Do you like reading about the dons of the Mumbai mafia? If yes, then you are happily welcomed to the world of S. Hussain Zaidi, specialist in the Mumbai mafia and its chronicles.
The author has written three books on the subject, Black Friday: story of the 1993 bomb-blasts, mafia queens of Mumbai: dons of the ganglands, and the latest, Dongri to Dubai: six decades of the Mumbai mafia, on the greatest of the dons, Dawood Ibrahim.
Some excerpts of the interview:
You have written three books on the Mumbai Mafia. Why did the mafia interest you so much?
- As a journalist I wanted to be a specialist in certain beat and not a reporter who is part of general reporting. My editor assigned crime beat to me. In the process of covering crime, I specialized in writing on mafia.
Your books always have a detailed and thorough observation of the smallest of things. How did you make this possible?
- With diligent effort and extensive research.
You have interviewed so many notorious gangsters and criminals. Have you ever received any threats from anyone?
- Just once, before Black Friday was released, when I recieved a call from a man telling me about my son. I was scared out of my wits then. But I replied to the caller, "he is in so and so school and class". I didn't know what to do.
You have also interviewed the most wanted mafia king, number 1 terrorist declared by the US, Dawood Ibrahim himself. How was the experience?
- I could not believe that Dawood could be so polite and sophisticated in his conversation.
Which gangster has fascinated you the most? Why?
- None. They don't fascinate me, it's my job to make them fascinating for you.
According to you, is your field of crime reporting dangerous?
- If you stick to your beat and not get personal, then it’s not dangerous.
Did you go into crime reporting by choice or by mere coincidence?
My editor at Indian Express wanted me to cover crime. That's how I got into this profession.
I would like to know your take on this: was the Mumbai Police too laid back when 26/11 happened, even though the city had suffered from so many attacks like the 1993 Bomb blasts before?
- They are always laidback and never learn from their mistakes.
You are first a journalist and then a writer. Can you please enlighten us about your work as a journalist?
- Journalism is a difficult beat. It’s like lighting a lamp on bare palm.
According to you, which is the most important thing that a writer must do to become successful?
- He should remain honest and dedicated to the core.
Has your life changed after your first book was released? How did it change?
- It got me more recognition.
Can you tell us a little about your schooling and graduation?
- I studied at Guru Nanak School in Mumbai and went to college at Chetana College of Commerce.
Describe yourself, in not more than 20 words!
- I want to remain a humble man all my life.
Only a person, who can read, can write. What books do you read and which is your favorite genre and your favorite book?
- I read Steve Martini, David Baldacci, John Grisham, Gerald Seymour etc.
What do you have to say about the banning of books? Do we really need to ban novels on the basis of inappropriate content?- No books should be banned. It’s not Kafkaesque regime any more.
Were any of your books subject to banning?
- Never.
Have you ever thought about writing something else other than the Mumbai mafia?
- My next book is about David Headley.
We all are awaiting your next book. Will it be coming out anytime soon?
- It should be released by this year end.
We would be waiting, wouldn't we?
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