“Writing started as a vent, but I realised I had stories worth telling.”
When we sat down to talk to Gurwinder Lotay, the debut author of Ishq De Satt Mukaam, we expected a classic love story. What we got instead was a heartfelt conversation about literature, films, writing out of frustration, and how sometimes, stories find you.
The author of Ishq De Satt Mukaam shares the inspiration behind the novel, the winding road to publication, and why writing in Punjabi is an act of love more than livelihood.
1. Tell us about your book, Ishq De Satt Mukaam. Was it inspired by a personal experience?
Ishq De Satt Mukaam is essentially a love story—one that travels through the seven stages of love: attraction, attachment, love, trust, worship, madness, and end. While it’s not directly based on a personal experience, it is rooted in something I witnessed in my teenage years. I used to take tuition classes from my friend’s cousin—a Chartered Accountant (CA).
During those sessions, we discussed everything except studies: literature, films, music. That’s where I came across a story that never left me. One of their mutual friends, also a CA student, fell in love with a girl in Chandigarh. They dated for a while, but once he cleared his exams and got a more “suitable” match—another CA-he chose career and family expectations over love. The girl was devastated. She turned to alcohol and drugs, much like a modern-day, female Devdas.
Eventually, her parents stepped in and took her back to Guwahati. That haunting transformation stayed with me. My novel is a fictional retelling inspired by that incident—and yes, by Sarat Chandra’s Devdas. Only this time, Devdas is a woman.
2. What’s your idea of Ishq?
For me, Ishq is not something I’ve experienced in some grand, life-altering way. But through cinema and romantic songs, I’ve always felt its magic. Ishq is a feeling that takes you to another world—it’s escapism, it’s beauty, and it’s timeless.
3. How long did it take you to write the book?
The seed was planted years ago when I heard that story. But when I finally sat down to write, it took me just two months to complete the manuscript. Publishing, however, was another story altogether. Proofreading and other formalities delayed the release. After submitting it to the publisher, it took over a year and a half for it to finally see the light of day
4. Tell us a bit about yourself. What’s your background?
I was born and raised in Ludhiana. I studied there too—an arts graduate and an MBA dropout. Along the way, I picked up a diploma in Advertising and Sales Management, and completed some technical courses like Mechanical Engineering and AutoCAD. I come from a business family—we’ve been in the iron casting business for years, manufacturing rotary pumps, sewing machines and now, auto tools. We also operate weighbridges in Ludhiana.
5. With no formal background in writing, what pushed you to publish a book?
Frustration, to be honest. I had written this story as a film script, but it kept getting rejected. I’ve always been drawn to cinema and wanted to become a film director. But life had other plans—once I joined the family business, those dreams were shelved. Still, I never stopped writing—poems, songs, articles, stories—you name it. Professionally, my writing journey began about 7–8 years ago with GhaintPunjab. Since then, I’ve written a short Hindi film for MX Player and a Punjabi web series, both directed by Rajdeep Singh.
So, writing a book was on my bucket list. And since the script was already there, I decided—why not turn it into a novel?
6. Is writing now a passion, or are you planning to pursue it professionally?
Writing is my passion. But practically speaking, it’s not financially viable, especially in Punjabi. Most new writers end up investing from their own pockets. I will continue my business, but if my book opens doors for me as a film scriptwriter, I’d love that. I have several stories in my head, and I want to see them either in print or on screen.
To all budding writers: keep your passion alive, but have a fallback—be it a job or a business. Even well-known Hindi screenwriters are struggling for consistency; many are surviving through ad projects.
7. Which authors do you admire?
In Punjabi literature, I’ve read Nanak Singh, Amrita Pritam, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, and Jaswant Singh Kanwal. I’m also discovering legends like Ram Sarup Ankhi, Dalip Kaur Tiwana, and Balwant Gargi. In Hindi, I admire Premchand and Satya Vyas, whose contemporary take on fiction is brilliant. I also enjoy Minakshi Chaudhary and Ravinder Singh’s work in English. But above all, Gulzar Saab remains my all-time favorite—his words are pure cinematic poetry.
8. With social media dominating our time, do you think reading is dying out?
Social media is addictive—I won’t deny that. But it hasn’t stopped me from reading, and I know several young readers who still enjoy books. That said, I do think youngsters are leaning more towards English books rather than reading in their mother tongue. Perhaps starting community book clubs could help revive the culture of reading, especially in regional languages.
“In my version, Devdas is a woman
—fragile, furious, and forgotten.”
9. E-books vs. physical copies—your preference?
Physical books, always. There’s something magical about holding a book, flipping through its pages, scribbling notes. I’ve tried e-books, but they just don’t engage me the same way. Plus, having a physical book feels like you own a piece of someone’s soul—and you can pass that on to someone else too.
10. Your top book recommendations for new readers?
Tough one! But I’ll name five:Raavi Paar by Gulzar – A brilliant collection of short stories. I’ve revisited it multiple times. Healed by Manisha Koirala – A powerful memoir of courage during her battle with cancer. Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles – Great for beginners, also available in Punjabi. Ghost Stories of Shimla Hills by Minakshi Chaudhary – For lovers of mystery and the supernatural.
And of course, Ishq De Satt Mukaam – my humble contribution to the world of fiction (laughs).
11. Any message for our readers?
Be kind to yourself. If you’ve missed your dreams once, don’t hesitate to chase them again. But never hurt anyone in the process. And most importantly—read books. Maybe start with Ishq De Satt Mukaam, available now on Amazon!
