Interview with Jasveer Singh Dangi
Author of The Incredible Mr Sweets: The coming-of-age story of an ex-con who finds his calling in life through music
Jasveer Singh Dangi embodies a diverse tapestry of talents—author, podcast host, behavioral trainer, and esteemed health and safety professional hailing from Canada. What began as an unforeseen journey into writing in 2018 with his poignant childhood memoir, Version One and a Half (Version 1 ½), swiftly burgeoned into a prolific career marked by nine published books and two collaborative works.
He recently started his journey in the world of cinema as a Producer of a short film titled ‘Yes Sir’. The film, themed around caste bias, has been exceptionally well-received and featured in over twenty film festivals worldwide. It was third runner-up at the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (DPIFF), 2024, in the Best Short Film category.
Despite his self-professed label as an accidental author, Jasveer’s literary prowess has garnered widespread acclaim, punctuated by a string of accolades and recognition.
- His magnum opus, The Hunter Genesis – Book 1, found its place among the coveted list of summer must-reads by esteemed platforms like ANI Asia, Jio News, and Zee5.
- He was featured in the list of Top 19 most unique writers of 2023 by INKZOID Foundation.
- He was recognized as the author of the Year in Fiction and Non-Fiction category by Ukiyoto Publishing for his book Ensemble – A collection of short stories and essays.
- Hailed as one of the 10 Indian Authors Redefining Modern Literature by Kathmandu Tribune in January, 2020.
- He was recognized by Ne8X with Sahitya Kosh Samman Award in Literature.
- In 2019, Literature Light recognized him as one of the top 100 debut authors for his debut book, Version One and a Half (Version 1 ½).
- He was named as the ‘Author of the Fest’ at the Writing Wizards Fest 2020 for his book, Double One Zero (110) - Out of the shadows. The Writing Wizards Fest is an initiative by The Twilight of Poem (www. twilightofpoem.in).
Beyond the realms of writing, he’s earned commendations for his contributions to health and safety training, further cementing his multifaceted expertise. In 2018, he was awarded by IISSM for his contributions towards the Health and Safety Training domain.
Jasveer loves the outdoors and is a big movie buff, which is quite evident given the use of quotes and songs from movies at strategic places in all his books. He is an avid observer of his surroundings and uses characters and instances from everyday situations for his stories. His works include:
- The Hunter Genesis - Whatever it is, wherever it is, he will find it (Book 1 of the Hunter series),
- The Essence of Ganga – The Story of Mandakini,
- Ensemble – A collection of short stories and essays,
- The Incredible Mr. Sweets – A coming-of-age story of an ex-con who finds his calling in life through music,
- Shahenshah – The story of Shrenik Shah, the cancer conqueror,
- The Metro-Maniac Chronicles - Through the eyes of an Obsessive-Compulsive Metro-Maniac,
- Double One Zero (110) – Out of the Shadows,
- Diary from Heaven - Confessions of an Eternal Junkie,
- Version One and a Half (Version 1 ½) - A glimpse of India in the ‘80s,
- Concealed Words (Co-Author), and
- Life – A culmination of stories (Co-Author).
He also shares his thoughts on www.storymirror.com, www. medium.com, www.merrative.com, #jasveersinghdangi (Instagram, Linkedin and Facebook). His podcast is available on his website - www.jasveersinghdangi.com, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Spotify.
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How would you describe The Incredible Mr Sweets to a new reader?
- Its about making the most of second chances in life. ‘The Incredible Mr Sweets’ is the coming-of-age story that chronicles an ex-con’s journey to becoming a singing star. ‘The Incredible Mr Sweets’ also highlights the identity crisis faced by immigrant’s children born in Canada.
What was the inspiration behind The Incredible Mr Sweets ?
- The effects of lockdown are not even closer to what a prisoner feels while being incarcerated for a long time in prison, but lockdown gave me the idea for this book. Though the never-ending lockdown for me, starting in India and then in Canada, has been uncomfortable, it is necessary to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The lockdown got me thinking about the psychology of a prisoner who has been in prison forever and the mix of emotions he would experience after being released. This ideation led me to ‘The Incredible Mr Sweets’.
Which authors do you admire? How have they influenced your writing style?
- Chetan Bhagat & Roald Dahn. Before I started writing I had never read any books apart from textbooks. These 2 have been my motivation because I have only read their books till now. I use my everyday experiences to write books.
Can you tell us a little about the locations in your book?
- I have recently moved to Canada and Toronto is where I plan to settle down. Its a vibrant city & I love every bit of it. The story is based in and around Toronto.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
- Take that first step. Most authors are scared about the reviews but remember, if you don't publish it you would never know. So, take the first step and get your story ready for publishing.
What's your writing process?
- My writing process is very erratic & I can get ideas anytime and anywhere. I don't have a particular area or office for writing. I can write anywhere. I observe my surroundings very closely & I use a lot of real life situations & characters in my stories.
Which character in The Incredible Mr Sweets has had the greatest impact on readers?
- The Incredible Mr Sweets is is all about Jasmeet John Sweets Russo & his determination to make something out of his second chance after he comes out of prison. When I visualize John, I see a determined old man who will never give up.
If The Incredible Mr Sweets were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye when you wrote him/her?
- A seasoned actor of Indian or Pakistani origin actor who can speak English, Hindi & Punjabi
How have readers responded to The Incredible Mr Sweets?
- The title is yet to be released. It will be available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Boble, Kobo, Apple IBooks & The Suman Publication (India)
Where next? What are you working on now?
- I am working on a collection of short stories and essays titled, Ensemble
