Hailing from Lucknow, Varun Pande is a man of many hats. An MBA, a three-time gold medalist, a sports enthusiast, a former private sector bank employee, an entrepreneur who once found his own food and catering business in his hometown, Pande's future plans are to become a sprinter and body builder ofr India. Phew. Currently he is an aspiring actor and model who has just initiated his baby steps in the entertainment industry.Team Radio City caught up with the star in the making to decode what goes behind his beautiful mind.When did you fall in love with the pen?As early as I can remember, I used to love verses and rhymes since I was a toddler. I used to pick up rhymes and songs quite easily and would, as a custom, add a few lines of my own at the end of each rhyme, in conjunction with the prevalent rhyming scheme. Growing up, I was always encouraged to compose poetry for the School magazine and my compositions used to get a lot of mileage. As an adult, it has been my endeavor to culminate my observations and experiences into poetry or couplets. Along with that, I am venturing into short stories and scripts for short films as well.According to you, why is it that the art of expression and literature is not easily received?Since the expression is an individual's thought, generated by a stimulus or event experienced by that particular individual, it may or may not strike a chord with a panoply of myriad other individuals.A representation of universal facts might still achieve cohesion in a wide spread audience, but thoughts and feelings have limited unanimity.On the other hand, successful authors use a particular thought in an intelligent way so that their experience might inspire other people in different situations.Striking this equation makes all the difference in the successful reception of any art form, particularly literature or writing.How, do you feel can the masses be encouraged towards poetry?Primarily, people should start attending poetry slams or open mic events meant for poetry. Initially, even if they attend such sessions in a non-participative capacity, they will experience 'moments of discovery'. These are quantum of thoughts, memories and experiences inside all of them which the poet weaves in a unique blend and that results in an identification with everyone present. As a result, they too would like to compose or perform something in the next open mic. Listening to poetry will stimulate reading poetry, hence triggering the requisite chain reaction.Your literary inspirations? favorite poets and writersDr. Rahat Indori, Richard Bach, Ernest Hemingway.A memorable line you've read that has stayed with you' , 'pyaar mei soch waisi,paani mei kharonch jaisi''Any man39s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind, And therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls It tolls for thee''The art is mine,The reason is thine,So if you clap for me,You celebrate thee'Catch Varun Pande performing live at the Free Verse Sessions, this Sunday. Click here for event details.