A Cut Above

The present work too has been inspired by reality,which has been presented in the form of fiction.

“It is the cleanest book ever written and challenges the mafia that exists in the publishing industry. The book market in India has been spoiled by foreign publishers.

The Scalpel… will prove that you don’t have to write sleaze to be successful,” observes Rissam,adding that the novel will appeal to everyone.

The narrative deals with the practice of organ trade,and Rissam points out that the onus of the crime does not lie solely on the doctors. Says Rissam,“The police,administration,judiciary,all are party to the crime and encourage it. Doctors use the scalpel to take an organ out,but it might be an outcome of being pressurised. The poor are worse-affected.”

The medical thriller has four main characters: a pretty princess,a dreaded don,a noble doctor and an evil arch rival. The character of the princess,who is bold,beautiful and intelligent,seems closest to Rissam’s heart. “She has several good qualities,that I have seen in different people. I believe in the inherent goodness of human beings and every profession has good people,and a handful that are bad,and are to be blamed for giving the profession a bad name too. The dedicated doctor in the book is a whistle-blower,” says Rissam.

Why did he decide to pen a novel? “Writing involves imagination and exaggeration and if you enjoy something,you love it,” says Rissam.