'Ra.One' co-writer Kanika Dhillon upbeat about upcoming book

Being a part of Bollywood is naturally something that one would get excited about. The drama that surrounds the opening day of the film is an experience that can get the adrenaline rushing for sure. Experiencing just the feeling is scriptwriter of Ra.One — Kanika Dhillon. Though, the rush she is feeling has more to do with the upcoming release of her debut novel — Ducking is a Fish.

This 28-year-old, who gave up a plush job in order to pursue her dream of working with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, says,  “The novel traces the journey of small-towner, Neki Brar, who like countless other star-struck people, leaves her MNC job and goes to Mumbai to make it big in the film industry. Whether she achieves her goal or not is for you to read and find out.”

While the protagonist of her novel does sound a bit like herself, Kanika insists, “It’s not about me at all. However, my interaction with film personalities has definitely found its way through a few characters.” The writer began her career in films by assisting on movies like Billu and Om Shanthi Om. In fact, she adds, that director Farah Khan has made her way into the book as there is a character that is quite like her. And what about Shah Rukh Khan, we ask. “He comes as Shah Rukh himself. His life story is a fable. He has inspired a lot of youngsters in several ways and made Bollywood dreams possible for a lot of them,” says Kanika, who add that Shah Rukh will be launching her book as well.

Books apart, co-writing Ra.One is also keeping the author busy. “Though I can’t divulge much information about the film, I must say that it’s been a fantastic experience working for the film. It’s a big learning platform for me as I got educated in every stage of its making,” she informs.

So, do deadlines and pressures bother her? “Initially, the pressure used to get to me. The first thing I learnt in Bollywood is stress management. Now, I am accustomed to it, so much so that I love to work under pressure,” she gushes.