Jignesh Ashar, a former banker with ANZ Grindlays Bank and HSBC, made a captivating entry into the literary world with his debut novels, "Insomnia" and "A Brutal Hand," in 2020. However, it was his skill in crafting fast-paced thrillers that truly set him apart. Renowned for seamlessly blending real events and personalities into his narratives, Ashar has become a distinguished figure in the realm of suspenseful storytelling.
In addition to his novels, Ashar has earned accolades for his award-winning short stories, including "The Wait is Killing," "Make(up) in India," and "Duel." His storytelling prowess has garnered attention for its ability to captivate readers with gripping plots and unexpected twists.
Despite his literary success, Jignesh Ashar maintains a diverse professional portfolio. Currently consulting with the World Bank and Execuzen, a leadership consulting firm, Ashar brings a wealth of experience to his writing, drawing from his background in the banking sector and his engagement with international organizations.
Ashar's latest work, "The Cabinet Conspiracy," is a political thriller that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around Prime Minister Mahendra Doshi's shocking announcement to his cabinet—he will not seek re-election after two successful terms. Instead, he nominates a surprise candidate for the position, leading to turmoil within the cabinet, especially among those dubbed as the Serpent.
Doshi's geopolitical achievements, particularly in thwarting China's ambitions to use Indian territory for its Belt & Road Initiative, make him a significant obstacle to China's aspirations of global superpower status. The Serpent, a faction within Doshi's cabinet, seeks to further China's plans, viewing the prime minister as an obstacle that must be removed.
Enter international assassin "M," inching closer to her target while Inspector Anant Kulkarni is assigned the task of thwarting her plans. Unbeknownst to Anant, M has orchestrated a double strike. The novel weaves a suspenseful narrative, encapsulating the race against time to foil an assassination plot and unveil the identity of the true enemy lurking in close quarters.
"The Cabinet Conspiracy" promises to deliver a compelling blend of political intrigue, international espionage, and the timeless struggle between power and morality. With Ashar's penchant for crafting intricate plots and dynamic characters, readers can anticipate a gripping and thought-provoking journey through the pages of this suspenseful novel.
1. Can you share the inspiration behind your novel "The Cabinet Conspiracy"? What prompted you to explore the theme of political intrigue and assassination in this particular story?
>I have always wanted to write an international political thriller. I remember vividly it was in April 2018 when the idea for "The Cabinet Conspiracy" came to me. I was in Indonesia on work, and one weekend, I was reading a special report in the New York Times about the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). Until then, while I had heard about China's BRI, I had no idea about the scale at which it was being planned and developed. It blew me away! Interestingly, the report also spoke about how some poor countries were struggling to repay the infrastructure loan that China had extended to the nation for the BRI; and in return, China got access/ownership of critical assets like ports, etc. in these countries. And then I read about India's stand on the BRI - we had not only refused to participate in it, but we had vehemently opposed it at international forums. And India being a critical link in the Silk Route (as the BRI is also referred to), I wondered as to how far China could go to get India to sign up. And this is where the plot started developing in my mind. That's where fiction took over from facts; and I wrote this story, where China, with help from an insider in the Indian prime minister's cabinet, plans the PM's assassination.
2. Your background includes a career in banking with ANZ Grindlays Bank and HSBC. How did your experiences in the financial sector influence or contribute to your writing, especially in the context of a political thriller like "The Cabinet Conspiracy"?
>My work has provided me with a lot of exposure to other countries, people, how they think, work, etc. Interacting with people across geographies also gave me some insight and interesting anecdotes, which I have built on in the story. When you read the book, you will find certain workings of the financial world that play a key role in taking the story forward. But by and large, this is not a financial crime thriller, but a political one. For a book that delves deep into the dark world of financial crime, you will have to wait for my next book.
3. "The Cabinet Conspiracy" is described as a political thriller that blends real events and personalities. Could you elaborate on how you approached the incorporation of real-world elements into your fiction, and why you chose this approach?
>We often say that fact is stranger than fiction. And some of the real events that have transpired and real-life characters who have been responsible for those events have truly fascinated me. So I thought, can I write a story that weaves real life characters and events seamlessly into a fictional narrative? And while it took me some time to bring these together, I am very happy with the way the book finally shaped up. Not to give away too much, I have incorporated real incidents such as the killing of Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London, the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi in a consulate in Istanbul, etc. in the main story of "The Cabinet Conspiracy". A very interesting part woven into the story is of the 'chocolate-bomb', which, incidentally, was conceived, but aborted, by the Nazis to kill Winston Churchill. Of course, the BRI is real and is a crucial plot-point.
4. Prime Minister Mahendra Doshi's decision not to contest the upcoming elections and the nomination of a surprise candidate form a central plot point in your book. What inspired this particular political twist, and how did you develop the character dynamics within the cabinet?
>So, the starting point in the plot is that China wants a willing politician in the top job in India, who will sign the BRI. Prime minister Mahendra Doshi is not going to do it. His chosen successor may also not do it - most likely, I would say. So, who does China go after - the PM or the PM-designate? Within Doshi's cabinet, China finds the ultimate insider - the Serpent.
