1. Your journey from a middle-class upbringing in Delhi to becoming an Associate Director at a leading MNC is truly inspiring. What were the key milestones that shaped your career?
My journey from a middle-income household in Delhi to where I am today has been a colorful tapestry of dreams, struggles, and unexpected achievements. I learned at a young age that success is not defined by having access to the best resources, but by resilience in the face of adversity.
Understanding that growth is rarely linear—it frequently means venturing into the unknown, even when the route ahead is uncertain—was an essential realization for me on my journey. Accepting challenges that pushed me beyond my capabilities taught me that genuine value is not found in titles or honors, but in the ability to impact and uplift those around me.
There were times of self-doubt, but each setback was an opportunity for growth, proving the belief that resilience is built through perseverance. I found that leadership entails more than just taking charge; it is about inspiring people to recognize and realize their own abilities.
The most meaningful milestone, however, was recognizing that success is evaluated not just by personal accomplishments, but also by the impact one has on the lives of others. Today, I bring this belief with me to every new project, team I lead, and task I take on. The journey continues, guided by past lessons and driven by the promise of the future.
2. The world of IT and PMO is highly analytical and structured, whereas poetry is deeply expressive and emotive. How do you balance these two seemingly contrasting worlds?
Balancing the organized domain of IT and PMO with the emotive nature of poetry is a contrast exercise that, in the end, creates harmony. IT and project management require logic, structure, and accuracy, allowing me to solve difficult challenges, simplify processes, and restore order to chaos. These disciplines provided me with a solid foundation and a logical approach to challenges.
In contrast, poetry provides me with an emotional shelter. It comes from life’s difficulties and disappointments, giving expression to feelings that transcend reasoning. While structure sharpens my analytical thinking, poetry allows me to explore deeper emotions, providing both comfort and self-expression.
Together, these seemingly opposing realms form a dynamic synergy in which structure provides clarity and creativity fosters depth. This interaction not only improves my professional skills, but also enriches my personal journey, demonstrating that logic and emotion, structure and spontaneity can coexist in a meaningful and transformative way.
3. What leadership lessons have you learned in your professional journey that have also influenced your personal growth?
Leadership, to me, has never been about titles; it is a mirror of life. Growing up in a farmer’s family in Himachal to navigating the corporate world in Delhi has been an ongoing education in perseverance, humility, and purpose.
One of the most essential lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about knowing all of the answers, but about creating an atmosphere in which the best ideas can thrive. True success, like in life, is measured not by individual accomplishments, but by the influence one has on the lives of others.
My parents instilled in me a guiding principle: no matter where you end up in life, never forget your roots. This lesson has molded both my leadership skills and my personality. It has reinforced the concept that humility is the cornerstone of strength, and that great leadership entails elevating people while remaining grounded.
I’ve learnt that resilience is a way of life. Whether leading a team through a problem or facing personal difficulties, genuine progress is defined by the capacity to adapt, learn, and endure.
Above all, leadership is about leaving a legacy—not with titles or honors, but with the people you inspire, the chances you create, and the values you support. This philosophy leads me not only in my job, but in all aspects of my life.
4. Your personal experiences, including the emotional upheaval of divorce, have deeply influenced your poetry. How did writing become an outlet for you during this period?
During the difficult period of my divorce, writing became my safe haven. The anguish was unbearable at times, and I felt devoured by it. Expressing my emotions verbally felt difficult, but writing provided a form of release—an outlet for what I couldn’t speak out loud.
Each sentence became a silent cry, a method to get through the inner turmoil that was clouding my thoughts. Writing allowed me to mold my pain, turning confusion into clarity and sorrow into something I could understand. It was more than just putting words on paper; it was a voyage of self-discovery. With each phrase, I began to rebuild the pieces of me, gradually restoring my identity despite the grief.
While writing did not erase the suffering, it did give it meaning. It allowed me to channel my grief into something meaningful, which helped me make sense of previously insurmountable emotions. Through this process, I understood that healing is more than forgetting; it is about understanding, accepting, and finding power in the story that was always meant to be spoken.
5. Many people struggle to navigate personal hardships while managing a demanding career. What advice would you give to those facing similar life challenges?
Balancing personal challenges with a demanding career can be like navigating a storm on a tightrope. Responsibilities cannot be suspended for sadness, loss, or challenges, but one important lesson I’ve learnt is that no one must bear the weight alone. Acknowledging suffering is not a sign of weakness; instead, it is critical to allow oneself to experience. Suppressing emotions simply adds to the stress; instead, taking a minute to breathe and process can provide the insight needed to move on.
