From early childhood, I’ve always loved stories. Neil Gaiman, one of my favorite storytellers, started out as a journalist to talk with creators of the art he admired. I followed a similar path into journalism and writing. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Stree 2 writer Niren Bhatt, whose work I’ve long admired, especially as a fellow Gaiman fan. Having grown up with Tarak Mehta and being captivated by Inside Edge as a teenager, talking to Niren felt like coming full circle. His contributions to these shows and now the Stree-verse make him a key figure in Indian storytelling.
We started by congratulating him not only for the blockbuster success of Stree 2 but also for the quality of the film. Niren expressed gratitude, remarking that many people recognize the film’s commercial success but often overlook its artistic merits. A quote from Neil Gaiman opens the movie, which sparked our question about his fandom. Niren confirmed his admiration for Gaiman and other influential writers like Terry Pratchett, Stephen King, and George RR Martin. These authors heavily impact his writing, particularly in the horror and fantasy genres.
Niren’s love for comics also informs his work. The title Sarkate Ka Aatank is a tribute to the pulpy comics he grew up with, like Chacha Chaudhary, and he admires graphic novel artist Alan Moore. His work on Inside Edge came up, and he shared how special it was, saying he’d even pay to be a part of it. On the subject of Stree 2, we discussed how the film explores relevant social issues, including the safety of women and the harmful influence of patriarchal figures. Niren emphasized that societal change comes from shifts in mindset rather than just laws, and art plays a crucial role in that transformation.
Balancing horror and comedy is no easy feat, but Niren explained that their approach is to blend these genres in ways that both entertain and provoke thought. The monsters in their films represent societal issues, such as feminine power in Stree or environmental protection in Bhediya, making their horror palatable for family audiences while still delivering laughs and scares.
Niren’s diverse portfolio, from Taarak Mehta to Asur and Bala, stems from his drive to explore different themes and challenges. He believes every story is an opportunity to grow and learn, whether it’s diving into cultural topics or personal struggles. When asked about writers becoming superstars like Salim-Javed, Niren expressed admiration for the duo but noted that the current landscape in India doesn’t quite support such widespread recognition for writers—at least not yet.
For aspiring writers like me, this conversation was packed with inspiration, insights into the craft, and an undeniable passion for storytelling.
