Entertainment Editor of Headlines Today, Rohit Khilnani recently released his debut novel, I Hate Bollywood in the plush lawns of a five star and gracing the occasion as the chief guest was none other than legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan. We caught up with Rohit for a quick chat to know more about his literary offering.
Firstly, why did you choose Amitabh Bachchan as the chief guest for your book launch?
Stars need to come on time. And I could think of only Amitabh Bachchan who is capable of doing that.
How much of the book is inspired from your real life?
I will be honest. The start of the book is quite like me in the sense that the protagonist starts out as a reporter. But then he goes on to become a managing editor and I am not one. Stories are something that you draw from your own experiences and from people around you. So I have taken bits and pieces from everyone and compiled it into a fiction masala story.
How did the idea to write a novel germinate?
I have completed 15 years in journalism. So I thought there is a story to tell. There is a back story which people don’t know about and I just wanted to say that.
What is this back story?
People see that one picture on television and everyone is happy with that. I have written a back story as to how many hours journalists have to wait for stars in their houses, offices, outside hospitals. It’s not a great job to do. This is the back story.
One star you have waited the longest for…
Two days for SRK. One full day I waited but didn’t get an interview. Next day I was called and I got my interview done late in evening.
How long did it take for you to finish writing the book?
It took me six months and I used to write at night. In the daytime, I work. I do what you do.
Did you also face the dreaded writer’s block?
Yes, I did and infact left the book for two months. When I finally sat down, I decided to target writing 1000 -2000 words every night. And that is how I completed writing it.
‘I Hate Bollywood’ is a very unusual title. Was it your first choice?
Yes. I knew that this was going to be my title. My publishers said let’s call it ‘Reporter Raghu’. Lots of other suggestions came from my friends too. But I just wanted this one. At the end of every chapter, the reporter in my book hates Bollywood.
How has entertainment journalism changed over the years?
It’s changed drastically. When I started there were two newspapers in Mumbai, one English channel and one Hindi news channel. Stars then knew us by our names. Today I feel bad because there are very good reporters out there. It’s not that they can’t reach a star but who will the star see in the crowd of say 100 people. I feel very bad. These are tough times. They have to be very good, competitive and have to standout.
But is there entertainment journalism still left in today’s world? Aren’t PRs and managers running the show today?
I don’t always interview stars when their films are releasing. There are times when my management may not be happy but I fight and that fight keeps you going. What’s the point in talking to stars when their films are releasing. Of course they will talk then.
Isn't it tough to be an entertainment journalist today?
Yes, you are right. It’s very tough. If I am not praising them (stars), there are 100 other journalists who will praise them and actors will say let’s go to them…why talk to this guy.
How do you manage then?
I balance it. Luckily I am god-gifted with a good nature of managing well. I make sure they benefit as well as I benefit from the interview.
Is there still a demand for entertainment segments in news channels? We see many shows being scrapped…
I believe there is a huge demand. But other channels don’t think so. I think entertainment deserves a lot more. Channels should put it out and people will definitely watch it. But if they are not putting it out, we can’t say people are not watching it.
One good and bad thing about being a Bollywood journalist?
It’s a glamorous field and you are a star in your community and among your friends. The bad thing is the long wait.
Add new comment