Join host Kiran Manral as he sits down with old friend Pankaj Dubey, a talented writer and budding director, in this episode of Chasing Creativity. Pankaj shares his fascinating journey from the small town of Chaibasa to the bustling streets of London, detailing his career in the BBC, his foray into journalism, and his transition to fiction and scriptwriting. Discover how his diverse experiences and unyielding passion for storytelling have shaped his works, including his novels and upcoming films. The conversation also delves into the nuances of writing for different mediums, the evolution of his dreams, and his optimistic views on AI's role in creative industries. Tune in for an inspiring narrative of perseverance, imagination, and the transformative power of love. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Pankaj's Early Life and Career Beginnings 02:49 Journey to Delhi and Higher Education 06:17 Transition to Media and BBC Experience 07:15 Return to India and Shift to Fiction 08:04 Film Festivals and Social Entrepreneurship 10:49 Becoming an Author and Writing Journey 16:07 Writing Process and Character Development 17:30 Crafting Stories: From Short Stories to Chapters 18:29 Screenwriting vs. Book Writing: Key Differences 18:57 Challenges of Adaptation: From Book to Screen 21:34 Collaborative Process in Screenwriting 23:03 Directing Your Own Written Work 26:55 The Power of Imagination Over Knowledge 29:02 AI and Creativity: The Human Edge 30:20 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans 31:08 Exploring the Podcast Space 32:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell