‘Memoirs are for legends… I’m happy telling stories!’: Jugal Hansraj on his book series for children

Remember the popular children’s song ‘Lakdi ki Kathi’ from the movie Masoom? If yes, then you probably recollect the young hazel-eyed boy in it who won over many hearts with his innocent charm. Meet Jugal Hansraj, an actor, film writer, and director who decided to give his creativity some freedom and turned author with Cross Connection: The Big Circus Adventure in 2017. Seven years later, he has written two more books (published by HarperCollins) and is penning the third in the series for children.

As his third book The Jewel of Nisawa (sequel to the acclaimed The Coward & The Sword) released, we asked the Mohabbatein actor about his journey, the different hats he has worn over the years, writing for children, the role of social media today, and if we can expect an autobiography from him. Read the edited excerpts below:

How would you describe your journey From acting, directing, and now writing?

It’s been a long journey, full of ups and downs but no regrets. I am what I am thanks to my life experiences. I enjoy the creative process, be it acting, directing, or writing.

But if you had to pick one of the three, which would you and why?

Since all three are creative, the good thing is I don’t need to choose! I’m taking up acting projects again, and still writing when I’m not on a shooting schedule. It feels good that the recent work I did on camera has been appreciated as have the books.

This is your second book in the series; how was the response to the first one?

Firstly I’m both elated and honoured to have them published by HarperCollins. The fact that they liked it enough to publish it was the best first response I could hope for. After that, it’s gotten a great response from the readers. So many people, young and old, have told me they not only enjoyed the book immensely but even appreciated the message in it – if only that message of peace could be replicated in today’s world.

 

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However, in a 2021 interview with us, you mentioned that you were already writing the sequel and planned to wrap it up by the following year. What took you so long?

Some acting assignments in between, summer holidays when my son is home all day from school, and the fact that I wanted to make the second book even better and deeper, and yet more engaging and entertaining, took some time. It’s even longer than the first. All these factors, plus the detailed readings, corrections, and feedback from the editors took time but only helped create a better book. I’m already working on book three in the series and am working harder to make it even better than the second one!

At a time when celebrities are penning their memoirs, why did you decide to turn author with a children’s book?

Memoirs are for legends and I’m not there. I do have a long journey in the film world which I could talk about but only if I know that readers would be interested in my experiences. Not until then. I enjoy the fiction space as it gives my creativity freedom which oftentimes one doesn’t get as a director as there are so many factors involved. I also enjoy giving young readers something positive to think about as they read, as this is the age to put some positive influence on them. I hope I succeed in doing that.

Also, it is not more challenging to write to kids of the digital era — whose attention spans are diminishing by the day.

That is very true. Sad, but true. I’m quite happy that my generation didn’t have that issue while growing up. We played outdoors, were rougher and tumble growing up, and also spent a lot of time with comics and books where we got to imagine how the characters would look, etc. Therefore, it does present a big challenge when young readers today have so many distractions. I do hope reading is encouraged by parents and schools.

 

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If you had to sell your book to a child, how would you convince them?

Though my message is based on peace, love, courage, and Nichiren Buddhist principles, I’ve tried to weave a fascinating fantasy to convince them to read it. The fact that story is for young readers but also has young characters in them, with the same trials and tribulations, self-doubts, victories, and friendships that they face today. It’s a story about friendship and courage that I can convince them with. The beautiful illustrations in the book are also very attractive to young readers. That helps them pick the book up. The story then takes care of the rest.

You have been honest and open about your Bollywood journey, even sharing that you were considered a jinx. Do you think it would have been different had you started your career now, in the time of social media? If yes, how?

Social media is a double-edged sword. It does allow you to say your piece, whereas earlier you were liable to be misquoted by film magazines or at the mercy almost of their perception of you. Now you can present yourself in the way you like, directly to the people. But it can be too much of a good thing too. I got into social media only about the pandemic. A small reason was also due to some write-ups about how I’m finished, how I’m not doing well etc. So it was my way of saying, I’m here, and doing better than you think I am (haha!) And also there’s a small section of people who still remember me, and admire my work in the films and now in writing so it’s for them. I do limit my usage and appearance on platforms as overkill is also a real thing. The other negative part about it is the negativity one sometimes has to face with people hiding behind comments to say mean things. It’s very easy to be a critic, and extremely difficult to create. They should try it sometime.

Will you ever contemplate writing your autobiography? Have you thought of a title ever?

Never say never. So I can’t say as of now. But I do have lots of interesting experiences and interactions with a lot of unique characters so one never knows. I’ll try and keep it entertaining for sure. But no plans whatsoever for that anytime now or shortly. I’m happy telling stories!

 

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How did your son react to The Coward and The Sword? Did you take his ideas/inputs for the sequel?

My son is too young to read these books. He is still at the basic reading stage. But he is the inspiration behind me writing these books. I began ‘The Coward and the Sword’ after I became a father, after my wife Jasmine and I were blessed with our son.

What more can expect from you in 2024?

My third book in the series is progressing well, but I doubt very much it will come out in ‘24. Hopefully it can be out in ‘25. On the acting front, I have a very interesting series which I’ve acted in, titled ‘Nanda Devi’. It is directed by Rohan Khambati, definitely a director to watch out for. The show should be out later this year. And I’m currently shooting for a couple of interesting projects as an actor, which will be out in ‘24 or ‘25. So there’s a good amount of interesting work happening.

Any plans of converting your books to a film or series?

Definitely! I do believe the three books, can be made into a beautiful trilogy of films or one season of a show/series per book. It has potential to be very rich visually as well as in content. Fingers crossed!

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