Books and Beyond with Bound
India’s No. 1 book podcast hosted by Tara Khandelwal, exploring the stories behind some of the best-written books of our time. Each episode uncovers what drives India’s finest authors—from personal experiences and jugaad research methods to insecurities and publishing journeys—and how these books shape our lives and worldview today. New episodes release every Wednesday. Produced by Bound, a storytelling company.
Episodes
9.20 Karan Mahajan on Writing Entitled Men Who Live Without Consequence
If your family has ever felt like a soap opera you can't escape, this episode is for you. For the finale of Season 9, Tara sits down with Karan Mahajan to discuss The Complex, a sweeping family saga set in Delhi across the 1980s and 90s. Through the rise and fall of the Chopra family, they unpack the emotional realities of marriage, the loneliness of immigration, family expectations, male ina
9.19 Who Gets Written into History? The Lost Voices Of 19th Century Tawaifs ft. Tarana Hussain Khan
A love story, across timelines as one woman tries to reach the other through the words she left behind.In this episode, Tara sits down with Tarana Hussain Khan, writer and food historian, to talk about her novel The Courtesan, Her Lover and I, a book that moves between two women and their love stories separated by a century, bound together by letters that almost didn't survive.The conversatio
9.18 Inside Asia's Largest Anti-Trafficking Institution With Sunitha Krishnan
This episode contains discussions of sexual violence, human trafficking and child abuse. Please listen at your discretion.Have you ever read a headline, felt the rage to make a difference, but didn’t know where to start?But an 8-year-old girl acted on it and inspired millions to make a difference, no matter how small In this episode, Tara sits down with Sunitha Krishnan, founder of Prajwala, Asia&
9.17 Your Next Meal Could Be A Time Machine ft. Lavanya Lakshminarayan
If you’ve ever wished for food to transport you to new places, this episode is for you!In this episode, Tara sits down with Lavanya Lakshminarayan, international award-winning sci-fi author and game designer, to explore the world of Primus in Intergalactic Feast, a sequel to her Interstellar Megachef.They dig into her two-book series, where food is not just sustenance, but culture, conflict, memor
9.16 What Makes a Bestseller? Naiyya Singh Decodes
Do you actually need a big personality online for your book to succeed? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, Tara sits down with Naiyya Singh, Assistant General Manager of Marketing at HarperCollins India, to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to get a book into the right hands. They get into what a book marketing campaign really looks like and why fiction and nonfiction ge
9.15 What Comes After Coming Out? ft. Rahul Singh
What do you do when the person you love wants something you're not sure you can give?In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara speaks with Rahul Singh, debut novelist and academic, about his book Unfolding, which follows two gay men navigating a long-term relationship where their expectations of love begin to diverge.The conversation moves through the emotional complexity of open relationsh
9.14 Being “Nice” Is Getting You Nowhere ft. Ankur Warikoo
Are you one of those who cancel plans because you’re tired, then spend the next two hours feeling guilty about it? Let’s talk.In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Tara chats with Ankur Warikoo about his new book Winning People Without Losing Yourself, and what it actually looks like to keep everyone happy all the time.Ankur talks about spending years trying to be the person everyone liked,
9.13 Can Men Truly Write Women? Ft. Rahul Bhattacharya
If you've ever felt the pull of a new city and the desperate need to start over, keep listening.In this episode, Tara sits down with the award-winning author Rahul Bhattacharya to discuss his latest novel, Railsong.Writing about the freedom of a woman set in the 1970s, as a male author, is no small task. Rahul talks about Charu, a motherless daughter of a railway worker who flees to Bombay to
9.12 ‘Is This Instagrammable?’ And Other Online Crises ft. Ria Chopra
If you decided to go analogue this year but still find yourself doomscrolling at 2 a.m., then this episode is for you.In this latest episode, Tara sits down with Ria Chopra, writer, influencer, and Youth Advisor to Google, to unpack what it really means to grow up with the internet, how it builds identity, memory, relationships and sometimes completely messes with all of it in her debut book, “Nev