Also, the dynamics of the core cabinet are very relatable and familiar, as you will realise when you read the book. But why Doshi opts out of the office is something you will have to find out in "The Cabinet Conspiracy".
5. The novel involves thwarting China's ambition to use Indian territory for its Belt & Road Initiative. How did you research and integrate geopolitical elements into your narrative, and what challenges did you face in depicting real-world political tensions in a fictional context?
>It took me a long time to complete the book as it involved a lot of research, mostly secondary. But because the topic is internationally volatile, I had to verify and re-verify my findings to ensure I present an accurate picture to the readers. I also used my network to speak with a few people across geographies to get their view on what I was trying to depict. For example, the rise of 'Khorgos', a city in China bordering Kazakhstan. It is expected to be a huge player in global economics in a few years, but not many have heard of it; in fact I discovered it when I read about BRI for the first time.
Then, of course, I had to extend some commonly known geopolitical tensions through their natural course so that the story seems plausible.
6. The character known as "the Serpent" is portrayed as a willing insider and co-conspirator for China. What motivated you to create such a character, and what challenges did you encounter while developing this antagonist?
>Yes, the Serpent is a key character in the book. It is the Serpent's motivations that drive the story actually. For an international power to successfully oust/kill the prime minister of another country, there has to be inside help from someone way up. It's not possible without that.
In "The Cabinet Conspiracy", the main plot-point is triggered when the Serpent is overlooked for the top job - that's the motivation. And China's need for India to sign the BRI - that's the opportunity. Getting these two to meet was critical.
The main challenge was to make this character operate behind the scenes, yet create a ruthless antagonist. Someone who masterminds the assassination of the prime minister of the country. And also the climax, because not all stories end with the good guys winning. But what happens in my book, you will have to read to find out. Interestingly, the working title of this book was "The Strike of the Serpent".
7. The protagonist, Inspector Anant Kulkarni, is tasked with thwarting an international assassin's plans. How did you go about crafting the character of Inspector Kulkarni, and what role does he play in the race against time to foil the assassination plan?
>Anant is a complex character; not morally, but he is fighting his own demons. He toggles constantly between his profession, which he loves by the way, and he gives his all to catch the killer. But he is also trying to balance his very delicate personal life. So, I needed to write Anant's character in a very humane manner, exposing his frailties and yet make the reader believe that Anant is the right man for the job to thwart the assassination attempt.
His relationship with his trusted lieutenant, Ashraf Siddique, is a highpoint in the book.
8. The description mentions that the international assassin, M, has planned a double strike. Without giving away spoilers, can you discuss the challenges you faced in developing this layered and complex plot element?
>I think I have alluded to two key themes in my teasers, which are the 'deadly strikes'. One, of course is the "assassination of a high profile Indian leader". And the second is something - to be honest, as a runner myself - I am also fearful of, which is a terror attack during a marathon. There have been books and movies about such attacks in football, baseball, cricket, etc. but imagine where tens of thousands of hapless runners are on an isolated stretch of road. Scary, isn't it? Here, I have woven another real development into the story, wherein the Mumbai marathon is happening on the Mumbai Coastal Road on the day of its inauguration. There was a terror attack at the Boston marathon in 2013, and it still remains a very vulnerable public event.
To bring these two elements together was very interesting. It had to be believable, be an organic part of the story and in terms of timelines, it had to be simultaneous. So, building up the story towards this dual strike was very fulfilling, yet challenging.
9. Your love for writing fast-paced thrillers is evident in your body of work. How do you maintain the pacing in your novels, especially when incorporating real events and intricate plot twists?
>So, there are writers who can just start typing and the story flows. But I am probably at the other end of the spectrum. I first form the plot in my head, then I write down the progress of the story on paper, who are the key characters, how will they interact, etc. Then divide the story into the classic three-act narrative, and break down each act into multiple 4-5 line chapter summaries.
When I write all this down, I know where to add or delete sections, ensure that no character stays out of the reader's mind for long, and that every chapter plays out like a movie scene for the reader. So, it's a very iterative process I follow to ensure my stories are paced well and are importantly, consistent. Because every good story needs to have its own 'sur' or rhythm, and one cannot break that for the reader.
10. As a consultant with the World Bank and Execuzen, how do you balance your professional commitments with your passion for writing? Additionally, do you find any parallels or influences from your consulting work in your approach to crafting suspenseful novels?
>After being in the corporate race for 22+ years, I decided in 2018 that I need to do something more in life. Hence, I chose a career path that gives me professional fulfilment, but at the same time, gives me time and flexibility to pursue my passion, which is writing.
A lot of my 'writing', or resolution of blocks, or coming up with new ideas also happens when I am running. And thankfully, I do not need a specific setting, a particular desk, or a certain time of day, etc. to write. I can write anywhere and at anytime - which, I think is a blessing.
In terms of balancing work-life-passion, it is up to us, to be honest. One can always find the time if one is passionate enough. Ultimately, when I sign out and meet my creator and I am asked, "What did you do with all the talent I gave you?", I want to hold my head high and say, "I used it all."
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