Ayn Rand’s book encouraged me to take up writing: Shivraaj Gorle

Shivraaj Gorle’s bestseller ‘Majet Jagava Kasa’ was published in 2006 when motivational writing was a rare concept in Marathi. He also has to his credit the first audiobook in Marathi ‘Nag ani Namune’. The author, who will turn 60 on November 1, has many new projects in line. Despite writing screenplays for Marathi films, TV serials and plays, Gorle finds books are the best medium to reach out to people. DNA spoke to the author about his journey so far.

What inspired you to quit Kirloskar company and take up writing?
I went the conventional way and did my post graduation in Economics. Then I completed MBA. I took up the job at Kirloskar Consultants because in those days no one would dare take up writing as a career. I had been writing for magazines since student days and realised that writing gives me more pleasure than anything else. It was Ayn Rand’s book The Fountainhead that changed my life. Her message, success follows if you do what you enjoy, motivated me to quit the job. And it proved to be a good decision. I wrote the book, Kuryat Sada Tingalam, which became very popular. Then there was no looking back.

How did you get into motivational writing?
After Kuryat Sada Tingalam, I wrote suspense comedy Golmaal and other plays like Buland and Bhanda Soukhyabhare. I then got an offer to write the screenplay for Marathi movie, Thartharaat. But Ayn Rand’s philosophy, no one has the right to be unhappy, inspired me to write Majet Jagava Kasa. To be content, all you need to do is sort your thoughts about what makes you happy and direct your actions accordingly. The book struck the right note. In nine days, 2,000 copies were sold. Letters started pouring in from readers about how the book changed their lives. At that point of time, there were no motivational books in Marathi. It was followed by Mast Rahava Kasa and Yashasvi Vyava Kas. Now, I conduct an orientation programme named ‘Majet Jagava Kasa’. The secret of how to live a happy and successful life is told by the saints and philosophers. I just simplify their teachings for people.

You have made your mark as a motivational writer. What next?
I have completed 25 years of career in writing. I will soon be 60. I want to leave a mark behind for the world to remember me. We will be launching a website soon. Sharing life-changing experiences can change lives of many other people so I wish to encourage networking of my readers by starting ‘Majet Parivar Club’. I also intend to propagate entrepreneurship among the Marathi youngsters. The protagonist in my novel Durangi, which will be released on November 1 along with nine other books, is an entrepreneur.