9.11 The Wrong Interview That Led to the Right Decision ft. Dr. Ashok Ganguly
What if the most defining moment of your career was the one you never planned?In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara speaks with Dr. Ashok Ganguly, former Chairman of Hindustan Unilever, former Rajya Sabha member, and author of We Are Our Future.From failing in school to becoming a global business leader, Dr. Ganguly reflects on a life shaped as much by chance as by choice. He shares the idea
9.10 Bombay Food Isn’t As Local As You Think ft. Pronoti Datta
What if we told you that Bombay food isn't as local as you think?In this episode, Tara sits down with writer and journalist Pronoti Datta, author of In the Beginning There Was Bombay Duck, to unpack the delicious and deeply layered history of Bombay’s food.Pronoti and Tara trace the city’s culinary journey, from the Koli fishing communities and early tiffin rooms to colonial clubs, Irani cafe
9.9 Can Fiction Tell the Truth Better Than Journalism? ft. Rahul Pandita
What does it mean to feel at home? And what do you do when that feeling never quite arrives?In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Tara Khandelwal sits down with journalist and author Rahul Pandita to discuss his novel Our Friends in Good Houses, a story about searching for home and a sense of belonging in a world where both can feel elusive.Drawing from decades of reporting in war zones, Ra
9.8 Why Delhi Never Sleeps (It’s the Ghosts) ft. Eric Chopra
Wait… ghosts were people once too!In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara Khandelwal speaks with historian and writer Eric Chopra about his book Ghosted, which explores the haunted monuments of Delhi. But this episode isn’t just about spooky stories. Eric looks at the histories behind these legends, from the Lathwale Baba believed to inhabit the arches of Feroz Shah Kotla to the mysterious sec
9.7 A Life Bigger Than a Michelin Star ft. Suvir Saran
What does it take to build a Michelin-starred restaurant when you arrive in New York heartbroken and broke?In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Tara sits down with Suvir Saran, the chef behind Devi; the first Indian restaurant in North America to receive a Michelin star, to talk about his memoir Tell My Mother I Like Boys.But this episode isn’t just about food. From growing up in Delhi fee
9.6 Forget the Pandavas, Satyavati Ran the Show! ft. Rupeen Popat
What if the most powerful character in the Mahabharata was a boatwoman?In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara sits down with debut author Rupeen Popat to explore his novel Satyavati, a bold retelling of the Mahabharata’s origin story through the eyes of a woman history forgot. Satyavati begins as a ferrying boatwoman, but her courage and resilience transform her into the queen who steered the
9.5 Welcome to the Internet. It Sucks. ft. Anurag Minus Verma
Be honest. When was the last time you logged off because you wanted to, not because your battery died?In this brand new episode of Books & Beyond, Tara sits down with Anurag Minus Verma, influencer, writer, and podcaster, to trace how the Indian internet went from cyber cafes and Orkut scraps to algorithms that know us better than we do.From going down random rabbit holes and getting emotional
9.4 Mumbai Meri Jaan, But at What Cost? ft. Sidharth Bhatia
Is Mumbai still a city for everyone, or just for those who can afford it?In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara sits down with veteran journalist and author Sidharth Bhatia to discuss his latest book, Mumbai: A Million Islands. The book is not about the history of Marine Lines or the Gateway of India, but the thing that actually builds this city... PEOPLE!Tara and Sidharth explore the bubonic
9.3 More Than Just Chick-lit ft. Deepanjana Pal
What if the most important love story in your life isn’t romantic at all?In our brand new episode, journalist and author Deepanjana Pal talks about her novel, Lightning in a Shot Glass. It’s a witty, radical look at two Mumbai flatmates navigating love, life, and ambition on their own terms.Tara and Deepanjana dive into why female friendships are often the real love stories of our lives and how ha
9.2 Coding Ourselves Into a Future We Can’t Control ft. Akshay Chopra
What happens to “us” when we’re no longer the smartest beings on the planet?In our brand new episode, technologist and global innovation leader Akshay Chopra discusses his debut novel After Us, exploring a world transformed by SUI, a self-aware, benevolent superintelligence that questions the very definition of life and humanity.Tara and Akshay dive deep into the fascinating (and often terrifying)
