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Synopsis :

In this interview, British science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke says that while some aspects of science fiction have become reality, he hopes that others will never become real. He reveals that he has published 30 books of science fiction and short stories and his latest novel is 'The Fountains of Paradise'. This is one of his favourite books along with 'The City and the Stars' and 'Childhood's End'. His first venture into film was '2001: A Space Odyssey'. This was produced after discussing a film collaboration with Director Stanley Kubrick. The two men worked together closely when the film was being produced. The movie was loosely based on a short story he had written and good use was made of special effects in the film. When man first walked on the moon, Mr Clarke felt that history had stopped and this was a moment outside time, a moment encapsulated in eternity. He says that he never suffers from writer's block. The actual writing of a book takes three months on the typewriter although he might have spent the preceding 20 years formulating the idea and writing notes. At present, he is revising his non-fiction book 'Profiles of the Future.' He is also working on a musical project, may get involved in a movie again and has an interest in acting. Mr Clarke reveals that he stays in Sri Lanka because of his liking for underwater exploration. He became interested in diving in the late 1940s and took it up because he was interested in outer space. On his economic contribution to Sri Lanka, he says that tourists who come to the country often go diving with the help of his diving company.  He does not want to get too involved in projects now as he wants to relax and enjoy  the sun and diving in Sri Lanka.