Interview With The Author Of ‘Captain Elephant: The Mystery Of The Bomb’, Aseem Mahajan

Aseem Mahajan is a storyteller who physically resides in India, but his soul can be present at Himalayas or perhaps at Jupiter as per his fancy. You can reach him at: aseem.storymafia@gmail.com

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?
This is the most uncomfortable part to talk about. Let’s just say I am a finite being with an infinite consciousness trying to discover new shape and space. As for my background – it’s grey!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I wouldn’t call myself a writer. I am a storyteller. I feel everyone are born storytellers. It begins with a kid telling simple lie like “I didn’t eat the chocolate, the dog did.” Of-course the kid doesn’t realize that a stuff toy can’t eat, it was an innocent way to get away from being caught, but he/she has already cooked their first story.

What have you written? Give us an insight into your book
In a small coastal town Pinzoora, Mayas Tondlulu is born with a peculiar disorder that stumps the medical science. His heart is located in his rear.  Mayas is looked at as an underprivileged by his womanizing father and religious mother. He is confined to a chair all the time that causes him to be an overweight child. With no friends or zeal to live, his own life becomes a bandit territory for him.

A casual visit to the zoo changes his opinion about life. He takes a leap of faith and begins his quest to rise above his circumstances. He discovers an extraordinary power that propels his journey towards becoming an overweight superhero called Captain Elephant; but his actions put the city at risk.  The city turns hostile to Captain Elephant and considers him an enemy. At this critical time Mayas learns that the city is on the brink of a disaster.

In this murky situation, he discovers an honest Police officer, Inspector Kangi. The Inspector’s principles towards his duty are as strong as his bulging biceps and his chunky moustache. Together they embark on a journey to protect Pinzoora and discover the truth that will leave them startled.

On the same day, a dreaded terrorist, Popananda, who is at the helm of this conspiracy escapes from prison. He threatens people with a nuclear bomb that he has installed in Pinzoora and traps them in the town. The only message he gives is a riddle that haunts every soul.

“Angels and demons inside us,
What come out in adversity defines us.
Years of hide and seek,
Your neighbour is not what you see.
Look at me; I am not just what you see,
Look in mirror and you will find me.
Give me a face, show me who you are,
Angels and demons, come out come out wherever you are…

The bomb scare opens the Pandora’s Box in Pinzoora. Fear and panic grip the citizens. The public shows their true side in this adversity. During this crisis, Mayas and Inspector Kangi discover the buried history of Popananda that leaves them appalled. They now have to find out if the bomb threat is real, and if it is, then where it is hidden.

Captain Elephant grows from being a handicap to a superhero to above all, a good human being. He proves, even though in his rear, he is the only one whose heart is at the right place. During this adversity, it’s up to him to unravel a mystery that will change the history of Pinzoora and mankind forever.

The story also talks about the good and evil within us through the characters. It’s upto us how we react to an adversity. What comes out of us during the trying times shows our true self.

The book is a cocktail of humour, suspense, and thriller. It gives a reader a lot to ponder about.

How did ‘Captain Elephant: The Mystery of the Bomb’? Could you describe your journey?
The journey has been pretty amazing. It’s been six years of hard work and I value every word that I have written. Half my wardrobe is occupied by drafts of the books and all the notes that I made. Now that I look back at the struggle it gives me all the more joy at what I have achieved.

How do you manage writing along with your profession?
This is a tough act of balancing. My busy schedule keeps me away from writing for most of the time. I have to find bits and pieces of time and stitch it together. That’s why writing this book took me six years. Strong believe in my work keeps me sailing through.

Some words for your readers.
Grab a copy of this book and support it! I have attempted something different which doesn’t follow the standard norms and took me a lot of effort to bring it out. In-fact not just this book, encourage any book that breaks stereotypes and adds quality to market. Encourage all new talent you come across!