True strength comes not from pretending everything is alright, but from knowing when to pause, seek help, and set boundaries. Work will always demand more, but addressing one’s mental and emotional well-being is just as important as meeting professional obligations. My son has been my greatest source of resilience, and his presence acts as a daily reminder of why I persevere. He supports me, motivates me, and makes every obstacle worthwhile.
Finding an outlet for your feelings is equally vital. Whether via writing, music, movement, or solitary thought, allowing for self-expression promotes healing. Resilience is about facing adversity with courage, one step at a time. Life’s obstacles may test us, but we have the ability to shape our stories rather than simply surviving them.
6. Resilience is a recurring theme in your story. What helped you stay resilient through difficult times, and how did you channel that into creativity?
Resilience was never an option for me; it was a necessity. Life provided its fair share of difficulties, from personal heartache to professional impediments, but giving up was never an option. My parents instilled in me the qualities of integrity, tenacity, and humility, which kept me going. These principles served as my foundation, guiding me through even the most challenging situations.
My son has been my greatest source of strength. In times of doubt and despair, he became my anchor. No matter how stressful things seemed, the idea of being a strong father for him kept me going. Every setback and sleepless night served as a reminder that I was not only battling for myself, but also for a future in which he would see his father’s perseverance, resilience, and unflinching drive.
Creativity became both my refuge and my defense. Writing allowed me to pour my sorrow into words, transforming problems into stories and confusion into insight. It was more than just a way to cure myself; it was also a way to produce something meaningful—something that could speak to others who were going through similar struggles. Resilience is not about being unbreakable; it is about learning to rebuild, even when the pieces no longer fit together. For me, that rebuilding occurred through writing, fatherhood, and the unwavering belief that no matter how difficult life becomes, I have the strength to keep going.
7. Your debut book, Love, It Was Never Meant for Me, explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. What inspired you to write this book, and how personal is it to your own experiences?
Love, It Was Never Meant for Me is more than just a book; it is a very personal contemplation on my experiences with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. What started as an attempt to make sense of my past has grown into a story shaped by raw emotions and transforming events.
This work captures the purity of first love, the sorrow of betrayal, the difficulty of letting go, and the strength necessary to embrace love again after several heartbreaks. More than a romantic story, it emphasizes the important lessons and personal growth that come from relationships.
Above all, this book is about real-life events in which love is not only beautiful but also difficult and transformational.
8. Hindi poetry is a rich and evocative form of expression. What drew you to this medium, and do you feel it conveys emotions differently than other forms of writing?
Hindi poetry captivates me because of its profoundness, rhythm, and capacity to express emotions in their purest form. Unlike prose, which tells a tale, poetry captures a feeling—a moment stuck in time.
Writing in Hindi helps me connect with my origins and emotions, allowing me to convey love, sadness, and desire in an unfiltered manner. Poetry is more than just words; it’s about the stillness between them and the feelings they elicit. Through poetry, I do more than just write; I immerse myself in emotions, hoping that others may feel them as deeply.
9. Could you share a favorite excerpt or poem from your book that holds special meaning for you?
One of the most poignant passages from Love, It Was Never Meant for Me is:
In your womb, a miracle takes flight,
A tiny heartbeat, a spark of light.
Our love now blooms in this divine gift,
A part of you, a part of mine.
This text describes the tremendous and transformative experience of becoming a father. The birth of my son was a miracle, a manifestation of hope and love. It shows our strong bond, demonstrating how he is an inseparable part of both his mother and me. His presence has illuminated my life in ways that words cannot adequately explain. This excerpt is a celebration of love in its most transformative and pure form.
10. Your work has resonated with many readers online. What has been the most touching or surprising response you have received from your audience?
During a moment of sadness, I turned to composing poetry on internet blogs to cope with my emotions. It was at this point that I received an unexpected note from a reader named Swati. Her reaction to one of my poems struck me deeply—she explained how my words echoed her own emotions, making her feel understood for the first time.
In the middle of my seclusion, her note provided a little but meaningful spark of connection. As we proceeded to talk about our challenges and goals, I found myself pulled to her in unexpected ways. There was something extremely intriguing about how she related with my pain—something that revived my faith in love.