9.1 We’re Curating Kala Ghoda Arts Festival!
What does it take to actually curate a literary festival?We’re back! Season 9 of Books & Beyond kicks off with Tara and Aishwarya spilling the tea on their latest project: curating the Literature Section for the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026! This episode is a deep dive into the madness of curation. Why is Aishwarya obsessed with color-coded Excel sheets? Why is Tara picking out "apples&q
8.25 Alka Joshi: The "Overnight Success" That Took a Decade to Write
Would you keep writing if your agent told you "not yet" for ten straight years?In this episode of Books & Beyond, Tara sits down with NYT bestselling author Alka Joshi to discuss her latest novel, Six Days in Bombay.Alka reveals the incredible decade-long journey behind her debut, The Henna Artist, from a relentless agent who kept saying the book wasn’t ready, through years of tirele
8.24 Roopa Kudva: The Anti-Formula Leader; Write Your Own Playbook!
You don't need a playbook to become a leader, your instincts are your guide.In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Roopa Kudva, author of Leadership Beyond the Playbook, joins Tara to challenge the formulaic approach to leadership. Instead of giving you a 10-step plan, Roopa hands the steering wheel to you.They dive into why true leadership can’t be squeezed into neat frameworks and why
8.23 Amish Tripathi: The Day-to-Day of a Bestselling Author
Ever wondered what it takes to go from crunching numbers to creating worlds that millions of readers dive into?In the latest episode of Books & Beyond, Amish Tripathi shares the ups, downs, and behind-the-scenes of his journey from the 9-to-5 grind to bestselling author. From juggling a full-time job while writing Immortals of Meluha, to being one of the few authors in India who can write full
8.22 Apekshit Khare: Guess What? You Actually Do Have Time!
Ever wished you had an extra hour each day? (Spoiler: you don’t need one!)In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara chats with Apekshit Khare, HR professional and author of The Time Energy Toolkit, about why the problem isn’t our 24 hours, it’s how we use our energy.Apekshit breaks down the very real time struggles we face in India, from social expectations to nonstop notifications, and shares sma
8.21 Volga & Purnima: On Why Mythological Women Deserve More
How does mythology change when we look at them through women’s lives?In this episode, Tara chats with P. Lalita Kumari, also known as Volga, one of the most influential feminist voices in Indian literature, and Purnima Rao, the translator of On the Banks of the Pampa, Volga’s retelling of Shabari’s story from the Ramayana.Volga shares how the idea for Shabari’s story first took shape, reflecting o
8.20 Gardiner Harris: On The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson
What dangerous secrets lie beneath the "comforting newborn smell" of one of the most trusted companies in the world?In this explosive episode, Pulitzer Prize-nominated NYT journalist Gardiner Harris pulls back the curtain on Johnson & Johnson's history, detailed in his book No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson.Gardiner reveals J&J's systemic deceptio
8.19 Pushkar Anand: You're Manifesting All Wrong (And Here's Why)
Can a vision board help you design your dream life?In this episode, Pushkar Anand, author of Manifest Your Infinite Riches and founder of the Centre for Infinite Riches, discusses what it truly means to manifest the life you want, beyond material wealth.Pushkar shares his journey from a corporate career to pursuing an MBA at Cambridge and founding the Centre for Infinite Riches. He highlights acti
8.18 Tarini Mohan: On the Changes We Choose, and the Ones We Don’t
How do you rebuild your life when one moment changes everything?In this episode, Tarini Mohan, the author of the memoir, Lifequake shared the raw and honest story of suffering a traumatic brain injury and waking up from a coma with lifelong disabilities. She details the disorienting early days of recovery, how she fought her way back to pursue her MBA at Yale, and the simple cup of coffee that rem
8.17 Daisy Rockwell: On Ghosts, Secrets, and the Stories That Haunt Us
What happens when the ghosts you see are more reliable than the people you know?In this episode, Daisy Rockwell, the internationally acclaimed, Booker Prize-winning translator and author, takes us inside the unique world of her latest novel, Alice Sees Ghosts, a family story where a young woman sees her grandfather’s ghost, who nudges her to unearth buried family secrets.Daisy shares how she began
8.16 Sanjena Sathian: On the Illusion of Choice and Motherhood
What if the person your ex-husband fell for was your doppelganger?In this episode, Sanjena Sathian takes us inside her new novel Goddess Complex, exploring one of the most personal choices a woman can make. Step into the world of Sanjana Satyananda, a woman navigating life after a challenging period in her life, grappling with themes of motherhood, fertility, divorce, and absurdly enough, a doppel
8.15 Shikhar Goyal: On Writing Love, Obsession, and the Road to Publication
When carefully laid plans go up in smoke, is it fate playing its hand, or the works of a silent puppet master pulling the strings?In this episode, engage in a candid conversation with Shikhar Goyal, an iron-and-steel entrepreneur with a creative streak that led him to write his debut novel Delhi Disco, a romantic thriller that crackles with chemistry and unease inside Delhi’s newest club, Kapital.
