Authors’ Background: Author Saugata Chakraborty is currently a Punekar, dealing in the omnipresent human resources as a Member of the Faculty at RBI’s College of Agricultural Banking. He has been an educator, public conversationist, foreign exchange dealer, and an intelligence officer in his previous avatars. Interestingly, Saugata had also edited a Bengali web magazine of humorous writings ‘Sorosee’ from 2021 to 2023. His previous two titles ‘They Go to Sleep’ and ‘A Language of Lies’ had won the hearts of the readers, with the former breaking into the hallowed Top 500 Books listed on Amazon India in 2019. His works have been translated into four major languages of the world!

Questionnaire:

TLT: Warmest congratulations on your latest book, “Mostly Mundane!” What kind of responses are you getting from this book of yours? Please share your experience with this book.

Saugata Chakraborty: Thanks for your wishes. Initial responses are great. Several readers have got back telling Mostly Mundane is their go-to book after a long day’s work- that they have found it to be a refreshing read. But it was the first reaction from a reader in Kolkata that made me feel validated. The book was released on the back of a long-standing mass movement demanding justice for the victim of the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case and this reader went on social media to say “Amidst the darkest hours, here comes a glint of happiness in form of a book which arrived today all the way from Pune.”

TLT: What inspired you to write a book, keeping ‘Humour’ as the main theme? What was the impetus behind this work of yours?

Saugata Chakraborty: Well, to be honest, I’ve always believed that laughter is the best medicine, except maybe when you’re laughing so hard you accidentally snort your coffee out your nose. That’s more of a ‘needs a tissue’ situation. But in all seriousness, I wanted to create a book that would not only entertain but also remind people of the importance of finding joy in everyday life.

As for the impetus behind it, I’d say it was a combination of things. Partly, it was the sheer amount of ridiculousness I encountered daily, especially my own spectacularly clumsy moments. Partly, it was the realization that we all need a good laugh now and then, especially in these challenging times. So, I figured, why not share some of the stories about Shantilal, an everyman like me, and hopefully brighten someone else’s day in the process?

TLT: Your book’s title, “Mostly Mundane” is an ironic nod to the fact that the stories contained within its pages are anything but dull. So, what made you go for this particular title?

Saugata Chakraborty: I’ve always been a bit of a fan of subverting expectations. Calling the book “Mostly Mundane” is a bit like labeling a rollercoaster “A Relaxing Stroll in the Park” – it’s all about the element of surprise.

Plus, let’s be honest, life itself is often a mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary. It’s in those seemingly ‘mundane’ moments – a trip to the grocery store, a conversation with a neighbor, a commute to work – that the most unexpected, hilarious, or heartwarming things can happen. My book is a celebration of those hidden gems of absurdity and delight that we often overlook.

So, the title is a playful wink to the reader, inviting them to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary. Because, as I’ve learned, sometimes the most ‘mundane’ moments can turn out to be the most memorable ones.

TLT: What was your mind-set, while working on this book? What are some of the major points which you expect the readers to extract from this book?

Saugata Chakraborty: My mindset while writing was a bit like a treasure hunter, constantly sifting through the sands of everyday life, looking for those glittering nuggets of humor and insight. I wanted to capture those moments that make us laugh, cringe, or nod in recognition, reminding us that we’re all in this crazy thing called life together.

As for what I hope readers take away, I hope they would realize that even the most mundane moments can hold surprises and hilarity. Further, discerning readers would be able to recognize how a shift in viewpoint can turn a frustrating situation into a funny story. The book is not just about entertainment, it’s a way to connect, cope, and celebrate the shared human experience and a reminder to not take life too seriously.

TLT: How is this book of yours different from the other titles of the same genre? And who are some of those writers and authors, whom you follow?

Saugata Chakraborty: While there are many wonderful books out there that bring laughter, I believe “Mostly Mundane” offers a unique flavor. It’s not just about punchlines or one-liners, but rather a celebration of the humor hidden in plain sight, the kind that emerges from everyday experiences.

Think of it less like a stand-up comedy routine and more like a series of witty conversations with a close friend, sharing stories that are both relatable and surprising. It’s humor that’s grounded in reality, yet elevated by a playful perspective.

Some of the authors whom I admire in this genre are P G Wodehouse, Khushwant Singh, Upamanyu Chatterjee, and Frederick Backman.

TLT: Well, can you please tell us about some of those vital aspects that budding authors should take care of while working on the ‘Humour’ genre?

Saugata Chakraborty: First, they must be themselves, hilariously. Comedy’s superpower lies in originality. Then, one has to master comic timing- master the rhythm and then surprise the readers with unexpected punchlines. It’s critical to know your audience. Humor needs to be tailored to their needs, and offensive jokes are to be avoided at any cost. My mantra is to edit ruthlessly. Not every joke can land. I am a serial killer of my darlings and a polisher of the rest. Finally, humor with heart works best. Balance laughter with relatability. A touch of emotion makes it memorable.

My call to action for new kids on the block would be something like read, write, and don’t give up! The world needs your laughter.

TLT: Which segment of readers is your primary target through this book of yours? And, how is your book relevant in the present-day scenario?

Saugata Chakraborty: I like to think my book is for anyone who’s ever tripped over their own two feet, forgotten if they took the daily med, or replied “You too” when the waiter said, “Enjoy your meal.” It’s for anyone who appreciates the humour in the every day, the quirks and foibles that make us human.

In today’s fast-paced, often stressful world, I believe “Mostly Mundane” offers a welcome respite. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there’s always room for laughter and a light-hearted perspective. It’s about finding joy in the simple things, celebrating our shared existence, and realizing that we’re all a little bit ridiculous sometimes – and that’s perfectly okay!

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

Saugata Chakraborty: If I could whisper a message into the ear of every reader, it would be this: Don’t take life too seriously! We’re all a little bit messy, a little bit awkward, and a whole lot wonderful. celebrate the silly moments, and always remember to laugh – even if it’s at your own expense.

As for advice, I’d say, never underestimate the power of a good chuckle. It can turn a bad day around, strengthen a bond, and remind us that we’re all in this together. So, find the humor in the every day, share it with others, and keep those laughter lines coming!

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

Saugata Chakraborty: Suhail and I are working together for what is likely to be my second book under the aegis of The Book Bakers for historical fiction, tentatively titled ‘Longer Grew the Shadow’. It’s an objective look at a family from Bengal during the hundred years of 1921 to 2021 as they navigate their lives through two pandemics, the Bengal Famine of 1943, World War II, and above all the partition of India. I am excited about the project as this is a genre I haven’t tried before and the characters in the story are so towering yet humane that I can almost look up to them for inspiration.

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

Saugata Chakraborty: Thanks to The Literature Today team. My best wishes are always with you.