Deepti Naval is exploring a new side to her creativity these days. The prolific actress, who has also made a mark as a nature photographer, now dons the poet’s cap.

Deept’s book, Black Wind And Other Poems, was recently launched in Delhi as well as other metros. It comes to her naturally, she tells you. “Poetry isn’t really work. It’s not at all an effort. One writes because one is compelled to express oneself,” she points out.

In Delhi for the Hindustan Times Hungry Hearts Theatre Festival, she read out poems from her book last Friday.

“They are also featuring three of my poems in a particular play at the fest,” she informs.

Clearly, she is enjoying her stint as a budding poet. “It’s great touring all around the country to promote the book. We’ve launched the book in Delhi, Kolkata and Mumabi (where her co-actor of a many film, Naseeruddin Shah, joined in the book-reading session). We’ll do the rounds of several other cities too. I’ll also shortly leave for New York, for the book campaign,” She says.

So, what inspires her to write poetry? “Life itself,” she says. “My poetry is real, so whatever I write, comes from life as I live it.”

On the acting front, Deepti has just signed “a little film that is yet untitled”. She won’t reveal much right now, except that the film will feature newcomers mostly, and “has a very interesting story to tell”.

But the multifaceted talent isn’t stopping a t films and poetry. “I’m painting these days,” Deepti informs with a smile.