8.14 Tara & Michelle: Goodbye Michelle!
The goodbye you can't miss! Michelle returns to the mic with Tara for a special, unfiltered conversation you won’t want to miss. From a sneak peek into her upcoming novel to never-before-told stories about starting Books & Beyond, this episode is part milestone, part behind-the-scenes tell-all.They relive their very first author interview, reveal the moments that put the show on the map,
Re-release. Devashish & Nidhi: Enter The Psyche Of Indian Psychological Thrillers
What happens when two women find themselves in the midst of horrendous crimes? Join us as Tara and Michelle speak to two avid thriller writers– Devashish Sardana and Nidhi Upadhyay. In this episode, Devashish discusses his book “The Girl with Broken Dreams”, a story of a feisty CBI investigator who finds herself in a quest for the truth behind a string of suicides, while battling her own demons. A
Re-release. Abhishek Anicca: Disability, Desire, and Dating
Ever wondered what it’s like to live with a disability? Or how writing can help navigate the toughest of life’s challenges? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Abhishek Anicca, author of Grammar of My Body, a creative memoir about his life with VATERS syndrome, a condition affecting multiple parts of his body. Abhishek dives into his experience of living with chronic i
8.13 Reenita Hora: On Fiction as a Weapon Against Forgetting
What happens when the wounds of Partition run deeper than history books will ever reveal? In this episode, Reenita Hora joins Tara to discuss her searing historical novel Vermilion Harvest, set against the haunting backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Through the fearless, curious eyes of protagonist Aruna, Reenita brings alive an often forgotten chapter of colonial brutality and the emotion
8.12 Dr. Samir Parikh & Divya Jain: Why Mental Fitness Wins the Game
What sets a legend apart from just another player? The answer lies in the mind.In this episode, Tara dives deep into the psychology of peak performance with Dr. Samir Parikh and Divya Jain, authors of The Champion Within. What really makes someone a champion, not just in sport, but in life and work?From game-day rituals and comeback stories to dealing with pressure, anticipatory anxiety, and failu
8.11 Manasi Chaudhari: Are You Legally Protected, Or Just Hoping for the Best?
A pepper spray in your bag is smart, but knowing your legal rights as a female citizen of India might be what truly saves your case. In this episode of Books & Beyond, lawyer and Pink Legal founder Manasi Chaudhari unpacks her debut book Legally Yours, a witty, no-nonsense guide that explains women’s legal rights in India through pop culture, quizzes, and relatable scenarios. From decoding con
8.10 Yuvan Aves: On Losing Nature and Learning to Care
What if the key to environmental action isn’t outrage, but observation? And what if the real climate crisis is a crisis of attention?In this powerful conversation, nature writer and activist Yuvan Aves talks about his lyrical and politically urgent book Intertidal. Set along Chennai’s disappearing coasts and wetlands, the book prompts readers to notice, remember, and reconnect with the living worl
8.9 Bhawana Somaaya: What Partition Stole, and Writing Restored
What happens when a celebrated film journalist turns the camera inward? In this moving episode, veteran critic and author Bhawana Somaaya unpacks her memoir Farewell Karachi. Known for her decades-long career documenting Bollywood’s biggest stars like Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan, Bhawana shares the deeply personal stories behind her family’s displacement from Karachi to Mumbai during Partitio
8.8 Bhavika Govil: On Growing Up, Growing Apart, and Grieving Secrets
What if one secret could shatter everything you thought you knew about your family?In this episode, Bhavika Govil dives into her haunting, lyrical novel Hot Water, a coming-of-age story about the silences that pull families apart.Bhavika talks about the novel’s striking water motif and the emotional and craft challenges of writing Ashu, a 14-year-old boy and Meera, a 9-year-old girl, and trying to
8.7 Ankush Datar: On Health and Wealth; Two Goals, One Answer
Tried a fad diet and a get-rich scheme, but failed to do both? Let's talk about what actually works.Ankush Datar, the author of The Health and Wealth Paradox, breaks down the complexities of health and financial planning by getting back to the core principles. His unique approach explains how managing your health and wealth isn’t so different after all. In this episode, Tara Khandelwal and An
8.6 Gowri Ramnarayan & Kamlakar Bhat: On Why South Indian Lit Should Be Your Next Obsession
Lost in Translation? Or Found in the Process?In this episode, we talk to Gowri Ramnarayan and Kamalakar Bhat, two translators dedicated to bringing Tamil and Kannada texts to life in English. Gowri shares the complex challenges of translating her grandfather’s historical novel, Ponniyin Selvan, from seamlessly blending poetry into prose to interpreting the layered meanings of cultural expressions.
