PVPF 2024

Interview with Rashmi Bansal Author of “Saturday Stories”

Discover an insightful interview with Rashmi Bansal, the author of 'Saturday Stories,' exclusively on Frontlist.
on Oct 09, 2023

Rashmi Bansal a writer, entrepreneur and a youth expert is an author to 7 bestselling books on entrepreneurship which have sold more than 1 million copies with 12 language translations, including Korean and Vietnamese.

Her popular books include ‘Stay Hungry Stay Foolish’, ‘Connect the Dots’ and ‘Take Me Home’.

Her latest book ‘God’s Own Kitchen’ is an inspiring story of Akshaya Patra - a social enterprise run by monks and CEOs.

Rashmi co-founded JAM (Just Another Magazine) which went on to become India’s most popular youth magazine. Her popular blog Youth Curry-Insight on Indian Youth, features her writings on youth, careers and entrepreneurship.

Frontlist: "Saturday Stories" is your first venture into fiction after writing several successful non-fiction books. What motivated you to make this transition, and how did the experience of writing fiction differ from your previous work?

Rashmi: This book was born in April 2020, during the first lockdown. I was one of the lucky few who wasn't washing dishes or cooking, as my trusted housekeeper, Lata, was still with me. As a personal challenge, I decided to write 30 fiction stories in 30 days. Every night, I would say, 'I need a new story idea when I wake up in the morning,' and it would come to me. In non-fiction, facts are sacred; only the narration can be made interesting. In fiction, the imagination takes over. That was exhilarating.

Frontlist: Many of your books, including "Saturday Stories," focus on individuals' journeys and success stories. How do you think mental health plays a role in achieving success, and how can individuals work on maintaining good mental health along their journey?

Rashmi: Mental health is responsible for 99% of success; the remaining 1% is the luck factor. Most of us look for validation from others while ignoring our own inner voice. Successful people are not people pleasers. They have healthy self-esteem, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and an acceptance of mistakes. Inner growth is a lifelong journey and must be consciously undertaken to achieve outer goals.

Frontlist: The book is described as exploring human emotions and vulnerabilities. How do the stories within "Saturday Stories" shed light on these aspects of the human experience?

Rashmi: Fiction is inspired by life. Many of the stories capture the collective experience of COVID-19, which we all responded to in different ways. But overall, it made us stronger, more self-aware, and more connected with each other. Other stories are inspired by people who are invisible despite being with us. For example, our grandmothers, for whom cooking and feeding the family is a form of love. Have you ever paused to think, 'What's her story?

Frontlist: In today's fast-paced world, people often face stress and burnout. What self-help strategies or practices would you recommend to help individuals cope with stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Rashmi: Everyone needs 'me time' – a time when they can focus only on themselves. This time should also be free of electronic gadgets. A morning walk, reading a book in your lunch break, or a bedtime ritual – anything that works for you. Meditation and self-reflection (e.g., writing in a journal) can help you in this journey. I also recommend mirror-work exercises from Louise Hay's book 'You Can Heal Your Life'

Frontlist: Your non-fiction work has often touched upon themes of entrepreneurship and personal growth. In what ways do the stories in "Saturday Stories" offer insights or lessons related to self-help and personal development?

Rashmi: Every story in my book has a twist at the end, and that reflects how life unfolds, not as a straight, predictable line but in unexpected ways.

Frontlist: As an author who has explored the lives of various successful individuals, have you come across any common traits or practices related to mental resilience that are worth highlighting?

Rashmi: Know who you are and what you want in life. If you have conviction, nobody can stop you from achieving your goals. The problem is most people have self-doubt and low confidence in themselves. Be aware that your worst enemy is the inner critic within you. Who constantly berates and shames you. Learn to tame that critic and make it a wise and wonderful friend.

Frontlist: As we observe World Mental Health Day on 10th October, what message would you like to convey to both aspiring writers and readers?

Rashmi: Believe in yourself and love yourself as you are. If you don't, why will anyone else?