Despite my romantic inclinations of living in a house by the sea away from the bustle of Chennai, I think I am an urban person at heart. I thrive on the chaos of cities, the grit, the colour, the harshness, the movement, the anonymity. While I can spend weeks at a time without human company, there is a big part of me that really enjoys people -- especially the kind who inhabit cities.

To me, cities are the most modern invention of man. They are horrifying in so many ways, but enchanting as well. And this complexity, this layering and juxtaposition of life, I find incredibly intoxicating.

What was your childhood like? Was it spent in Chennai?

It was an incredibly joyous time, filled with play and imagination, but also with ridiculous amounts of fear. I was born in Chennai and spent all my life in one school until I was 18. So, I suppose it was all very protected in a way. I think childhood is the place where writers become writers. It provides you an endless source for material, and a completely unique perspective on the world -- a perspective you hope to be able to reclaim later in your life.

Also see: Terrorists, riots and No God in Sight

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