In Conversation with Vinod Anand

About Vinod Anand

Vinod Anand is primarily a theatre actor, director…who drifted into the world of advertising film direction and voice acting, quite by accident.
He has directed approximately 400 Ad film’s, in a career spanning 35+ years in countries like Russia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and… ofcourse, India.
As a thespian… he’s acted\directed\produced, been associated with, over 80 productions (across the short and long formats)… doing anything from direction to acting to backstage work to prompting to poster design to sticking the posters (past midnight) on walls around “Madras”.
As a voice artist he has done over 8000 projects…ads, corporate, short films, stories, feature films etc.
These days, he is a “half decent cook”, an author, an actor in theatre, web series and films, an ‘analog’ photographer, a “foodie” (who, apart from good food, always looks for spelling mistakes in menu cards).
He is a mentor for upcoming directors, actors, voice artists…and… thankfully not singers (coz he can’t sing).
He lives in Chennai with his wife, 2 +1 children, his dog “Mani”, cat “Inji”, ‘Lulu’ the Kingfisher, ‘Steve’ the rat snake…and his imminent diabetes…

LiFT: Tell us about your book, the journey of writing it and its content?

Vinod Anand: I have always written poems. Often, it transformed into lyrics for Advertising jingles. Short stories became scripts for soft drinks and soaps.
Because my style was far removed from the ‘traditional’, I was hesitant to put it out. Then, on a boring rainy afternoon, I came upon a writing challenge.
I jumped in! Wrote some new poems, dug out some from frayed diaries…and all of a sudden, I had 25!
In essence, these were/are my raw emotions and feelings. Unfiltered. Unafraid.

LiFT: Why you chose this title?

Vinod Anand: Because of the style. Some rhyme. Some don’t. If poetry is supposed to have a certain structure, to be classified so, this collection defies it. Is it Verse? I think so. Is it not? You tell me. As with life… this too is ‘Uncertain’.

LiFT: When did you realize that you want to be a writer and what’s your inspiration behind it?

Vinod Anand: I never ‘wanted’ to be one. I just loved writing. Anything!
It led to my career in Advertising. When I tried of writing Ad copy, it led to a collection of short stories and plays.
Poetry, however, was more ‘personal’. I always wrote it as a reaction. An outlet. A vent to release pent up emotions.
Quite by accident, I find people referring to me as a writer!
But… wasn’t I always one?

LiFT: Where do you see yourself ten years down the line in the world of literature?

Vinod Anand: A Booker, 3 Pulitzers… 😂
Jokes apart, I’d be happy if I continue to have the honesty and sensitivity needed to write. Straight from thought to text.

LiFT: How much do you think marketing or quality of a book is necessary to promote a particular book and increase its readers?

Vinod Anand: In today’s world, filled with relentless media intrusions, marketing plays a huge role. Social media promotion is a must. As for quality, I still believe in the old adage – Content is King.

LiFT: What is the message you want to spread among folks with your writings?

Vinod Anand: Don’t be afraid to be honest. To hurt. To be angry. Frustrated. Disappointed. Happy. Hopeful. Sad. Joyful.
Or…to just ‘be’
It’s Life! Revel and celebrate its every facet. It’s the ‘cuts’ that give a diamond it’s glitter!

LiFT: What do you do apart from writing?

Vinod Anand: Act in plays, write some, direct some. Voice acting. Dubbing . Photography (on Film, digital is not for me). I love to cook. Play with my pets…I mentor people in various disciplines (in a very indisciplined manner).

LiFT: What are the activities you resort to when you face a writer’s block?

Vinod Anand: Do something absolutely mindless! Like binge watch the worst possible films, web series or Ads. Read terrible books. Look at cringe-worthy ‘reels’.
It’s a great help ☺️

LiFT: Are you working on your next book? If yes, please tell us something about it.

Vinod Anand: It’s a novel. A ‘novel’ novel! Which, I hope, will integrate 2 of the things I love. Cooking and telling stories! Yes! Something’s cooking 😉!

LiFT: What are your suggestions to the budding writers/poets so that they could improve their writing skills?

Vinod Anand: Don’t be afraid! Take the plunge! Don’t give a damn about what people may say or think. It’s YOU. Be honest. Be true to yourself. The rest will fall into place.

Click here to order Vinod Anand’s Book – ⁠⁠Uncertain Verse