Sixteen-year-old AYUSH ANSAl launched his debut novel Gentleman of Finance recently. He talks about the novel, his corporate backbround and academics

A debut novel at a young age of 16, you have a CV to boast of! Can you tell us about what Gentleman of Finance is all aboutIJ Is it inspired from any real life episodeIJ

The Gentlemen of Finance revolves around a group of bankers in England. They live in a city where the corporate world has close ties with organised crime resulting in a realistic but altered portrayal of the modern banking system. The narrative follows a group of men from the Royal Citizen’s Bank and their exploits as they aim to get ahead of their competition using any means necessary.

What is your academic backgroundIJ Was it not tough to come up with a fiction while pursuing higher studiesIJ

I am currently studying A level courses in Gordonstoun, Scotland. Before coming here I completed my IGCSEs at The British School, New Delhi. Working on a novel while managing a hectic school life comes down to organisation and time management. Writing has always been a fun pastime for me and it was therefore easy for me to blend it in with the rest of my responsibilities. I did not have to set aside special time slots where I would decidedly work on my book, it was just something that occurred to me naturally.

Coming from an illustrious corporate background, what are the ‘non-materialistic assets’ you have inheritedIJ

I feel as though I was brought up to have a strict sense of responsibility and prioritiSation embedded in me. It was always important that everything was organized down to the last detail. This has always helped me to be as productive as I can be and that is something that I consider to be critically important. In addition, I have spent a lot of time with my family where work has been discussed. This gave me an insight and a large amount of knowledge that served as the foundation for the realistic aspect of the corporate setting.

You are a guitarist, a writer, a party freak… What are the other interests you indulge inIJ

There are a variety of things that interest me. Apart from socialising and playing instruments, I enjoy watching films, reading books, keeping tabs on the latest developments in technology and attempting novice creative endeavors in different kinds of computer-based design.

This, however, is countered by growing academic pressure and responsibilities.