Kolkata, March 23 (IANS) No alien to controversies, British author Jeffrey Archer says he's not a provocative writer and "feels very safe" in India when it comes to censorship issues.
"I don't try to provoke. I am a simple storyteller. I feel safe in India, very safe," he said. In contrast, he said, he had to go through a lot of trouble in South Africa years ago because of his views. "I went on television and defended (former South African President) Nelson Mandela and criticised the apartheid system and they threw me out. But I felt very strongly about it," Archer told IANS in an interview here.
The best-selling author of over 35 books was in India to launch his book "Mightier Than The Sword", the fifth in the seven-part Clifton Chronicle series brought out by Pan Macmillan. The next book in the saga will have eight chapters set in Mumbai.
"I think there is a genuine affection here. I have met Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid and I never sensed that they don't like the English. They are friendly straightway and warm. One doesn't get that if someone doesn't like your country," said the former politician.
Published in 97 countries, in more than 37 languages, the 74-year-old conceded that British novelist and screenwriter Ian McEwan and British-Indian author Salman Rushdie are superior writers.
"I see differences in the sense that I see Ian McEwan as a far better writer. I think Salman Rushdie is also a far better writer, but it was the London Times and your Times (Times of India) that said (I was) probably the greatest storyteller in the world.
But perhaps he does not like it when people compare him to Alexandre Dumas, one of the most widely-read 19th century French writers.
"You feel (good) when you see that from the Times of London and from the Indian times. And then The Washington Post came out after my 'Prisoner of Birth' and said the English had found Dumas.
"So you do sit back and think about it," Archer mused.
On his 11th visit to India, Archer interacted with audiences, particularly wannabe writers, in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata, hosted by the Crossword bookstores.
During his whirlwind tour, the author met Indian entertainment entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala to seek advice on a possible Indian partner for the television series on 'The Clifton Chronicles'.
Archer said it was Screwvala's nudge that pushed him to say Bollywood filmmakers had "stolen" his works and adapted them into films. He says 'Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less' was made into 'Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl' and 'Kane and Abel' into 'Khudgarz'.
Once he had said it, he repeated it several times during his interactions in India: 'You have stolen my books'. But he was surprised by the reaction his comment attracted. "I thought Indians would be cross with that. The surprise is Indians say 'you are quite right, we all know that'," said the author light-heartedly.
Despite irritation with plagiarism, Archer is keen to have his books adapted for films, provided it is with his consent and the right person comes along.
"If anyone approached me I would go to Ronnie and ask for his opinion immediately. If he says that's a serious director I will accept it straightaway," asserts Archer.
(Sahana Ghosh can be contacted at sahana.g@ians.in)
Pakistan Flood: Pakistan troubled by floods and food crisis, will open trade routes with India
Pakistan Food Crisis: Pakistan, which is facing floods and a food crisis, will once again start trade with India. This has been announced by the Finance Minister of Pakistan Miftah Ismail. Mifta
Salman Atlee's Next: Varun Dhawan revealed this big secret about Salman-Atlee's film, fans will be surprised to know
After working with Shah Rukh Khan in 'Jawaan', director Atlee is ready for his next film. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan can be seen in this film. Earlier reports had told that this will be an action
GT vs LSG: Hardik prevails over Krunal, Gujarat defeats Lucknow; Wriddhiman Saha-Shubman Gill and Mohit Sharma shine
For the first time in the IPL on Sunday (May 7), two brothers landed as captains in a match. Hardik Pandya of Gujarat Titans and Krunal Pandya of Lucknow Supergiants came face to face. In this match,
An update on Rajinikanth's health, he was admitted to the hospital on Monday due to ill health.
Superstar Rajinikanth has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai late Monday night. The actor had stomach pain due to which he was taken to the hospital. However, now the condition of the
Updates to vaccine companies: Pfizer's vaccine approval in the European Union as well; EU drug regulator says vaccine is also effective on new strains found in Britain
The vaccine rush to protect against coronavirus has reached the finish line. Russia has given emergency approval to two and China to four vaccines. Along with this, the vaccines of American company
Israel-Iran War: If there is a war then India can suffer huge losses, these three things will be directly affected
Iran has declared that it will not back down in the war with Israel. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said that Israel will be attacked again if needed.
Why did viral girl Monalisa suddenly leave Maha Kumbh? She shared the video and told the reason.
Monalisa, known as the beauty fairy of Indore, finally got upset and left Prayagraj Mahakumbh. Beautiful-eyed Monalisa used to sell garlands in Mahakumbh, after whose video went viral, she is all over
SC quashes extension of OBC reservation to Jats
New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed the March 4, 2014 notification by the UPA government extending OBC reservation to Jats in nine states, ignoring the recommendation
Weather Update: Apart from Delhi-NCR, there is a possibility of heavy rain in many parts of the country, and snowfall in the mountains; Know in which states there is an alert
India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest weather forecast said that there may be heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and Kerala on November 10. Only after Friday, there may be
Buy new smartphone with 6GB RAM, price less than 15 thousand
Nowadays mobile companies are launching one to one great smartphone market. You will get these phones with great features at a low price. While buying a new phone, the users' maximum focus is on the