What started as a shared sense of loss grew into a deeper friendship. Our conversations evolved into a sanctuary, a place where we could be vulnerable and real with one another. Through these calm, healing encounters, I realized that love is not characterized exclusively by spectacular acts, but rather by unexpected and intimate moments.
Although our voyage did not go as planned, Swati’s reaction to my work showed me the deep healing power of connection. It served as a reminder that love, even if ephemeral, may emerge from the most unexpected places, and that people who genuinely understand our grief may also help us recover.
11. Beyond this book, do you have plans to explore more themes in your writing, or perhaps venture into other forms of storytelling?
In addition to Love, It Was Never Meant for Me, I want to write on a variety of other topics. While love and loss will remain fundamental to my stories, I hope to dig deeper into themes of perseverance, personal growth, and the intricacies of human relationships. I am particularly interested in how people change through their experiences, whether it is rediscovering oneself after loss, finding strength in vulnerability, or handling life’s problems with a fresh perspective.
In addition, I am excited to experiment with different styles of storytelling. The possibility of producing short tales in a variety of genres, including drama, introspective fiction, and experimental narratives, fascinates me. The enormous terrain of storytelling has limitless possibilities, and I am excited to explore where my creativity takes me.
Furthermore, I am thinking about expanding my poetry work, maybe curating a collection that captures the raw, unsaid feelings we frequently suppress—the silent moments that exist between words. Writing in numerous forms feels like a natural progression, and I’m curious to see how my voice evolves. Whether I write prose or poetry, my purpose is the same: to explore, experiment, and connect with people using the power of words.
12. What message do you hope readers take away from Love, It Was Never Meant for Me?
Through Love, It Was Never Meant for Me, I hope readers will understand that love is both beautiful and complex. It is molded not only by fairy-tale endings or flawless moments, but also by the lessons we learn, the healing we foster inside ourselves, and the strength we discover through vulnerability.
By sharing my personal story, I hope to illustrate that love does not always go as planned, but its value stays constant. While heartbreak is unpleasant, it may also be a stimulus for personal growth and discovery. Even in times of loss, there is the potential to rebuild, forge new paths, and embrace love once again.
Above all, I want people to understand that love is not about perfection, but about connection, growth, and acceptance of oneself and others. Every event and connection has an impact on us in ways we may not be aware of at the time. Even when love looks distant, it is frequently present within us, ready to be rediscovered.
13. Looking back at your journey, what would you tell your younger self—both as a professional and as an artist?
Reflecting on my path, I would tell my younger self not to worry about the small things. Life does not come with instructions, but you will find your path nonetheless. That flawless presentation you spent the entire night perfecting? Nobody will remember it three days later.
From a professional viewpoint, I would underline the value of confidence—do not be afraid to speak up. Your ideas are valuable, even if they appear unconventional. Furthermore, some of the most illuminating conversations are those in which you listen, learn, and grow, rather than trying to be the brightest person in the room.
As an artist, I’d remind myself that honesty, not perfection, is the aim. Do not overthink each word; just write. If your work makes you feel anything, it will make others feel the same way. The world does not want immaculate art, but rather genuine expression.
Above all, I would encourage you to embrace the adventure. Take unexpected turns, find humour in your mistakes, and learn to laugh at yourself. Life is too brief to take things too seriously.
14. If you had to describe your life philosophy in one line of poetry, what would it be?
In the dance of life, I stumble, I rise, but I always keep moving, chasing the light in the skies.
The above line demonstrates my belief that life is a never-ending series of successes and setbacks, but the key is tenacity. Even in times of adversity, there is always a guiding light—a reason to keep going. For me that light has been my son, my most powerful inspiration.
15. Lastly, what’s next for KK—both in your professional career and literary journey?
For KK, the road ahead remains an open one, full of possibilities yet to be discovered. Professionally, my devotion goes beyond just work; I want to develop something that promotes growth, offers possibilities, and has a long-term influence on people. Every step forward is an opportunity to make a difference, progress, and remain true to the journey.
Writing serves as both an exploration of myself and a way for me to connect with others in my literary endeavors. There are stories to be told, emotions to be felt, and knowledge to be imparted. Each word I write reflects my growth as a person, and I wish to inspire others to discover their own truths.
The future remains unwritten, full of unlimited possibilities. The one certainty is that I will continue to write—the most meaningful chapters are waiting to be told.
