Ruskin Bond is perhaps the only Indian author of English language to have created a vast wealth of children’s literature. Despite being famous, Bond is quite unassuming and does not believe in public relations and does not even have an email id! He has been awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his writings. He won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize for his first novel The room on the roof. His famous books include Susanna’s Seven Husbands, A Flight of Pigeons and The Blue Umbrella.

Here are the excerpts:

The book I am reading now: A book by Samit Basu

First thing I do in the morning: Have a cup of tea

My favourite pastime: Sleeping

One thing nobody knows about me: That is a secret

My fitness regime includes: Nothing

My funniest moment: Talking to you

My advice to the young generation: Don’t be like your elders

My favourite vacation spot: Pondicherry

My passion is: This is a secret too

Had I not been a writer I would have been: A tap dancer

Right now I am busy with: Attending literary meets

(The interview appeared in February 16-28, 2015 issue)