The Literature Times: What inspired the unique title Rust Rajini? Does “rust” symbolize something deeper in the story?
Sanket Hangirgekar: In this story, the lead character ‘Rajini’s father runs an ‘Iron shop’ and the prefix “Rust” to his name is related to it, about which you will know in detail after reading the book, not something deeper but because of the sounding and as you said I also felt its unique to give it a title like “Rust Rajini”.
The Literature Times: The story revolves around a fan of Rajinikanth- What role does fandom play in shaping the characters and the plot?
Sanket Hangirgekar: There are few characters which are important and mostly revolve around Superstar Rajinikanth’s fandom. From Rajini’s father character to the villains, everyone is involved in the celebrations and fan wars which makes the plot and characters interesting. So mainly the major part revolves around fandom and the incidents happening in it. When i decided to write about a boy playing a fan of a star, only one name came into my mind i.e. Superstar Rajinikanth. Its purely out of love and respect towards him.
The Literature Times: Rajini’s character undergoes quite a journey. Was his arc inspired by someone you know or purely fictional?
Sanket Hangirgekar: Its purely fictional! But at the same time it will connect to every fan of Superstar, they might feel that they are reading about themselves at some point in the story.
The Literature Times: Your novel bends emotion, crime and nostalgia. How did you balance these elements to a cohensive story?
Sanket Hangirgekar: I will say it’s the effect of ‘Cinema’ , that helped me in balancing the core emotions or the crime factor. It was not easy to write the nostalgia factor as I was writing a story by taking the reference of Superstar, even if it is fiction, there are examples of his movies and his journey, But story is not about him, its not a biography. Its about his fan named ‘Rajini’.
The Literature Times: The theatre ‘Sridevi’ seems central to the story’s emotion and legacy. Is it on a real place from your life or imagination?
Sanket Hangirgekar: There are theatres by this name, mostly single screens. But in this story its fictional as it is happening from the mid 80’s. Yes the theatre ‘Sridevi’ is central to the story’s emotion
The Literature Times: How challenging was it to write about such personal themes like loss, legacy and revenge from a young boys perspective?
Sanket Hangirgekar: Not so challenging because, I have already written in my first novel which was about loss and revenge. Other than that there few things in the story which I felt tough while writing.
The Literature Times: You’ve mentioned movies have inspired you since childhood. Are there any particular films or directors who influence your writing style?
Sanket Hangirgekar: Yes, Movies had a strong impact on me, since childhood. Visual story telling will have a quick and impact on us as we don’t have to imagine things as audience while watching on screen, reading a book is quite opposite to it. Films are emotion for me I don’t watch them just to get entertained, I learn so many things(like how to tell stories visually, Somewhat film making). I can’t say any particular film because there are many, But directors, Puri jagannath Sir’s writing, especially the way he designs a character and his dialogues, I wish I can write like him.
The Literature Times: This is your second novel after Kindred. How has your writing evolved from your first book to this one?
Sanket Hangirgekar: As it was my first novel, I didn’t have any clue about how to write properly(No proper guidance), the character development and scene detailing. My English was also weak so I made some mistakes which I realized after reading it and made sure that this time those should not be repeated so definitely there will be a difference if you compare both now but I can’t say this will be perfect because I feel it’s a process and I’m still learning.
The Literature Times: If Rust Rajini were to be adapted into a movie, who would you dream cast as Rajini and his uncle?
Sanket Hangirgekar: I didn’t think about it but if it is adapted into a movie, I would like to see Dhanush sir playing Rajini’s character and SJ Surya sir as his uncle. It will be interesting to see the faceoff onscreen.
The Literature Times: What message or emotion do you hope readers carry with them after finishing Rust Rajini?
Sanket Hangirgekar: Message, I don’t think so. I mean there will be number of things which they can take with them after reading. But I believe that the reader should feel the emotions at the same time should enjoy reading. When it comes to ‘Rust Rajini’, the reader will feel more like watching a film. Because of the ‘Filmy style’ treatment.
