Navi Mumbai based Rajendar Menen, is an internationally acclaimed writer with a contribution that spans for more than four decades. He is a writer with a distinction of his own, writing about unusual human interest stories that are thought provoking and intense, creating a lasting impression on the readers.

His book "Streetside" portrays the varied facets of city life and the eccentric characters, not easy to deal with. His topics are rare and unique and his diction and expressions will really stir your heart. Being versatile, Rajendra has written about interesting topics in books like “Music Therapy”, “Vaastu Sastra”, “Feng Shui”, “Nature Cure” and much more.

In an exclusive interview with Guru Vijay Shanker, the dynamic writer talks about his projects with the government, writing about topics that are not touched by most writers, the difference and advantages of being a journalist and an independent writer and his varied experiences and most importantly his book ‘Music Therapy’.

You started your career as a journalist, when and why did you decide to become an independent writer?

Yes, I started with The Times of India in Mumbai. I was the Sports Editor of Youth Times and the yachting correspondent of the Times. I also worked in various other departments. When The Daily was started by Russy Karanjia I joined it. That was a fabulous period of great journalism. I was later the Editor of Parade and, after that, I thought it was high time to be on my own. I didn't want to work for someone all my life; I had already worked for ten years for various employers. Going to an office on time and observing protocol etc doesn't come easy to me. I wanted total freedom and yet to be able to earn a decent livelihood.

Initially did you face any difficulty in getting in touch with reputed publishers?

No difficulty at all. I never asked anyone to publish me. They contacted me. Since I was on my own I wrote for anyone and everyone as long as I was paid. I wrote under different names and must have written a few thousand articles. I also launched and edited journals for anyone who wanted my services. Word spreads and work came to me quite easily.

What instigated you to delve deep into topics like prostitution and other social taboo subjects?

We worked on typewriters those days. Technology hadn't entered India. I didn't find local politics or press conferences on even sports exciting though I covered the Asian Games yachting for global media. But that was the only real spark. The rest of the time was filled with dull reportage. I found street life exciting with an array of characters that defied the imagination. It was magical and one thing led to another. I also don't find any subject taboo. It is all a part of the circus of life. Incidentally, nearly all the customers in the red-light areas are married men. Is that why the subject is taboo?

When you write so many books, what is more difficult: the writing or the research?

The research takes a long time. For “Karma Sutra” and “Streetside”, the research took over 20 years. The writing takes only a few months.

Can you tell us about projects on AIDS and its impact on society?

The HIV/AIDS project was truly fantastic. As you know, Indian sexual mores are complicated. In a vast and diverse country like ours, it is almost impossible to contain a sexual disease and yet the government did a tremendous job. Condom use was made mandatory, brothels were sanitised, community leaders were roped in to spread the message of safe sex, intravenous drug users who were also professional blood donors were zeroed in, all blood was tested for HIV, disposable syringes were made compulsory, and so on. The crowds didn't wane in the red-light areas but, most definitely, safe sex practices were followed.

What inspired you to write books on Music therapy, Dr Jussawala's drug less healing and the benefits of Vaastu and Feng Shui?

I have ghost written over 100 books and booklets. I have used my name in some of the books you have mentioned. They just happened. I was asked if I could do it and I said yes. That's all. I am interested in a variety of subjects and so it isn't difficult to write on all sorts of topics. I enjoy music and wanted people to realise the significance of music as a therapy to cure all types of mental illness and psychosomatic diseases like blood pressure, heart disease, asthma etc. Music is refreshing and rejuvenating and can  be used in a variety of ways so that you feel completely relaxed while meditating or resting for that matter. It is definitely a stress buster and you may be surprised to know that the veteran flute maestro Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia started playing the flute to get rid of his asthma problem as advised by the doctor. Melodious music enhances your life span and well being.

Are you health conscious and do you believe in natural cure?

Oh yes, very much. I have been doing yoga for three decades and my diet focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables. I also do intermittent fasting. I use several herbs every day and always take recourse in natural therapies.

What is the difference between being a journalist and an independent writer? Which do you prefer and why?

As I told you, I yearned to be free and away from the clutches of an office schedule. I was also lucky to have gotten into the AIDS campaign as soon as I decided to be free of a regular job. I climbed many rungs overnight and became an international journalist. During the AIDS campaign which lasted several years, I worked for every international media organisation worth its salt, travelled extensively and was invited to lecture at various fora. After the initial struggle of not knowing when the paycheck would arrive, I started earning well too. I worked hard and some lucky breaks helped

Is it difficult being on your own in a big city with so many financial demands without knowing when the next paycheck will arrive?

Yes. This is the biggest challenge for a freelance writer. But it suits my personality. I don't smoke, drink, party or hang out with friends. My only interests are sports, reading, yoga and travel. When I am not travelling, I am writing. I write for ten hours a day every single day. There are no holidays. I am a solitary creature, on a solo trip. Even when I travel, I am researching and studying. People fascinate me. Human beings have tiny heads. But it is exploding with millions of thoughts. There are over 7 billion people on the planet. Imagine the cumulative noise! Just this thought blows my mind. Earlier, when I wanted to buy an apartment in Mumbai, I wrote indiscriminately under various names. Now that I am more settled, I choose my topics.

Your most memorable experience in life?

Innumerable. Very difficult to pin one down. I have had so many mindblowing encounters and escapades. Many of them are detailed in my books. But what touched me the most was when a sex worker in a brothel in Kamathipura told me that I could stay over and she would cook for me and feed me if I had no place to go. She bought her dal, rice and sabzi sleeping with customers and yet she was ready and willing to share her food and room without rancour or bitterness. I can never forget this.

What disturbs or irritates you in life?

I am in total equanimity. Nothing disturbs me. Life is just a game and everyone is playing their part. But I believe the planet has intelligence far superior to ours and it will ensure that all ends well. All the burps one sees don't disturb me one bit.

Are you happy with your international reputation as a unique writer?

I have never thought of all this. I came to Mumbai to make a living and everything just happened. I simply made the most of the circumstances that came my way. Fame, money etc mean nothing. In the face of so many variables in life, I know that I have been lucky and blessed by a higher power. I live in gratitude.

Your future plans and aspirations?

I enjoy writing and so will keep at it. I am also doing research on yoga, rudraksha beads, cow urine, herbs and alternative therapies. India has a rich legacy of alternate healing and it is high time we highlighted it and exported it to the world. I am also working on my kundalini shakti and various yogic processes.

Interviewed by Guru Vijay Shankar

Guru Vijay Shankar is a professional Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharata Natyam exponent, dance teacher, choreographer, actor and eminent arts critic for over four decades based in Mumbai.

He can be contacted on email: vijaydance@gmail.com