It is known that you prefer solitude — has winning the 2014 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature intruded upon that in any way? And what are the positive aspects of winning such a prize which stand out for you?
The positive aspects of winning the DSC prize could well be far-reaching. For years, only a relatively small group of friends and fans have kept up with everything I’ve written. My own output has suffered at times from having to work at other part-time jobs… So far there’s been only this one edition of Chronicle of A Corpse Bearer. And only one translation of the novel, into Italian, published by Metropoli d’Asia, who also translated my first novel. I hope that all the publicity this prize has given my book will ensure other editions and translations into other languages.
‘Reclusive, reticent’ is one of those catch-phrases journalists have snapped up and strung around my neck. It makes me sound much more misanthropic than I actually am. I love people. I love being with friends. I just don’t enjoy being with them at large and loud parties — any more. Bombay was a lovely place to grow up in during the ’60s and ’70’s. Now it’s one wild party that has grown too large and chaotic for me. I prefer to live in Kodaikanal whenever I can be away.

Author Cyrus Mistry. Pic Courtesy/Judy Misquitta