‘I don’t have a strategy, I take it as it comes’: Durjoy Datta on modern-day relationships, parenting, and writing

Known for intricate tales of love and relationships, Datta brings a refreshing, unique perspective to the complexities of modern-day connections.

About this, he said, “We live in a time of instant gratification, but love requires effort. Staying and fixing things builds resilience and understanding, which are invaluable,” in an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com.

Datta also talks about his early inspirations, balancing fatherhood with a demanding writing career, and what lies ahead in his evolving repertoire.

Edited excerpts below:

Q: You started writing at 21. What inspired you initially? Was there a defining moment or story that set you on this path?

Durjoy Datta: Writing started as a way to process the world around me, and maybe, to get some attention. At 21, life felt chaotic yet full of possibilities, and I was arrogant enough to think my experiences were worth sharing. While there wasn’t one defining moment, I was inspired by authentic stories on blogs. I reached out to some of them, and then they read my blogs and encouraged me to write a book––and I took their advice seriously.

Q: How does writing for television differ from novels in shaping characters and plots?

Durjoy Datta: Writing for television taught me precision and pacing. In novels, I can deeply explore a character’s inner world, but TV requires scenes that deliver immediate impact. Each scene must propel the story forward while holding the audience’s attention and meeting constraints like budgets and time. Balancing nuance with brevity is a unique challenge, but it has made me a more dynamic writer.

Q: How has fatherhood changed your writing process, and how do you balance writing with parenting?

(Photo credit: X/@@durjoydatta)

Durjoy Datta: Parenting redefined my writing process. It’s no longer about waiting for inspiration; there’s just no time. It’s about stealing moments. I write in bursts—early mornings, late nights, or during nap times—and have to forget waiting for the perfect time to write. It’s challenging for sure, but then when I started writing in college, it was the same thing: writing between classes, during lunch breaks, in canteens, and so on.

Q. How do you balance work and family life?

Durjoy Datta: I would be lying if I said I maintain a balance. Sometimes it’s all out of whack, and it’s fine, to be honest. Parenting is a lot of responsibility, but it’s a lot of fun as well. So most of the time, I’m distracting myself intentionally and running around with my kids. I don’t have a strategy as of now: I don’t think you can have one with two kids with considerable age gaps, different viruses they catch, and different time schedules. I take it as it comes.

Q: How have the themes of complex relationships in your books influenced your understanding of love and personal growth?

Durjoy Datta: Writing about relationships has taught me that love is as much about understanding as it is about compromise. Growth often comes from confronting uncomfortable truths—about yourself, your partner, and the dynamics you share. It’s an ongoing journey, one that requires vulnerability, patience, and an acceptance of imperfections.

Q: Your book World’s Worst Best Girlfriend mentions it’s easier to walk away than fix things. How do you see this trend in modern relationships?

Durjoy Datta: We live in a time of instant gratification and endless options. The idea of working through something difficult often feels daunting. But the truth is, every relationship (that’s worth saving) requires effort. Staying and fixing things doesn’t guarantee success, but it does build resilience and understanding, which are invaluable. Having said that, I think it’s awesome that people who get into relationships have a larger vocabulary to define what they are going through. And that they do have escape routes is also a positive sign. I think the answer lies somewhere in between; to recognise what’s worth fighting for.

Q: In a crowded romance fiction space, how do you keep your stories fresh?

Durjoy Datta: I focus on the human experience—those small, messy details that make love real. Trends may change, but emotions remain universal. Observing evolving relationships and staying true to my voice help me write stories that resonate.

Q: What can readers expect from you next? Are there themes or genres you’re excited to explore?

Durjoy Datta: I love writing romance with drama, but I’m also looking to explore more thrillers. I’ve written just one, but I want to write more. The thriller genre offers a different kind of excitement and challenge that I’m eager to explore further.

Q: What advice would you give young writers who admire your work?

Durjoy Datta: Write fearlessly and authentically. Don’t chase trends––focus on telling stories that matter to you. Be disciplined—it’s not always about inspiration but about showing up every day. Every writer’s journey is unique. Keep learning, read a lot, don’t be disappointed if your first book’s not published, and never lose your love for storytelling.