Vikas Swarup, author of "Q&A," was 40 years old and already a successful career diplomat when he wrote the book, he told Rossiyskaya Gazeta in an interview.
"In general, I was not even sure that my book would be published. The film seemed a far thought then. I was a novice writer, had written nothing ever before, I was not even familiar with any publisher or agent. I did not have a patron or any kind of connections. Hence, the very publication of the book came as a surprise to me," Swarup told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
He admitted that despite this and his interest in Russia, he is not yet ready to create a major Russian character in one of his works.
"To begin with, I need to study the Russian DNA. I've never worked in Russia. I have Russian friends, but I do not drink vodka. I must become better acquainted with Russians and develop a taste for this drink. By the way, in my first book, there is one minor character named Mikhailov," Swarup said.
Having previously worked as a career diplomat, Swarup is now the official spokesman of India's Ministry of External Affairs.
