Aastha Atray - Fear of Judgement is the Death Knell for any Writer (Journalist)

 

I think sometimes it's selective. Fake news and some tv channels have been spewing all kinds of lies, and no action has been taken yet. While some journalists have been put into jail, or put curbs on, for trying to do their work 

but since our constitution says we have freedom of press, we should go on, and keep trying to tell the truth.

 

 

 

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

 

I am an army daughter, and studied mostly in Delhi. i did english literature at Miranada house, and then joined asian age as an intern. That was 18 years ago. I have worked at Asian Age, Elle, DNA, Tehelka, Open magazine, and now, am assistant editor at Sunday midday.

I wrote my first book 9 years ago, as i took part in a competition by Mills and Boon, and won. I have since written four books, and am working on my fifth one.

 

2. What is your opinion about press freedom in India?

I think sometimes it's selective. Fake news and some tv channels have been spewing all kinds of lies, and no action has been taken yet. While some journalists have been put into jail, or put curbs on, for trying to do their work 

but since our constitution says we have freedom of press, we should go on, and keep trying to tell the truth.

 

3. Who is your favourite journalist and why?

Sreenivasan Jain from NDTV as i feel he, like most journalists on that channel, work out of a genuine good place, and have no agenda.  

 

4. What do you think about the quality of journalism in India and how can it be improved?

I think we have some top notch journalists, and newspapers, who have been telling the truth, and putting light on issues for. a while now. But thanks to TRPs, a lot of journalism is now just about saying anything to get eyeballs. We really need to go back to the core of what journalism is all about.

 

5. If you could interview one famous person, who would that be and why?

Haruki Murakami, on how he writes! and Obama, on how is he so cool! Also, Sonia Gandhi, on how she has remained so graceful under pressure.

 

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

Jane Eyre by charlotte Bronte, because it's a love story about two unfortunate souls, and how despite all odds, they make it happen.

 

7. Who is your favourite writer and why?

Haruki Murakami, because he writes about dysfunctional relationships, and creates surreal worlds I can escape into. 

 

8. Where does your inspiration lie?

In observing people, and listening to their stories and just day dreaming. Inspiration comes from just making stories up in my head.

 

9. What is your message to all future aspiring journalists and writers?

For journalists, Don't have an agenda. Keep your personal views out of the story. And inform and tell the truth.

For writers, Don't worry too much about what people think of you. Fear of Judgment is the death knell for any writer.

 

- Aastha Atray

Interviewed By - Swathi V