I acquired long-lived parents. My mother died at 94. Father died at 90, holding a glass of whisky. I think that's the secret of longevity - to have long-lived parents. The rest is discipline.

I turned to the Partition experiences, which were churning in my mind. Then came my first novel Train to Pakistan.

But big people’s illnesses are always made to sound big. The simple shutting and opening of the royal arse-hole was made to sound as if the world was coming to an end.

I have never, in 50 years, ever missed a deadline [as a journalist].

I am alone, but never lonely. You have always books around you.

I am not a serious person. I don't claim any profundity for any of my writing.

No one has invented a condom for the pen yet. My pen is still sexy.