Interview with Sandeep Das: Management Consultant and author of Satan’s Angels

An MBA degree holder from IIM Bangalore, Sandeep Das has been a columnist with Business World for over three years. His first book titled Yours Sarcastically, a sarcastic tale on the lives of modern day Indians, was well received by the audience and has been highly acclaimed in a mumber of leading dailies. Yours Sarcastically also was nominated for the Crossword Economist Book Award. His latest book Satan’s Angels circles around the cohort of 2011, recruited by one of the world’s best management consulting companies, handpicked from the best business schools, is keen on succeeding at The Concern. But behind the best of opportunities, the best of luxury and unbelievable money lies an ugly truth that unfolds with time.

In a candid interview with us, Sandeep talks to us about his passion for writing, the inspiration for Satan’s Angels and has a message for aspiring novelists too.

When did you develop a passion for writing?

I have always had a passion for writing from my early days. I was a member of my school editorial team. In college, I was an avid debater which naturally complemented my passion to write. At IIM Bangalore, I ended up authoring multiple textbook cases which further honed my ability. Over the last three years, I have been a columnist with Business World which has refined my ability to write on contemporary business issues. The last two stints have helped me immensely in writing a business fiction book like Satan’s Angels.

How is your experience from writing the first book different from this one?

My books belong to two different genres. My first book was inspired by an actual marketing assignment to interview sixty ‘size zero South Bombay’ women. As you can expect, it was a tongue in cheek saucy tale.

My second book is a brutal take on the world of management consulting – its glitz, glamour and abysmal filth.

From where did you draw your inspiration for Satan’s Angels?

The world of private equity and management consulting is often seen with rose tinted lenses and considered the holy grail for any aspiring management graduate. However, things are always not as hunky dory as they seem. This private sector, famous for its efficiency and value creation, can be sleazy, greedy and filthy beyond imagination.

Who are the novelists you look up to?

I read books across various genres. I have always had a fascination for books which capture the extensive journey of a protagonist’s phase of life in vivid detail. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts is an all-time favourite.

What is your message for aspiring novelists?

Writing is not an easy profession. There are more downs than ups. Monetarily, it takes a long while before it becomes lucrative. My only advice would be to just keep doing it for the passion of writing. Eventually, everything works out!