Meet Author Prajwal Hegde:
Prajwal Hegde has been with The Times of India since July 2005, serving as TOI’s Tennis Editor. She started her journalism career with Mid-Day in Mumbai and later moved to Deccan Herald in Bengaluru. She has covered all four Grand Slams, various Tour events, Davis Cup, and BJK Cup. Prajwal has also reported on athletics, cricket, hockey, golf, and table tennis. She is a member of the International Tennis Federation’s Media Commission and the International Tennis Writers Association. A former state and national level tennis player, she enjoys running and has participated in events like the World 10k in Bengaluru. In 2021, she received the Ron Bookman Media Excellence Award from the ATP, becoming the first Indian and second Asian to do so.
Her novels include “The Way We Were“ (Hachette India, 2023) and “What’s Good About Falling“ (Harper Collins, 2018). She contributed to “Sportstars 40” and appears in the “Break Point” docuseries. Prajwal lives in Bengaluru with her husband, Dr. Sanjay Hegde, a senior orthopedic surgeon.
Let’s get to know her more deeply.
Q.1 “A good writer possesses not only his own spirit but also the spirit of his friends.” Who are some of the individuals who have supported you in your writer journey that you would like to thank?
I’m an only child so my friends have been the siblings I’ve never had, they’ve all been invaluable. It’s them I turn to with my drafts, take opinions and lean on their life experience when I write. At other times, when I need a pick-me-up, a coffee, a glass of wine to whine, retail therapy it’s my friends.
That said, as I understand, in a literary journey good guidance is all-important, meeting the right people who will point you in the right direction.
For me there are two people who have been instrumental, both editors, Shinie Anthony and Abhivyakti Singh. I cannot thank Abhivyakti enough for my growth as a writer.
Q.2 When and how did you become interested in writing books? Your second novel, The Way We Were, was published recently. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this romcom and how it differs from your debut novel, What’s Good About Falling?
I have always wanted to tell stories; it’s been my thing forever. My maternal grandmother was a fabulous storyteller, she had a lovely, soothing voice and every afternoon during my holidays she would tell me a story.
Her name is Gulabi, her mother’s name is Myra and Gulabi’s daughter Shambhavi is my mother. Those are the three women I have dedicated The Way We Were to…
My inspiration for The Way We Were as always is love, a powerful emotion. Then it was Bangalore, the Anglo Indian community, and also the newspaper industry.
The Way We Were is a love story that plays out against the backdrop of a shrinking community, an industry on the wane as also a quaint cantonment town becoming a city. It has a strong family and friendship angle on one side and total drama on the other.
On the other hand, What’s Good About Falling is a sports romance, a story of triumph. It is destined to make the big screen.
Q.3 What are the challenges you faced while writing and how did you overcome them? From where do you get the ideas and inspiration for writing?
I think for me, given that I have a day job, and other interests and responsibilities, managing time was always the key. Giving yourself a deadline is a good idea, but you can’t always keep it, given the daily tug and pull. It’s important to be kind to yourself though, because at the best of times, this is a tough, tough journey.
Q.4. What has it been like working with The Times of India since 2005, and how has your role as TOI’s Tennis Editor evolved over the years?
Sport has been my first romance, I was swept off my feet by the power of the exercise. If running and playing is liberating, then watching great levels of athletic ability is exhilarating. I have enjoyed telling stories through the lens of a sporting contest.
Q.5 You have covered a wide range of sports, from athletics, cricket, hockey, golf to table tennis. Do you have a favorite?
Surprisingly it’s not tennis that’s my favourite, but track and field. I think its currency is its simplicity despite the advances in science and technology.
Q.6 Which are the top 3 books you would highly recommend, and what’s your most favorite genre?
I love romance novels, they’re the best pick-me-ups. Emily Henry and Sally Thorne are some of my favourite authors.
There are a lot of books I have enjoyed reading – Rosie Walsh’s ‘The Man Who Didn’t Call’, Nita Prose’s ‘The Maid’. Megha Majumdar’s ‘A Burning,’ was a difficult read.
Pride and Prejudice is my all-time favourite.
Q.7 What do you consider your greatest strength as a writer? What’s next for you in terms of writing and journalism? Are there any new projects or goals you are excited about?
I don’t have an ego, I’m open to suggestions, willing to listen. The more I live, the more I feel that strength is invaluable.
I have an eye for detail which serves me well as a writer.
My next novel, a romcom should be out next year. Watch this space.
Q.8 What advice would you give young journalists who aspire to cover sports at a high level, particularly those interested in tennis?
You gotta love this business, it has got to be a passion, there’s no other go. Read as much as you can, watch a lot of sport and play as much sport possible. It’s important to play sport.
Q.9 Tell us a bit about your likes, dislikes and hobbies? Do you have any strategies for maintaining a balance and managing your time effectively?
I love fashion.
Sports.
Reading and writing.
I run to keep my sanity.
Balance is the key and the carrot I’m chasing.
Q.10 What factors are most important to you when choosing a book marketer? Any 3 practices that according to you are a must while marketing a book.
They’ve got to love your work as much as you.
Giving it as much visibility as possible – during the launch, at book shops and social media.
As many reviews as possible…
Questions from the readers:
Q.1 What do you project in your characters’ lives – the things you experience in your life or the things you would have wanted to experience?
A bit of both and also stuff that you see along the way. The break-ups and make-ups and the good and bad of friendship/family/people, a place, a coffee shop, conversation you may overhear.
Q.2 If your book is adapted, who would you want playing the characters of Myra and Andrew?
I have no doubt at all that it will be adapted.
Andrew Brown — Sidharth Malhotra
Myra Rai – Freida Pinto
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