8.5 Sanjana Ramachandran: Turning 90s Chaos into Literary Gold
What happens when the love of family feels more like a battlefield?In her debut novel Famous Last Questions, Sanjana Ramachandran explores the messy, painful, and sometimes beautiful struggle of growing up caught between parental expectations and the search for your true self. With sharp honesty and warmth, she dives into themes of rebellion, identity, and the healing power of mindfulness.Join Tar
8.4 Jennifer Sundberg: How Smart Teams End Up Doing Dumb Things
Are the wrong people making the biggest decisions at your company?Tara and Michelle talk to Jennifer Sundberg—co-founder of Board Intelligence and co-author of Collective Intelligence—about why most leadership teams are flying blind. They dive into how poorly framed questions and bloated reports sabotage decision-making, why writing is thinking, and how to fix broken systems from the inside out. W
8.3 Tara & Michelle: Can You Love a Book But Hate the Author?
Should we boycott problematic authors—or just read them with guilt? Tara and Michelle dive into the messy politics of author scandals, from cancel culture to complicity. Plus, what happens when AI writes a book? Would you read it? Should it even exist?Tune in for a no-holds-barred chat on the ethics of art, the limits of accountability, and how readers can show up for real authors in a shifting in
8.2 Puneet Sikka and Nayantara Alva: Finding Love In Unexpected Places, Two New Coming of Age Stories
What do a privileged student with a saviour complex and an ambitious outsider in Bollywood have in common? Debut authors Nayantara Alva and Puneet Sikka take us into two very different Indias—one set in a liberal arts college, the other on a chaotic film set. Tara and Michelle chat with the authors about their writing processes, the themes that shaped their coming-of-age novels, and how they broug
8.1 Atharva Pandit: On Fictionalising Crime Without Compromising Truth
Tara talks to journalist and debut author Atharva Pandit, whose novel Hurda is inspired by a real-life case that briefly made headlines in 2013, and then vanished.What begins as a mystery about three missing girls from a village in Maharashtra becomes a statement on what gets remembered and what gets buried. Atharva shares how a two-page newspaper feature became the seed for a decade-long creative
7.16 Ministhy S & Arunava Sinha: Leaping Out Of A Page - Translation is More Than Putting Pen to Paper
Ever wondered how translators breathe life into stories across languages? Or what it takes to bring the essence of one culture into another?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle unravel the secrets of literary translation with two of India’s finest: Arunava Sinha, who has translated over 80 masterpieces, and Ministhy S., known for her thought-provoking translations of powerful and
7.15 Anisha Lalvani: Love, Crime, and Coming of Age in Noida
Curious about how contemporary fiction explores women's sexuality, family, and the messy transition into adulthood?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle sit down with Anisha Lalvani to discuss her debut novel, Girls Who Stray, a coming-of-age story set in Noida. The novel follows A, a 23-year-old literature graduate, as she navigates love, family, and a tangle of crime and se
7.14 Saania Saxena: Friendships, Crushes and Growing Up
How do teenage years shape the way we view the world around us?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with 20-year-old author and philosophy blogger Saania Saxena about her debut book, Teenage Chronicles. Saania, who started her blog at just 12 to cope with school pressures, created a book that features five relatable teenage characters navigating emotions like jealousy, anger
7.13 Prayaag Akbar: Love, Social Media, Class Struggles in Delhi’s Urban Chaos
What do a right-wing YouTube creator and a small-town salesgirl have in common? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara sit down with Prayaag Akbar, author of Mother India, to explore the intersections of identity, ambition, and the rapid transformations of urban India. Through the lives of Mayank, a right-wing YouTuber, and Nisha, a small-town salesgirl navigating Delhi’s class-dri
7.12 Ram and Ammar: Exploring Identity, Migration, and Mystery in Fiction
Curious about how fiction unravels the complexities of identity and migration?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara sit down with Ammar Kalia, author of A Person is a Prayer, and Ram Murali, author of Death in the Air, to discuss their remarkable debut novels.Ammar Kalia explores the ripple effects of migration on family dynamics through the lens of Bedi’s journey from Kenya to In
