How 'political' is Revolution 2020?
It isn't a political novel as such, and there is no political agenda either.

However, when you look at politics in the broader sense in terms of making people think in a certain manner, then I am hoping Revolution2020 will do that to a certain extent.

How much pressure did you feel to deliver the novel to your expectant readership? Does that pressure take away from the sheer pleasure of writing?
There was significant pressure at the start. The book is coming after 2 States, one of my most widely read books, 3 Idiots and 2 years of writing columns.

I have a lot more readers than the previous book, and it is difficult to make everyone happy at the same time.

However, the early reviews of Revolution 2020 are extraordinary, and I am now not worried at all. I think the book will deliver to expectations, and some more.

The movie rights of all your novels have been sold. Do you enjoy the thought of your words being given a visual spin?
Yes, of course. I write in English, which though is growing at a fast pace, does not reach a majority of Indians. Also, many Indians still prefer movies over books. So, if a medium allows my story to reach new people, why not?

However, it is not the main reason why I write, and I do not obsess about the film adaptations anymore. I am fortunate to have a large readership for my books already.

There has been no progress on the movie version of 2 States. Is that a bother?
Not at all. I have realized that the films business is slow and depends on many factors, many of which are out of your control. I sold the rights of Five Point Someone in 2005, and 3 Idiots only came in 2009.

Even Hello took 3 years. A lot of filmmakers have told me 2 States has enormous potential, and so I am confident the film will get made.

Finally, what would you tell your young readers about the fight against corruption which Hazare has started?
I would like to congratulate the youth who came together, irrespective of identity differences to fight for the right cause and defend the truth. Truth shall prevail are the first words in the Constitution.

Without a foundation of truth, equality and justice, democracy is meaningless. We must restore the foundation if we want to be a great nation.