I’m Aranyak, a curious journalist-in-making! 😄
Today, I’m super-duper excited to share my first ever interview (and yes, I edited the video all by myself using free software tools — it’s not perfect, but I tried my best!). You’ll find the video with the interview of Agnibha Sengupta right here too!
Agnibha da is a writer — and not just any writer — he’s written an awesome mystery book called Marigold Cyanide. It has detectives, secrets, and even murders! 😮 The story happens in a big, spooky place called Palashbari Estate, where marigold flowers keep showing up wherever something bad happens… and cyanide (yes, the poison!) is used in the crimes. Detective Sen, the main character, is like a Sherlock Holmes, trying to find out the truth!
Here’s a tiny bit from the book that gave me goosebumps:
“The marigold lay on the windowsill, bright and untouched — too bright for a house that had forgotten how to breathe…”
Cool, right?
So go ahead, read the interview below. There’s a special video interview too – not super professional, but fully edited by me, Aranyak! Please, don’t forget to check out the video too! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it!
The Writer’s Journey
👦 Aranyak: What inspired the idea for your debut book?
🧑💼 Agnibha: I absolutely love the genre of crime fiction. I have read countless number of Mystery novels, specially Hercule Poirot being one of my favourites. To add to that, I also devour films revolving around murder mysteries. Suddenly, one day a thought sparked, “What if I write a whodunnit mystery?” And, then Detective Sen was born in ‘The White Clue’ (In A Garland of Stories, an anthology published by Scholastics.)
👦 Aranyak: How did you balance writing with schoolwork and other activities?
🧑💼 Agnibha: Well, I treat writing as one my passions. I usually write whenever I have a free time. I love penning down stories. Even after a hectic day at school, I sit down to write once I complete my studies. Writing gives me joy. Innumerable joy.
Book Talk
👦 Aranyak: Can you tell us about your book’s main character? What makes them special?
🧑💼 Agnibha: The main character of Marigold Cyanide is none other than Detective Sen. An amateur sleuth not older than twenty-five or twenty-six. His unruly curls frame a face untouched by comb. With thin-framed glasses perched upon his nose, his gaze is intense. He loves drinking coffee, and wearing the stereotypical brown, leather coat.
Detective Sen occupies a special place in my heart. I love the character, and he is the first independent character I have made. I feel great when I think of Detective Sen’s plots. Specially, Marigold Cyanide.
👦 Aranyak: What’s your favourite scene or chapter from the book?
🧑💼 Agnibha: I shall not reveal that, else the plot will be spoiled. I would request all readers and viewers to grab a copy, and solve the mystery!
Writing Habits
👦 Aranyak: Do you have a favourite writing corner or routine?
🧑💼 Agnibha: Yes, I do! I enjoy writing in my father’s study room. Sitting comfortably on the chair with the laptop in front of me, the ideas just flow in like a river.
Author’s Corner
👦 Aranyak: Who are your favourite authors or book series?
🧑💼 Agnibha: My favourite authors are Ruskin Bond, O’Henry (William Sydney Porter), Edgar Allan Poe and the Queen of Crime herself, Agatha Christie.
Some of my favourite book series would definitely include Hercule Poirot series. Along with that, I also enjoy reading Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.
Fun Questions
👦 Aranyak: If your book were adapted into a movie, who would you cast as the main character?
🧑💼 Agnibha: If the book were adapted into a Hollywood film, I would cast Robert Downey Jr. as Detective Sen, and Tom Holland as Inspector Prasad.
If the book is adapted into a Bengali film, I would cast Abir Chatterjee as Detective Sen, and Ritwick Chakraborty as Inspector Prasad.
👦 Aranyak: What’s the best book-related advice you’ve received?
🧑💼 Agnibha: “Go Unique!” – My Mum (Mother)
👦 Aranyak: If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?
🧑💼 Agnibha: If I had the chance of having dinner with any fictional character, it would definitely be Hercule Poirot. I would love to have a graceful meal with him, and then maybe… Maybe get involved in a mystery?
👦 Aranyak: What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book or project?
🧑💼 Agnibha: I’m currently working on my sixth short story, The Letterbox, to be published soon under the Scholastics banner. Also, I’m working on my second novel with Detective Sen. Thus, Stay Tuned! And, Happy Sleuthing…!
🎉 That’s all from me, Aranyak!
Hope you enjoyed the chat with Agnibha da — and don’t forget to watch the video! 😄
Keep reading, keep solving, and keep dreaming big! 🕵️♂️📚
