Ashanti made the cardinal mistake of trying to cross the dividing line that separates the existence of the rich from that of the poor. She made the fatal error of dreaming beyond her means. The bigger the dream, the bigger the disappointment.

— Vikas Swarup

I get invited to many more literary festivals than I used to because I'm associated with 'Slumdog Millionaire,' the brand. Many more doors have opened up for me as a result of the global success of the film, although I believe that I'm the same person that existed before it.

— Vikas Swarup

I held my breath and wished for that moment to last as long as it possibly could, because a waking dream is always more fleeting than a sleeping one.

— Vikas Swarup

It is a destiny of a woman to suffer in silence.

— Vikas Swarup

Sometimes street knowledge can be as important as book knowledge.

— Vikas Swarup

The line of head is strong, but the line of heart is weak. And most importantly, the line of life is short. The stars do not seem to be right.

— Vikas Swarup

The one conclusion I have reached is that whiskey is a great leveler. You might be a hotshot advertising executive or a lowly foundry worker, but if you cannot hold your drink, you are just a drunkard.

— Vikas Swarup

Tokyo may have more money and Kyoto more culture NARA may have more history and Kobe more style. But Osaka has the biggest heart.

— Vikas Swarup

Train journeys are about possibilities. They denote a change in state. When you arrive, you are no longer the same person who departed.

— Vikas Swarup

You should take a good look at all sides of an issue before making a decision. Put something away in case of an emergency. New neighbors will bring good cheer. A small problem may occur at home base, but you will solve it quickly and correctly. Don’t offer smart advice unless you are really asked to comment.

— Vikas Swarup