"CP Spotlight: Rajen Nair"

I came across freelance photojournalist Rajen Nair's articles on OhMyNews.com originally and then his content page here on Associated Content because of my interest in India. His articles are always so intense and well written that I chose him for the interview.

In writing, Nair has taken on controversial subjects, such as same sex marriages and political issues. But I felt it took more courage for him to write his article "Struggling with Tinnitus", as he gave us a glimpse into his very often-frustrating world.

Many times as writers we shy away from writing about the things that affect us personally, even though we know about them in depth (making for a complete picture) but are afraid of others' reactions toward us once they become aware of them. Nair took that chance and should be congratulated. Hopefully, the article will help others who suffer from this debilitating disease and those who want to know more and be of assistance and support to them.

His answers to the interview questions were also very interesting. I'm glad to have been able to "meet" and interview Mr. Nair.

Q- What really inspires you to write? What is the one thing that draws you to the computer and really gets your fingers moving on an article?
A- When my mind churns out a storyline, I need to give a text to my images shot through my Nikon lens or I am emotionally charged up and want a release, then I am drawn to my computer and ideas roll out.

Q- So how did you get into writing?
A- I began writing poetry during my school days and then began penning a dairy, which to date I still maintain. I have a truckload of thick dairies written over a period of twenty years that have taken every conceivable storage space available in my house.

- Tell us one thing about yourself that people might not know.
Nothing as of now

- What has been your greatest success in life?
To overcome my shortcoming of being hard of hearing and tinnitus.

- What goals are you trying to achieve with your writing?
To provoke thoughts and debates.

- If you where trapped on an island by yourself what 3 things could you not live without?
Books, laptop and wine.

- Name 5 songs that you would include on your personal life soundtrack.
Elton John - Candle in the wind, Stevie Wonder- I just called to say I love you, Celine Dion - My heart will go on, Muhammed Rafi- Baiju bawara and Lata Mangeshkar's- Aye mere watan ke logo.

- What actor would you want to play you in your life story and why?
Shah Rukh Khan - because only he can play the role of Devdas to perfection.

What made you start writing for Associated Content?
I chose Associated Content in order to reach out to the global viewers.

- What color best describes your personality and why?
Green- It represents nature, hope and tranquility