On first thought, it’s worrisome to learn that a 16-year-old should be fascinated by mafias, weaponry of mass destruction, espionage and the like. On second thoughts, it seems quite alright when you realise that the teenager is using all those themes to write a book. His second name is Ansal. A name that resonate power, influence and money. But Ayush Ansal, the author of The Gentlemen of Finance, feels comfortable being known as just Ayush.
Taking the readers on a tumultuous journey through the world of glitterati, gambling, gangsters, espionage, high-stakes finance and the dreaded Cuban mafia, this is the young author’s first attempt at writing a book. “The book is set in a world of suave, gun-wielding bankers, who stop at nothing to get what they want. It has been inspired by the idea of blending the worlds of finance and organised crime,” he says, adding, “Different things have interested me at different stages of life. For instance, when I was younger, I had this uncanny fascination with guns. I read everything there was to read about them. When I was a little older, I fell in love with the movies—mostly thrillers with mafias, action sequences and mysterious story lines. I would watch them endlessly. Then came a phase when I was obsessed with the guitar. I researched everything on the subject and tried to learn as much as I could and now its writing. I haven’t let my interests go in vain since I have included all the elements in one way or the other in The Gentlemen of Finance.”
Published by Rupa Publication, Ansal is certainly one of their youngest authors and working on his book, brought certain different kinds of challenges. “We had to work in close accordance with Ayush as we required him to write and rewrite until we though the draft was perfect. Each time we sent our suggestions, he would diligently work on presenting a better copy which took off a huge burden from our shoulders. I think he understood that our feedback was necessary for a flawless copy. I am happy that The Gentlemen of Finance has turned out to be a sensational debut which marks the emergence of an exciting new voice in corporate fiction in India,” says Kapish Mehra, Managing Director, Rupa Publications India.
An avid traveller, Ansal is presently studying in Gordonstoun, Scotland. He believes that his earnest dedication and determination has led to him being able to balance the demands of academics with his other interests that include reading, writing, golf and playing the guitar. This book is his first serious attempt at writing and he considers himself to be fortunate to have an inspirational grandmother, Kusum Ansal, who herself has written around 30 books. “I haven’t entered an alien world. I’ve learnt a lot by watching my grandmother. Even though our styles and subjects are different, I have imbibed some crucial writing skills, observing her,” says Ansal. Making the family proud, his mother, Sheetal wells-up at the very mention of her son’s feat. “The boy who I taught ABC, is today teaching me the ABC of writing and it makes me so proud,” she says.