7.11 Sriram Devatha: How Did an Indian Whiskey Brand find Global Market?
As India rises on the world stage, what stories and narratives are we ready to share?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle speak with author Sriram Devtha the author of Amrut: The Great Churn. Diving into the heart of Indian brands that have received global recognition with Amrut Distilleries, a brand pushing boundaries in the whiskey market. We explore the journey from its early
7.10 Dr. Ramchandra Guha: What Can We Learn from India's Environmental Heroes?
Curious about India’s unique relationship with the environment and the often-overlooked heroes who shaped it?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara welcome celebrated historian Dr. Ramachandra Guha, and talk about his recent book Speaking with Nature. Known for his extensive work on Gandhi, Dr. Guha now uncovers the lives of Indian environmentalists who, since the 19th century, cha
7.9 K. Hari Kumar: Oracles, Daivas, and Spirit Worship in Tulu Nadu
Ever been captivated by the supernatural or curious about the secrets behind spirit worship?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle sits down with Hari Kumar, author of Daiva, who takes us into the fascinating world of spirit worship practiced in Karnataka and northern Kerala’s Tulu Nadu region. Hari dives into the intense practice of spirit possession, where individuals become vessels for p
7.8 Dharini & Rupleena: Interfaith Romance, Identity and Coming-of-age Stories of Women in India
Curious about how fiction explores the intersection of identity, memory, and love? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara sit down with Dharini Bhaskar author of ‘Like Being Alive Twice’ and Rupleena Bose author of ‘Summer of Then’ to talk about the art of writing female coming-of-age stories. They dive into the challenges of creating relatable female characters and discuss how the
7.7 Manjiri Prabhu: Unraveling Secrets and Mysteries in Portugal’s Wine Country
Ever wonder how a destination can inspire an entire mystery novel?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara and Michelle chat with Manjiri Prabhu, India’s first female mystery writer to break into the international scene. She talks about her latest novel, The Mystery of the Portuguese Hearts, set in the heart of Portugal’s wine country. Manjiri reveals how investigator Re unravels the truth behind
7.6 Abhishek Anicca: Disability, Desire, and Dating
Ever wondered what it’s like to live with a disability? Or how writing can help navigate the toughest of life’s challenges? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Abhishek Anicca, author of Grammar of My Body, a creative memoir about his life with VATERS syndrome, a condition affecting multiple parts of his body. Abhishek dives into his experience of living with chronic i
7.5 Priyanka Pathak Narain: A Treasure, A Secret, and India’s Mystical History
Ever wonder how historical mysteries unfold in fiction? In this episode of Books and Beyond Tara and Michelle chat with Priyanka Pathak Narain, author of The Somnath Cipher. Her novel is packed with ancient puzzles, cryptic messages, and real historical events like Mahmud of Ghazni's invasion. She shares her experiences as an investigative journalist, covering stories like the Mark Foley scan
7.4 Laksh & Ashish: The Creative Duo Behind a Unique Myth-Fantasy Fusion
In this episode of Books & Beyond Tara and Michelle dive into the thrilling world of ‘The Descendants’ by Laksh Maheshwari and Ashish Kavi. The novel begins with a meteor landing where Jay and his mentor Kaka find a fascinating element in the orb. Their quest leads to explosive family secrets with roots stretching all the way back to the Mahabharata war.First in the trilogy, the novel exquisit
7.3 Ravi Wazir: A No-nonsense Roadmap to Becoming a Restaurateur in India
Ever dreamed of opening your own restaurant? Wondering what it takes to turn that dream into reality? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Michelle and Tara chat with Ravi Wazir, author of Beyond the Menu who has over 30 years of experience in hospitality. Ravi spills the secrets of running a successful restaurant – from understanding what customers want to balancing creativity and business. He sh
