Farhad J. Dadyburjor
Author Interview - Farhad J. Dadyburjor
Author of The Other Man
Most likely the first gay rom-com set in modern-day Mumbai to be published internationally, 'The Other Man' is a funny, endearing, big-hearted book about a man who is searching for the courage to be himself—and love who and the way he wants.
Ved Mehra, the heir to his family mega-business empire, has it all—dashing good looks (he’s often compared to George Clooney), lots of money, and major social status. But his parents are worried that he’s still single, having no idea that he’s utterly miserable from a recent breakup and still being in the closet. In a moment of despair and pressure from his mother, like so many Indian gay men, he agrees to an introduction to a suitable young woman and begin the process of an arranged marriage. At the same time, he meets Carlos Silva, an American on business in India, and they fall madly in love. Just as Ved’s ready to finally take control of his life—come out to his family and call off the marriage—a gay scandal blows up in his face, putting both his romance and his happiness at risk.
Author Interview - Farhad J. Dadyburjor
Author I draw inspiration from: Many years ago when I was browsing at Strand, a notable bookstore in Mumbai, I happened upon a book by an author I had never heard of – which after reading the first page, I just knew I had to read cover to cover. The sentences fizzed and popped off the page like nothing I had ever seen. It was ‘The Information’ by Martin Amis. And I’ve read everything by him since.
Author Interview - Farhad J. Dadyburjor | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: I envy people who can read anywhere and everywhere, whether on a bus, in the garden, at a café etcetera. I need to be sitting on my bed, propped by two pillows, with the overhead lamp on – that’s the only place that gets my full concentration.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Ian Fleming’s 007. Because I think he’s the only one that could get us out of there!
Author Interview - Farhad J. Dadyburjor | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I used to review books, amongst other things, in my career as a journalist. And I think inside every book reviewer, there’s a gnawing need to be an author someday.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Depends on the author. If it’s an author I truly love (and would read over and over again), then hardback. If it’s someone new or taking a chance on, then paperback.
The last book I read: ‘Cleanness’ by Garth Greenwell. A collection of short stories that take a shot at transcribing gay desire in all its beautiful, moving, and oftentimes violent form.
Author Interview - Farhad J. Dadyburjor | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Pen and paper? Really?!!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: I’d love to be best friends with Tina Brown whose non-fiction book ‘The Vanity Fair Diaries’ I devoured recently. Her passion to get a great story, see it stand out on the page, use the most provocative headlines and images, turn a magazine around…just the zest and love for journalism in her, especially for print magazines, is endearing.
Author Interview - Farhad J. Dadyburjor | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Journalist. Which is my day job, editing a luxury magazine.
Favorite decade in fashion history: The 1990s. Big, bold, brassy, sexy – the age of the Supers!
Place I’d most like to travel: New York, New York. The last time I visited it was over two decades ago. There’s something so alluring about that city – the energy, the drive, the futurespeak.
My signature drink: Cold coffee. When friends say “let’s meet for drinks”, this is what I hope for.
Favorite artist: Madonna. Her ‘art’, her music, has always spoken out against prejudices, homophobia, gender stereotyping and the numerous things that society expects you to conform to. For a gay kid growing up in the 90s in Mumbai pre-internet times, hers was the loudest (and only) voice about self-love and self-acceptance.
Number one on my bucket list: To get back to hitting the gym. I loved working out, but the pandemic threw things off balance. That needs to change soon.
Anything else you'd like to add: This was fun. Thanks!
Find more from the author:
Instagram: @farhadjd
Twitter: @farhadjd
Author Bio: Farhad J. Dadyburjor has been an entertainment and lifestyle journalist for over twenty years. Born and based in Mumbai, India, he has held several senior editorial positions, including at DNA newspaper, as launch editor at the international men’s magazine FHM, and currently at The Leela Magazine. He has also written for numerous publications and has a blog of his own. His debut novel, How I Got Lucky, was a satire on India’s celebrity culture that was hailed as “racy, sexy, and riotous” by Vogue India.
