Minar talks about his first book

Singer/songwriter and cartoonist Minar Rahman looked visibly excited when he entered The Daily Star premises on the day his first book, 'Rudra ebong ekti grand piano' launched at the Ekushey Boi Mela, from Barshadupur. Here is what the debutant writer has to say about his latest creation.

Tell us about your book. How does it feel to be a part of the Ekushey Boi Mela as a writer?

Rudra ebong ekti grand piano revolves around themes of sentiments and hopes present in the middle class – of love, sacrifice and more. I not only wrote the book, but also did the cover art and all the illustrations inside. The book is published by Barshadupur, and I am proud of the fact that I could release my first book at the Ekushey Boi Mela.

How did you manage the time to write a book, despite your busy schedule?

To be honest, this is something that I had wanted to do for a long time. Slowly but steadily, I moved forward with the story whenever I could manage the time to do so. Also, it wasn't an unfamiliar territory as I had written short stories, and even the script for a tele-fiction earlier. And of course, I write most of my music and lyrics myself.

Who inspires you as a writer?

When I was little, I read almost all the books by Humayun Ahmed. Satyajit Ray's books were also very dear to me, and Professor Shonku was a personal favourite of mine since it took me to a completely different world. Feluda, Harry Potter, Tintin, and other works of fantasy/fiction inspired me greatly to create my own.

Do you have any message for your fans?

I want to request everyone to read and judge my book by its own merit, and not because they might like me as a musicians. I am confident that readers will be able to relate to Rudra ebong ekti grand piano, as it is a book for everyone. I also intend to write at least one book every year for the Ekushey Boi Mela.