7.2 Minakshi Dewan: How Does India Mourn Its Dead?
How are mourning practices in India varied? Are mourning rituals gendered? In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara speaks with Dr. Minakshi Dewan about her book The Final Farewell: Understanding the Last Rites and Rituals of India’s Major Faiths. After her father’s death, Dr. Minakshi chose to personally perform the Antim Sanskar, a ritual traditionally reserved for male family members. This exp
7.1 Tara & Michelle: Why Are Books By Indian Influencers On the Rise?
Are influencers rewriting the rules of publishing?Back with a brand new season of Books and Beyond, in this episode Tara and Michelle discuss the rise of influencer books and what it means for the Indian publishing scene. From the buzz at Penguin Palooza to the power of social media, they dig into how influencer-led content is changing the game. Plus, they tackle the big question: what happens to
6.25 Nitin & Nirmalya: Business Wars, Data Paradoxes, and the HiPPO Effect
How can data make or break a company? Is all data useful? And can data be “too much of a good thing”?In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara speaks to Nitin Seth, CEO at Incedo and the author of Mastering the Data Paradox and Nirmalya Kumar, a Professor and former Strategy Head for the Tata Group, who has written Clash: Amazon vs. Walmart. They discuss how data on its own is nothing unless you k
6.24 Mitali Mukherjee: Why is India Falling for Crypto Scams?
In this episode of Books and Beyond, Tara speaks to Mitali Mukherjee about her book Cryptocrimes.Tara and Mitali dive into the chaotic world of cryptocurrency, and discover why Mitali compares it to a naughty child running amok in a classroom. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful conversations, she explores the intersection of crypto technology and India’s jugaad culture. Mitali unearths the
6.23 Gigi Ganguly: A World Where Clouds, Crows and Cocoons Are One
Can a corvid detective solve a murder? Why does the weather department need a singer? And how does a cloud herder take care of his flock? Find out the truth behind all these stories in Gigi Ganguly’s new book “Biopeculiar”. This is the first-ever book of Westland’s new speculative imprint ‘IF’. In this episode, Gigi and Michelle discuss their love for weird stories, the animals that inspired Gigi
6.22 Liz Nugent: The Secret to Award-Winning Irish Crime Thrillers
Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died.This is the basic plot of ‘Strange Sally Diamond’ whose author, Liz Nugent joined Tara and Michelle on this episode of Books & Beyond to discuss Irish crime writing and the complexities of writing about trauma and identity.Together the
6.21 Vibha Kagzi: Cracking the Code to MBA Admissions With the Best
In this episode, Tara and Michelle speak to Vibha Kagzi, author of ‘Break The MBA Code’ - a book that goes into detail about how to get into Ivy League colleges and what a person should do to make their admission application more appealing.They talked about the challenges of pursuing an MBA as a woman, with speakers sharing their personal experiences and insights. Vibha debunked common myths surro
6.20 Aparna Sanyal: A Descent Into the Mind's Torture Chambers
Content Warning: Discussions about torture, violence, and mental health issues.The most agonizing and horrifying torture devices from the medieval era - but with a twist!In this episode, Tara and Michelle speak to Aparna Sanyal, author of 'Instruments of Torture' - a book that explores modern society through metaphorical depictions of 8 torture devices. From ‘The Spanish Boot’ that cover
6.19 Anita Mani: Meet India's Brilliant Women Wildlife Conservationists
Who is India’s first ‘Birdwoman’? Who is the ‘Turtle Girl’? How many of India’s women wildlife biologists can you name?In this episode, Tara speaks with Anita Mani, editor of ‘Women in the Wild’ - an anthology of stories of India’s pioneering women wildlife biologists. From the 1940s to the present, Anita features the profiles of Indian women who dedicated their life to protecting biodiversity, fr
