Disha Chhabra's novel "My Beloved’s MBA Plans" is a perfect concoction of love and ambitions. The book is a well thought idea and definitely put in an extremely gripping way.
My Beloved's MBA Plans is about couples who sacrificed, adjusted, longed for their partners so that they can fulfill their dreams of doing MBA from a prestigious institute. As the author herself is a student of IIM Calcutta, she has interviewed real life couples, people at the institute and shared their inspiring stories. A tete-e-tete with an amazing debut author Disha, who will take you on a roller-coaster ride to relationships and ambitions through her book My Beloved's MBA Plans: Crossroads of Love and Ambitions.
Ques- How do you compare your book under debut Authors Race?
Disha Chhabra- Agreed that there are too many books coming out these days; but each book has its own USP. My work stands apart from a lot of other debut authors' books because it is a collection of real life stories - real people like you and me.
Very often, I have found that the characters in novels/books are mostly fictitious, not even close to reality. Whereas, in my book, you will come across people who have actually faced the challenges of life and have gone through practical dilemmas that we all can relate to. It's all about taking the road less traveled with the support of loved ones. There are no filmy plots, just simple facts of life brought alive in my characters. The book has so many varieties of stories to offer. The best part is that these 16 stories are weaved in in such a manner that there is something in store for everyone and anyone who wishes to read, enjoy and get inspired.
Ques- What motivated you to write the book?
Miss. Disha- The idea to write a book struck me when I was pursuing my MBA, though it took me almost two years to take the decision to actually pen it down. In those days, I was single, had no financial obligations and life was wonderful. Throughout my career at IIM, I came across many people who had come there to fulfill their career ambitions, sacrificing a lot on the personal and professional fronts. I was humbled.
A couple who had just got married, a girl who had just got divorced, a couple who lived separately in two countries, dilemmas of a career woman and her maternal responsibilities -- each of these stories were unique and special in their own ways.
I realized that these stories have the power to inspire many others who would follow their heart's calling and not defer important decisions in their lives just because the usual societal conventions demanded that. That's when I knew that these are stories to be told, read and followed. That's when "My Beloved's MBA Plans" was conceptualized.
Ques- What do you intend to express through this book?
Miss. Disha- First and foremost, I wish to convey that when it comes to taking a decision, just take it. Don't bother too much about the 'ifs and buts', else it would never happen.
Secondly, the love and trust of one's parents, spouse and kids is the most important criterion for one's true success. And lastly, life is all about the choices one makes. Dream big and make the right choices.
Ques- What was the time frame for writing this book?
Miss. Disha- Well, you will be surprised if I tell you that the book was written over a time frame of just four months; despite a hectic study schedule. When some of my friends on campus would be busy completing assignments and others busy partying, I would lock myself in my hostel room, make myself a cup of tea and write. Sometimes even during the classes, I would be thinking of the book. It was something I was really passionate about.
Ques- Who all your target audience?
Miss. Disha- On first thought, the title suggests that the book may have a niche audience; i.e. people who wish to pursue their higher studies.
But NO! The book is all about unconventional decisions in life. There is no age, no demography for one to think unconventionally and make bold choices. The book has a mass appeal for anyone who dares to dream and is looking at a source of inspiration. Right from college going students to my friends' mom-in-laws, everyone has read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ques- Share your most interesting experiences while writing the novel
Miss. Disha- It has to be the first story where it all began. It was half past ten when the thought of writing the book first come to my mind. Excited, I called up the first couple and told them I was coming to interview them right away. They were confused and surprised. But when they started narrating their story, I felt as if their story would be enough for me to write whole book. Well, they had so much to share. I interviewed them at midnight, came back to my room, missed my morning classes and compiled their story. It was so much fun.
From then on, each story I wrote, I kept feeling the same. These couples continued to surprise me through their bold and interesting anecdotes. And when I interviewed Vidhi, the girl who completed her MBA while she was carrying (a baby); I literally bowed to her. Hats off to her adventurous instinct, I would say!
Ques- The last book you read that you loved.
Miss. Disha- It has to be "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari". A book that I have read multiple times and each time it has got me thinking, left me inspired and has given me very valuable lessons. A must have in everyone's library.
Ques- What is your favourite genre. What inspired you to write this ?
Miss. Disha- I love reading non-fictional stuff, books on real people, biographies and autobiographies. As I said earlier, I don't like to read books where the characters appear to have come out of a Bollywood movie or a fictitious character, with no connection to practical and ground realities. To a large extent, when the thought of becoming a writer first came in my mind, I knew it had to be stories of ordinary people and their extra-ordinary journeys.
Ques- What's your next venture?
Miss. Disha- I am not a planner. I just like to flow where the winds of life takes me. At the moment, I am working on my next book which is on a socially relevant concept. If all goes well, hope to see it out in the market sometime next year.
Ques- Where can your readers stalk you?
Miss. Disha- My readers can become a part of my journey on the book's FB Page, following me on twitter through @DreamerDisha and connect with me on my blog( http://dishachhabra.com ). I would be more than happy to hear from the readers anytime, anywhere.
Ques- Have you experienced Infibeam.com?
Miss. Disha- Infibeam has been a great partner. Right from day one, Infibeam's delivery commitments and support to a newfound author are unmatched by anyone else in the industry. I strongly recommend Infibeam to all my readers.
