once highly successful have now become less relevant due to shifts in entertainment mediums and audience interests.

1. Personal Struggles and Adaptability:

• The speaker shared how they navigated difficult phases in their career by experimenting with new themes and styles. Challenges often opened up unexpected opportunities.

1. The Role of Fantasy and Fact:

• The author explored a blend of fantasy and realism in their stories, weaving historical elements into thrilling narratives. This included research into less understood aspects of history, such as the practices of Indian thugs.

1. The Future of Hindi Pulp Fiction:

• While the speaker acknowledged the declining popularity of pulp fiction due to changing audience habits and modern distractions, they remained optimistic about the timelessness of storytelling.

1. Life Philosophy:

• The speaker reflected on the journey of life, emphasizing that joy lies in the journey itself, not just in reaching destinations. Milestones may shift, but the process of moving forward defines one’s life.

Learnings:

1. Adaptation is Key:

• Writers must evolve with the times to remain relevant and continue to engage their audience.

1. Integrity in Collaboration:

• Loyalty and ethical practices in creative partnerships can lead to long-term success and mutual respect.

1. Value of Challenges:

• Difficulties often pave the way for new directions and growth.

1. Respect for Legacy:

• Writers like the speaker showed deep respect for their predecessors and used their inspirations to shape their own work.

1. Storytelling Endures:

• While formats and media may change, the human connection to stories remains constant.

1. Live the Journey:

• A fulfilling life isn’t about reaching a specific milestone but enjoying the process of striving and evolving.

This interview beautifully captures the spirit of a writer who has seen and embraced the shifts in literature and life with grace and wisdom.