6.18 Appupen & Laurent: What If AI Falls Into The Wrong Hands?
This is the story of an entrepreneur who almost sold his soul to AI.In this episode, Michelle speaks with Appupen and Laurent Daudent, the illustrator-scientist duo that came together to create 'Dream Machine' - a graphic novel on AI! The book follows Hugo, who is on the verge of selling his AI tech to a large corporation. But what if the motives behind this purchase are not exactly ethi
6.17 Shinie Antony: Meet Lilith - Adam's First Wife, Or Demon Who Devours Babies?
Before Adam and Eve, there was Adam and Lilith.But who is Lilith and what happened to her?In this episode, Michelle speaks with Shinie Antony, author of ‘Eden Abandoned’, which tells the story of Adam’s first wife and the first woman ever - Lilith. When Lilith refused to submit to Adam, she got banished from Eden and erased from the scriptures. But what did she do next?Michelle and Shinie discuss
6.16 Anand Neelakantan: Should You Be Evil To Succeed In Modern Times?
It might be time to ditch the traditional path to success and follow the path of “evil”! In this episode, Michelle and Tara speak with Anand Neelakanthan, author of the ‘The Asura Way’, a book that redefines the asura lifestyle and explores why “negative” traits like anger, pride, competition, commonly associated with the asuras, can actually benefit us!In this exciting partnership series with Jai
6.15 Ankur Warikoo: His Take On Marketing, Money, And Writing Books
What does one of India's top entrepreneurs have to say about writing, making money, and marketing books?In this episode, Tara and Michelle speak with Ankur Warikoo, bestselling author of 'Make Epic Money', a book that teaches you everything you wish you knew about money!Ankur talks about how his relationship with money changed, gaining financial freedom, and writing a book for young
6.14 Tarun Saint: On Handpicking The Best Detectives From All Over India
Discover some of the finest works of Indian detective fiction, all in one place!In this episode, Michelle and Aishwarya speak with Tarun Saint, curator of 'The Hachette Book of Indian Detective Fiction', Volumes 1 and 2! The first of its kind, the anthology compiles everything from intriguing whodunits, supernatural mysteries, and serial murders, spread across two volumes.Join us as Taru
6.13 Manjula Padmanabhan: Meet The Woman Who's A Taxi Driver In Delhi
What's it like being a female taxi driver in a city notorious for being unsafe for women?In this episode, Michelle speaks with Manjula Padmanabhan, author of 'Taxi', whose protagonist, 'Maddy', runs a women's-only taxi service in Delhi! And when Maddy receives an attractive job offer as a pretend male chauffeur for a powerful old man, she accepts and becomes 'Mad
6.12 Aisha and Shasvathi: The Real Reason Behind South Asia's <1% Divorce Rate
South Asia boasts a less than 1% divorce rate. But the real reason behind it is far from happy marriages. In this episode, Tara and Michelle sit down with Aisha Sarwari and Shasvathi Siva, as they talk about misogyny and marriages in South Asia. Aisha's book, 'Heart Tantrums', is a memoir that addresses her immigrant life and her marriage to a man with a personality-altering brain t
6.11 Bhaskar Roy: Witnessing The Horrors Of Post-Independence India As A Child
Find out what it was like growing up in post-independence India through the eyes of a man who lived through it all!Join Michelle as she speaks with Bhaskar Roy, author of 'Fifty Year Road', a personal memoir like no other. Bhaskar talks about growing up during the Naxalbari uprising - the armed peasant revolt of 1967 in West Bengal. He shares his earliest memories of witnessing the viole
6.10 Santanu Bhattacharya: The Bloody Aftermath Of The Babri Masjid Demolition
"We will pay the price for the sins of our forefathers"In this episode, Michelle speaks with Santanu Bhattacharya, author of 'One Small Voice' - a thought-provoking coming-of-age book about the politics of modern India, whose protagonist witnesses an act of mob violence in the communal riots of 1992 and is haunted by it for the rest of his life.Santanu speaks about watching mul
6.9 Tarun Mehrishi: Art Heist Of Rs 400 Crore Holds India’s Biggest Secret
One powerful secret. Two stolen paintings. And a man who will decide the fate of the world. Join Michelle as she sits down with Tarun Mehrishi, author of ‘The Portrait of a Secret’ - a novel inspired by true events. In an epic combination of art heist, historical fiction and spy thriller, Tarun’s book explores the aftermath of the theft of two priceless paintings and a secret that has the RAW, ISI
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