Sanjay Sanghoee is an investment banker turned gifted author of the financial thriller "Merger." Sanghoee is an MBA graduate from Columbia Business School, writer of spec episodes for "Law & Order" and "Without a Trace," in the works of developing his own TV drama "The Comission," and he is already working on a second novel, which is on its way! Can we take a moment to breathe here?

If you haven't caught on yet, it's time to get to know just who Sanjay Sanghoee is, because before you know it, he will no doubt become unreachable. We sat down with this marvel of a talent and, as if he hasn't accomplished enough, found out more than we ever expected.

Zubeida Mogul: In your novel "Merger," there are many ethnic references where characters are identified by their backgrounds, how has your ethnicity worked for and against you?
Sanjay Sanghoee: I think bringing an Indian perspective (through a major character) to a mainstream thriller has enabled me to add a unique spin to an otherwise cookie-cutter genre. I feel that I have created a story that despite some formulaic elements, defies the expectations of most readers. Being Indian was also challenging in the sense that few South Asian artists have broken into the Western mainstream and there can be a certain resistance to that in the entertainment field for a variety of non-racial reasons.

ZM: You have stepped outside the realm of typical South Asian literature. Do you feel you stepped out too far and took a risk? And in stepping outside that domain, why did you make the antagonist in the novel an Indian?
SS: I don't think that I went too far at all. In terms of risk, I firmly believe in the saying "the only risk is in not taking one." I made the Indian character the villain because villains are usually more interesting than even the protagonists. It gave me a lot of latitude to have fun and some of Vikram Suri's quirks are definitely tongue-in-cheek.

ZM: I heard you are in the midst of making a movie adaptation of "Merger," who do you think would play the perfect Vikram Suri?
SS: Me. I'm smart, I'm sexy, I'm ambitious. No, seriously though, I think there is a wide universe of talented Indian actors who can play Vikram Suri but they must have an edge. And of course if a producer really twisted my arm to play him, I think I could oblige...

"Most bankers are smart but uninteresting people and I had to break that mold."

ZM: You also have a new TV show in the works, can we expect a South Asian to play a leading role? Tell us more about your TV show.
SS: The TV drama, entitled "THE COMMISSION", is a fast-paced law-enforcement show about corporate crime and is currently being reviewed at a major network. It actually does not have any South Asian characters and that too was deliberate. Since my goal is to write mainstream thrillers and dramas, I will only bring in South Asian roles when the story supports or demands it. That way it feels organic and the characters are taken more seriously. I feel that too much of today's Indian characters in books and movies are caricatures and there only for ornamental reasons.

ZM: How was the switch from investment banker to writer? Has the latter always been your dream profession? Did you ever consider doing anything else?
SS: The switch from banker to writer was like being re-born, learning how to walk and talk all over again... It was a change in attitude, thinking style and habits. Most bankers are smart but uninteresting people and I had to break that mold. My dream profession is to be a movie director but writing is definitely an essential first step in that direction. Novels and movies are essentially different forms of the same essential story principles and ideals. I did think of being a journalist but decided that was too hard and decided to write fiction instead!

ZM: What inspired you to write Merger? Did you experience anything in your work as an investment banker to inspire you? Give us details!
SS: I wrote MERGER because I love to tell a powerful story but I was also motivated by my disgust at the crimes committed by major corporations. There is something seriously wrong with a system that throws the book at an individual for minor crimes but lets multi-billion dollar companies get away with slaps on the wrist for ruining thousands of lives. The corporate scandals that have rocked America in the past few years are symptoms of a disease that can kill our entire democratic system if we let it. On your second question, no comment!

ZM: What does your family think of your work? Were they supportive of your decision to pursue writing?
SS: My family, thank God, has been incredibly supportive of my writing. I can't imagine how I could have gotten anywhere without their continual encouragement and even prodding.

ZM: The book is full of depictions of lavish homes, expensive suits and exotic destinations. Is this a glimpse into the real life of Sanjay Sanghoee, the investment banker?
SS: I wish. MERGER is a perfect example of the saying that you shouldn't believe everything you read! But it is true, there are many successful professionals who do live such lavist lifestyles and I hope to be doing the same one day. Ask me again in five years time (smiles).

ZM: It seems you are a man of many talents, what else can we expect in the near future from you?
SS: As I said earlier, I would like to eventually direct films. In the more near term, I think you can expect more novels, TV dramas, maybe some screenplays and hopefully some Page 6-worthy scandals (laughs)!

ZM: All our hungry readers want to know, what is your favorite Desi food?
SS: Bhindi, hands down.

ZM: Interesting... now describe your ideal woman and why.
SS: Now you're taking me into dangerous territory... I think my ideal woman is probably the same as most men's - attractive, smart, personable and energetic. Beyond that, I definitely need chemistry with a woman, which is tough to find. I think that most people settle for less-than-ideal relationships because of a desire for comfort, but ultimately that's not such a good reason. If you really want something, you should go after it.

ZM: So you're a Dr. Phil in training as well, huh? Any tips for aspiring writers out there?
SS: Writing is like a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it gets. So my first tip to aspiring writers is just keep writing. Don't stop! Even if your first, or second, or third works don't get published or noticed, keep developing that muscle until you are strong enough to lift the really heavy weights. Then someone WILL notice... My second tip is that be prepared for a roller coaster ride. A writing career is an exercise in commanding chaos.

You can buy "Merger" from Amazon.com. We urge you to go out and get "Merger," it will have you reading at the edge of your seat! For more information on "Merger" and Sanjay, visit http://www.merger-novel.com.

What are you doing to expand our Culture? E-mail us to let us know.