Unveiling 'The Black Orphan': A Thrilling Blend of Romance, Intrigue, and Action

S.Hussain Zaidi, India's No. 1 crime writer, delves into the fascinating journey behind his latest novel, "The Black Orphan." Known for his gripping narratives and meticulous attention to detail, Zaidi shares the genesis of the book, which originated from a casual conversation with friends and quickly evolved into a compelling story he couldn't abandon.

- Pria Raiyani and Swapna Peri

In an exclusive interview with Storizen Magazine, he explains the title's natural emergence and credits the evocative cover to the expertise of his publishers. Blending romance, intrigue, and action, Zaidi aims to captivate readers by weaving a multifaceted tale centered around DIG Ajay Rajvardhan and lawyer Asiya Khan, who navigate a labyrinth of terrorism charges and a serial killer on the loose. In discussing his creative process, Zaidi emphasizes the importance of engaging storytelling and maintaining narrative momentum, all while grounding his fiction in the rich, real-life landscape of Mumbai. This interview offers a deep dive into Zaidi's creative mind, revealing the intricate layers that make "The Black Orphan" a must-read.

Could you take us through the genesis of "The Black Orphan," including the idea behind the title, the cover, and the plot?

The plot was born out of a conversation with two very close friends. It began as a very vague idea but I wasn’t able to leave it alone. Soon, I had the skeleton of a plot in my head, which I bounced off the two friends. They loved it, and after that, you couldn’t have stopped me if you had tried.

The title suggested itself somewhere down the line. I always prefer to have multiple options for a title but there is always that one title that jumps out. Black Orphan was that one title. As for the cover, I did what I always do; I left it in the hands of better minds than mine. The publishers did full justice to it, just as I knew it would.

"The Black Orphan," is an interesting combination of romance, intrigue, and action, resulting in a multidimensional story that captivates readers. How did you weave romance, intrigue, and action into "The Black Orphan" to create a compelling story?