Nikhila Chalamalasetty is an Indian author of motivational and fiction genre. She is also a blogger and motivational speaker. Her journey as a writer started with blogging. Her debut book ‘The day I started flying’ gained a lot of appreciation. She even got an appreciation message from Alia Bhatt for her courage, determination, and a life-affirming attitude.
She is an inspirational personality, who never let her disability diminish her sparkle, and always believed that “what mind can conceive and believe then we can always achieve”.Nikhila never says die attitude has taken the cues from the world around her to clearly paint a self-portrait of her in her own colour to make the world accept her as she is.
Her goals in life are – to inspire people and be happy.
The insightful and candid talk with Ms.Nikhila Chalamalasetty about her journey and her life…
1. Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age, Where are you from, your hobbies etc.?
Hi, I’m Nikhila Chalamalasetty. I’m from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. I was born, brought up, and studied there. I’m 25 years old, 93’ born. I started off as a blogger at Nikki’s talk and later turned into an author and published my first book ‘The day I started flying.’ My hobbies are, um, I sing and I also make a lot of DIY stuff.
2. A little about yourself (i.e., your education, family life, etc.)
My father, Prasad Babu, is a pulmonologist, a mom, a homemaker. And my younger brother, Akhil is pursuing his master’s in cloud computing technology in Chennai. I’m fortunate to have them; they are my strongest pillars of support. Coming to my education, I did B.com in taxation; I also did ICWA. When I was in the final stages of ICWA, I took a turn as a blogger, luckily.
3. Tell us your debut book.
The day I started flying, my first book, it’s very close to my heart. Not only because it’s my first book, but also I happen to write my own story. It happens with a very few people, and I’m glad I got one such rare opportunities.
4. When and why did you begin writing?
Being a writer had never been a part of my plan. But I’m just glad it happened. I started a blog called Nikki’s talk back in 2017, and things started changing thereafter. At first, it was just a hobby, but eventually, I started full-time blogging.
5. When had you first considered yourself a writer?
Never. I never considered I have the potential of being a writer. But then things I’ve least expected happened, and I didn’t step back. That’s all I did have all these amazing things in my life. And once I’ve come into this most unconventional path, I’ve put in all my efforts to do it the right way. So, this is kind of like learning on the job for me.
6. What inspired you to write your first book?
When Nikhil Chandwani told me I should write a book, I have that potential, I thought really hard, and I didn’t want to lose this chance. I wanted to give my best. I have no idea what to write, but it struck me that why not I write my own story. Even after I’ve decided, I was quite sceptical if I really want to share a slice of my life with a larger audience, but I’ve made up my mind. If my story could inspire at least a few souls, then why not.
7. How did you come up with the title?
I’ve pondered several titles, but this one seemed apt for my story. I’m 25 now, and if I had to divide my life into two parts, there’s before becoming an author and after. And to reach that day, I’ve travelled a long way. And while narrating my journey, I’ve mentioned that one particular day, actually a decision, that made me fly to this point. That made me realize what I’m capable of, that made me what I am today. Everything is linked. So, that’s how I came up with this title, “The Day I Started Flying.”
8. Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
I only try to write in a language that’s understandable by everyone, free from any complex vocabulary, so that the reach would be more. And as far as the style is concerned, I heard from many that my writing is more like a talk between two friends. People find it very relatable. And I have felt that too.
9. How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Everything that’s written in this book is totally based on real-life experiences, my life. I’ve written every incident, both positive and negative, that made a considerable impact on me in shaping into a person that I am today.
10. Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, I wanted to tell people that life gives everybody a chance. We can do nothing but wait and preparing ourselves for the ultimate goal. But when that once in a lifetime opportunity comes your way, you shouldn’t step back. You shouldn’t be saying “this is not what I was preparing for”. Life always surprises you. You must be ready to tackle things even that if that comes out of the syllabus. That’s how you’ll prove yourself. You build the attitude, not the situations.
11. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favourite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
Every up and coming author grasps my interest. Before becoming an author I never really put a thought into the hard work a writer goes through, but after becoming one, I really understood how much effort it takes to get one book published. And I have not one favourite author, I read if the subject of the book grasps my interest.
12. Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to becoming a published author.
Nikhil Chandwani, he’s the one who believed that I could write a book, even before I did. There’s never been a day that I didn’t thank my stars for having our paths crossed. I always wanted to something really big, but I have no clue. He gave me the direction. Thanks to him, I could experience all these fabulous things.
13. If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Interesting.Probably, Kiara Advani. She’s really beautiful and I think she can do it quite well. She suites well for the role.
14. Do you have a blog or website readers can visit?
Yes, I actively blog at http://www.nikkistalk.co.in
People can visit this blog to know more about me, read my articles, or to contact me.
15. Last but not the least, Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
Everyone has the potential that’s greater than what we have thought. When you try to explore your own potential, you’ll know what amazing things you are destined to have. Ergo, never believe that you are too small to achieve something.
