Spirituality and humour may not always share the same page, but Mahesh Ramchandani manages to blend them effortlessly. Known for his witty writing in popular shows like Movers and Shakers and The Great Indian Comedy Show, Mahesh brings that same light-hearted energy to his poetry collection, Very Cool Spiritual Poetry.
In a world where religion often divides rather than unites, this book invites readers to smile, reflect, and rediscover a sense of awe. We sat down with Mahesh to talk about his book, his inspirations, and his take on spirituality, all with a pinch of humour, of course.
“Hi Mahesh, I would like to thank you first for taking the time to answer all our questions. I am excited to dive into this interview, so let’s get started.”
1. What was your idea behind writing this book? Did you find inspiration from real life observations?
“Hi, pleasure is all mine, I am glad to answer all questions. To answer your questions, I have a theory. Instead of diving deep into the teachings of religion and spirituality, humans have made it a crutch for their egos. Instead of following the directions on the sign-post, humans have climbed the signpost believing it will lead them to their destination. Instead of being God-loving, we have become God-fearing, and have failed to see our universe with a sense of awe and wonder. As a result, humans have been killing each other since centuries over perceived religious differences. My book is an attempt to impart some lightness to what has become a very grim subject.”
“That’s such a striking analogy, “climbing the signpost instead of following it.” It perfectly captures how misplaced our spiritual pursuit has become.”
2. What made you choose a simple yet unique title for your book?
“Actually, `Simple is difficult’….Of course, I settled for this title in the hope it would catch the attention of readers.”
“And it certainly does! The title feels easy on the surface but promises depth, much like the poems themselves.”
3. You have quoted Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre in the blurb of your book. What stuck out about these two?
“To be is to do – Sartre
To do is to be – Camus
Do be do be do – Kishore Kumar/Sinatra
The last line is the important one….Do be do be do…..Don’t take things so seriously. Learn to have fun (without hurting anyone, of course.) “
“Trust Mahesh to bring Camus, Sartre, and Kishore Kumar into the same sentence! That last line truly sums up the vibe of your book, it is playful yet profound.”
4. If you were to suggest philosophies to our readers who are interested in books like yours, what would you suggest?
“I don’t know about philosophies… But I would most certainly recommend Osho… He’s a national treasure that has been ignored. Roads and monuments should be named after him. Unfortunately, our media, which is only interested in sensationalism and profiteering, has as usual misled the people by painting him as a sex guru, and that misconception has stuck…
Om Swami, a successful businessman who gave up everything for the spiritual life, definitely deserves to be read and followed….”
“That’s an honest and refreshing take, and a reminder to look beyond the labels society puts on spiritual figures.”
5. What is your personal favourite that shaped the way you think and write?
“Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Autobiography of a spiritually incorrect mystic by Osho
If truth be told by Om Swami”
“Quite the reading list, a perfect blend of philosophy, rebellion, and truth.”
6. Was the writing process for this book as casual and comprehensive as the book title and cover?
“It was casual… I have been writing humour, I have written comedy for television, so that light touch comes easily to me.”
“It shows! The flow feels effortless, like the words are smiling at the reader.”
7. Why did you choose to write this concept in poetry format instead of non-fiction?
“Because poetry can take leaps that words otherwise cannot.”
“That’s beautifully put”
8. Is this book a compilation of poetry you wrote through the years, or was it written in one sitting?
“Not years, not in one sitting…. in weeks, actually.”
“Sounds like creativity at its purest.”
9. How was your publishing experience? Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
“I had no intention of getting this published. Also, publishers don’t publish poetry because it is not profitable. I had reservations about self-publishing, but when a friend of mine who edits books for reputed publishing houses suggested I get it published, I decided to go ahead…”
“Sometimes the best creations come without the intent to publish, and yours feels exactly like that, honest and unforced.”
10. What are you planning for your next book? Will you be exploring this genre further venture out?
“Spirituality and spiritualists in India have turned its people into a nation of complacent, peace-loving pacifists, and as a result, we have been invaded over the centuries by others. Peace is the ultimate desirable goal, but India has to learn to defend itself. And now it is…..Sadly, this call to wake up and defend oneself is being misunderstood and labelled by many as an act of violence. But I feel it is important to maintain a balance, to have a steel fist in a velvet glove…..The Gita is a call to arms, but the call to arms was made only after three failed attempts to broker peace with the Kauravas…….I would like to write about these things someday….
There are plans for some more light-hearted stuff too, but that depends on how this book fares…”
“That sounds like a fascinating mix of introspection and realism. We’re definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next!”
Mahesh Ramchandani’s Very Cool Spiritual Poetry is not just another collection of verses, it’s a gentle nudge to laugh, question, and rediscover the lighter side of spirituality. Through humour and simplicity, Mahesh reminds us that enlightenment doesn’t always have to come with a frown, sometimes, it comes with a smile and a “Do be do be do.”
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